IMM2011 · Basic immunology: The body's defence system

Overview

The immune system is central to many aspects of health such as recovering from viral and bacterial infections, vaccination against common diseases, fighting cancers and accepting organ transplants. The immune system is also responsible for many common conditions such as allergy and autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This unit introduces you to the fundamental concepts of the immune system. It describes the structure of the immune system and how it can develop specificity and diversity for combating microbes and pathogens. Key concepts surrounding the function of the immune system in how it communicates and makes decisions when generating specific immune responses will be learnt. This unit is designed to give you a basic but fundamental knowledge of the immune system useful to many areas of biomedical science. It can lead into further studies in second semester (IMM2022) and more advanced studies at level three and beyond. Together with formal lectures and tutorials, laboratory classes reinforce key concepts to which you have been introduced. In addition, flexible learning options including on-line material, audio-taped lectures, quizzes and interactive tutorials provide you with a wide variety of experiences and skill development.

Areas of study: Human pathology Immunology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Define the key structural and cellular components of the immune system;
2. Define the key features associated with the development of the immune system;
3. Generate, evaluate practical laboratory-based data and compile into defined structured written reports;
4. Generate and deliver an oral presentation on a defined area of immunology;
5. Draw upon learnt knowledge of immunology to explain how the immune system is associated with protection against pathogens.

Workload

• One 2-hour lecture; • One hour pre-laboratory or pre-tutorial preparation; • One 3-hour laboratory or tutorial class and • Six hours of independent study per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.