BM7119 - Advanced Immunology (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Advanced Immunology | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of immunology. Reviewing the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease. Exploring current ideas in immunopathology, immunosuppression, stem cells and immunotherapy. Exploring recent developments in immunoassays and immunocytochemical techniques for detection of antigens and disease markers.
Syllabus
Review of the development and operation of the immune system: Ontogeny and activation of immune effector cells; major histocompatibility complex; tolerance; cell surface markers and cytokine receptors; adaptive and innate immune responses.
Immunopathology: Primary and secondary immunodeficiency; autoimmunity: mechanisms; organ and non-organ specific; genetic and acquired links; hypersensitivity related allergic and inflammatory diseases.
Advances in immunodiagnostics: Developments in immunoassay and immunocytochemistry. Uses of flow cytometry (LO1-3)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students' knowledge and understanding of Immunology will be developed through a programme of lectures and supporting exercises, together with the guided use of student centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework. Student centred assignments; including the execution of a substantial research assignment will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge and develop subject skills and competence.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the development, differentiation and maturation of lymphocytes and myeloid cells and comprehend and discuss the complex interplay of the various mechanisms of immune responses to non-self in the learning log
2. Explain advances in the understanding of development of disease states attributable to the malfunction of the immune system.
3. Understand and discuss in relevant assessments how advances in the understanding of the immune system and in immunodiagnostics have led to novel/experimental therapies and improvements in the diagnosis of disease and provide a critical analysis and abstract meaning from a case study.