University of Melbourne Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology is a research and teaching facility, located in a seven storey building in Royal Parade, Parkville.

Whilst the overall planning of the building was not altered significantly, there was extensive refurbishment required to upgrade the existing facilities to meet current university and regulatory standards. This included substantial works to electrical, mechanical, hydraulics, fire and lift services.

The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit on the ground floor is a public health laboratory providing pathology services on behalf of the Victorian State Government. In addition to providing new office spaces, laboratories and a molecular microbiology suite, the overall area for the MDU was expanded to meet their current and future requirements.

The Media Preparation Unit, which prepares sterile media for use by the Department and outside agencies, also remained on the ground level, along with the Department store. These areas were both fully refurbished enabling more efficient operations.

Research laboratories on Levels 4 and 5 were completely refitted to meet current standards, and provide more flexibility in the arrangement of laboratory furniture and equipment. Dedicated equipment rooms were provided on each level as well as additional coolrooms and warmrooms, where required.

Existing facilities on Level 6 were insufficient for the Animal House.
A new, fully enclosed area was provided including Specific Pathogen Free breeding facilities and PC-3 (Physical Containment Level 3) laboratories for experiments.

Project Sheet

• Project Sheet