This unit is a step-up from second-year micro units and also requires more effort than MICR3305 in my opinion. 50% of the marks from each test were from "SAQs" - however it was really just 2 extended answer questions (worth 10 marks each) that often required accompanying diagrams. This means that not only did you have to memorize concepts but you also needed to be able to draw diagrams, which made studying challenging. You can sort of predict what kind of questions will be asked in these "SAQs", but they may also be on more "minor" concepts that you may not expect to be asked in a SAQ, which means that you have to extensively review all the content just to be safe. The cohort did quite poorly for the second test (>60% of people failed before the marks were readjusted) because the concepts behind Charlene's lectures were considerably harder than the rest of the unit. There was also quite a lot to do in the labs, however thankfully your lab performance is not assessed and the exam only assessed 4 different lab calculations, so you won't be punished for not understanding the concepts behind the labs. The assignment was quite tedious to get through and required considerable effort. You had to use recent primary research articles to answer a series of questions, however it was marked pretty leniently and the UCs are quite open to questions if you just email them. Overall, the unit requires consistent effort, but an HD is definitely doable.

Content was very interesting, but was too heavy. Labs were really fun and Barbara and co. were all so nice...just wished they made the first assessment a little easier.

Lectures covered the content from second year microbiology units in greater detail. Content was pitched well and sources were provided. Labs were run every week, allowing students to improve their lab skills. Some labs took longer than others and some felt rushed at times but overall we were able to complete the labs on time. The assignment (lab report), mid-semester test and lab test were all fair. The final exam included MCQs and extended answer questions and was also fair. Overall this unit was well organised and very interesting.

Early lectures and labs repeat information from MICR2208. Later lectures are mainly bacterial genetics. Barbara Chang is the best. Labs were very full on (not enough time to complete some labs let alone understand them) but there was talk they were going to be modified for later years. Examinations include extended answer, short answer and multiple choice components.