BC6053 - Applied Immunology (2021/22)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Applied Immunology | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module focuses on the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease and explores current research in immunopathology, stem cells and immunotherapy. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Understand the mechanisms of the mammalian immune system in defence against disease; using an understanding of the basic mechanisms of the immune system, understand the consequences of inappropriate responses of the immune system; examine the applications of immune products in the areas of diagnostics and immunotherapy.
Prior learning requirements
BC4003
Syllabus
Basis of immunity: brief historical perspectives (especially with respect to development of tolerance); self/non-self behaviour of cells; components and effector mechanisms of innate and non-specific immunity; adaptive/specific immunity; ontogeny of effector mechanisms for primary and secondary responses; inflammation and complement. (1-3)
Pathology and immunotherapy: immune-mediated injury and disease; hypersensitivity; immunodeficiency; autoimmunity and immunopathology; tumour immunology/cancer immunotherapy; stem cell and regenerative therapy; immunosuppressive therapy]
Immunotechnology: hybridoma technology; monoclonal antibodies and their biochemical and medical applications; vaccine design and production. (3,)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will be provided with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through lecturer-led activities in the form of lectures and problem-solving tutorials and laboratory-based practical exercises. The students’ ability to manage self and relate to others and their ability to think critically and produce solutions will be prompted through a laboratory report and problem solving exercises completed. The information necessary to attain plenitude in learning outcomes will be procured from directed reading and other learning sources.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse the immune response and the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity and evaluate the various inappropriate responses of the immune system and their consequences.
2. Present effectively, interpret, and make critical evaluations of empirical data obtained from performance of immunological techniques.
3. Evaluate and assess current and evolving concepts in immunological developments including immunotechnology, immunotherapy (cancer and stem cell) and immunoprophylaxis.
Assessment strategy
The module will be assessed using two elements of assessment: (i) a practical report ii) a written exam at the end of the Semester. The weighting of each element is shown below and the aspects of the module it assesses are given in the summary table below. To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%. There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.