module specification

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.

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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 and immunophenotyping in leukaemia and lymphoma; links to PCR diagnostics.

Advances in immunotherapy: modulators; immune intervention and drug targeting in cancer therapy; experimental systems in immunotherapy including the development and uses of engineered antibodies.

Overview of the complement system, including its regulation. Autoimmune disease in which complement is an effector mechanism (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis).

Transplantation immunology: HLA antigens and immunological basis of graft rejection; clinical manifestations of graft rejection; tissue typing techniques; immunosuppression and organ/bone marrow transplantation.

LO1-3

Students' knowledge and understanding of haematology 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.  

Activities include: Online lectures, tutorials and seminars computer based learning, formative and summative assessments, other activities including: independent learning tasks; library searches.  These activities when summarised in the form of personal development portfolio

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.

The module will be summatively assessed by a Progress Test (50%) and a case-study (50%). The progress Test consists of a short answer and MCQ based assessment. Both components will be used to provide formative feedback. To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.

Abul, K Abbas and Andrew H Lichtman (2017) Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Elsevier Publishers 9th edition.

Goldsby, R.A., Kindt, T.J., Osbourne B.A. and Kuby, J (2006). Immunology 6th edition. W.H.Freeman

Helbert  M (2016) Immunology for Medical students. Mosby, 3rd  edition