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Medical Microbiology A unit (CXA342)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Launceston

Introduction

Introduces you to diagnostic medical bacteriology. Skills taught include: processing of clinical specimens, recognition of normal microbiota, identification of pathogens and the undertaking of appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Students learn: aspects of laboratory safety, epidemiology, pathogenesis and control of infectious diseases; antimicrobial agents and development of resistance; infection control; rapid and automated diagnostic technology; quality control; media preparation and waste management.

Summary

Unit name Medical Microbiology A
Unit code CXA342
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Health Sciences
Discipline Health Sciences
Coordinator Doctor Stephen Tristram
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the common infectious diseases of major organ systems and the associated bacterial pathogens
  • Describe and discuss the systematic laboratory investigation of common bacterial diseases, and interpret, analyse and evaluate the relevance of laboratory findings to clinical presentation.
  • Identify common bacterial agents in a mock clinical setting and interpret, analyse and evaluate the relevance of laboratory findings to clinical presentation.
  • Interpret and evaluate contemporary scientific literature related to bacterial infections and discuss the impact on the routine practice of diagnostic microbiology.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
019901 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,862.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CXA241 or CXA341

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Tutorial (1hr x weekly); Practical (3hr x weekly); Mylo Content (2hr x weekly); Workshop (1hr x weekly)

AssessmentIn class quizzes (10%)|Mid Semester Test (10%)|Notifiable Disease Data Assignment (10%)|Examination (35%)|Practical examination (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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