IM4005: ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY (2019-2020)

The content is modularised with the first module building on immunology knowledge acquired at 3rd year and providing students with a broad understanding of all elements of the immune system, how they function to maintain health and how immune dysfunction can cause disease. Topics covered will include the factors that determine the effectiveness of immune responses to micro-organisms and tumours as well as an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the immune system can cause disease including allergy, autoimmunity and transplant rejection and potential methods for controlling such responses. The second module explores current knowledge of protein structure and function as proteins are central to all immunological processes, and understanding them is essential. It will cover the relationships between primary sequence and final structure, consequences for function, including interactions, as well as insights into mutations that cause disease and into the evolution of biological systems. The third module will provide insights into the processes and mechanisms that control gene expression in the context of differentiation, development and the adaptation to changes in the environment, using examples from bacteria, yeast and animal systems. Specific examples will include transcriptional control networks, post-transcriptional control by alternative splicing and control of mRNA stability. The fourth module will utilise a series of tutorials and workshops to explore current important hypotheses and advances in immunological theory and practice.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

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There are no assessments for this course.