Microbiology and Immunology

In this major, you will study bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with how pathogens are detected and identified.

With both theoretical and practical laboratory training, you will learn about the global challenges of infectious disease and how this is being met in various ways, including by the development of anti-viral agents, immunotherapeutics, vaccines and antibiotics.

3 reasons to study Microbiology and Immunology at Murdoch

1. Studying at Murdoch University will put you at the centre of the vibrant health and research precinct, which includes hospitals and many research facilities such as the cutting-edge Anti-Microbial Resistance and Infectious Disease (AMRID) laboratory.
2. Prepare for the workforce or further study as you learn about the latest advances in microbiology and immunology.
3. Learn by doing, with laboratory content to ensure you acquire relevant practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.

What you'll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you'll learn about:

• Medical microbiology (bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause disease)
• Medical immunology (how the body defends itself against infection)
• Molecular biology (structure and function of molecules and macromolecular systems associated with biological processes)
• Cell biology (structure and function of cells)
• Parasitology (study of human parasitic organisms)
• Clinical microbiology (prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases)

Your future career

This major is excellent preparation for a range of careers including:

• Medical Researcher
• Microbiologist/Immunologist/Parasitologist
• Laboratory Technologist (in hospitals, medical research institutes or universities)
• Biomedical Sales and Marketing Specialist

You could work in research institutes and universities, hospitals and laboratories, performing infectious disease surveillance, medical biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, focussing on vaccine, immunotherapy or anti-microbial drug development or food companies and various organisations, overseeing biosafety and regulation.