IMMUNOLOGY

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr I Crane

Pre-requisites

BI 25M5 or BI 2507

Notes

None.

Overview

The course covers all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity: evolution of the immune system; differentiation of cells of the immune system and their functions and interactions; antibody structure and generation of diversity; complement and the innate immune response; cytokines and signalling events in cells of the immune system. Practical classes reinforce this knowledge as well as teaching immunological and generic laboratory techniques and range of transferable skills.

Structure

3 x 1 hour lectures or tutorials per week.
1 x 5 hour practical class per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 three hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr I Crane

Pre-requisites

BI 25M5 or BI 2507

Co-requisites

IM 3501

Notes

None.

Overview

The course investigates how the various mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity interact to protect against human disease and how immune dysfunction may cause disease. Immune responses to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites): immuno-suppressive drugs, organ transplantation; immunogenetics; immunobiology of cancer; immunological tolerance and autoimmunity; clinical immunology and immunodeficiency disorders are covered. Practical classes reinforce this knowledge as well as teaching immunological and generic laboratory techniques and range of transferable skills.

Structure

3 x 1 hour lectures or tutorials per week.
1 x 5 hour practical class per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%).
Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor J Liversidge / Dr J Sternberg / Dr B Muller

Pre-requisites

IM 3501, BT 3007, MB 3005 + 30 further credit points.

Co-requisites

IM 4503, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover separate areas of Immunology working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff.

Two essays will be written and examined. All students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Structure

Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33%), in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (67%) in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor J Liversidge

Pre-requisites

IM 3802, IM 3502, ZO 3810

Co-requisites

IM 4003, IM 4503

Notes

None.

Overview

The content is modularised and comprises 60 contact hours overall. Each module will consist of a minimum of 5 one hour lectures or tutorials per week. Students will be expected to undertake a considerable additional amount of reading to support core learning. An extended essay and presentations in the form of mini-symposium and presentations (eg Journal club, posters) will develop practical communication skills.

Structure

5 x 1 hour lectures or tutorials per week.
1 x 1-2 hour journal club per student.
1 x 2-4 hour mini-symposium.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 x 3 hour examination (70%): paper will be in 2 sections, students will answer 2 questions out of 4 in each section. 30% continuous assessment (eg 10% extended 5,000 word essay, 10% journal club presentation, 10% mini-symposium presentation).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor K Docherty

Pre-requisites

BT 3007, MB 3005, IM 3802.

Co-requisites

IM 4003, MB 4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 10 weeks laboratory work and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 two-hour examinations (2 elements each) and 1 four-hour examination (3 elements) (63.6%); in-course assessment (36.4%).