module specification

BC6053 - Applied Immunology (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Applied Immunology
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
111 hours Guided independent study
39 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 60%   Practical report (1500 words)
Unseen Examination 40%   exam (1.5 hours)
Attendance Requirement 0%   Practical Attendance
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

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.

Bibliography