IMM2022 · Immunology in health and disease

Overview

The immune system has a central role in many aspects of health and disease in both humans and animals. While the immune system is critical for protecting us from pathogens, it also has an important role in cancer surveillance and is the reason why tissue transplantation is difficult to achieve. Many debilitating conditions such as allergy and autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis are caused by the immune system. This unit progresses from IMM2011 which focused on the development, structure and function of the immune system to now, in IMM2022, examining the broad role of the immune system in a range of disease and health states. By selecting a range of real life examples, we can not only examine the nature of how the immune system is actively involved but also broaden our understanding of social and ethical implications and the role that medical research has in improving health outcomes. This unit will give you the opportunity to learn how immunology is important in many aspects of our society while developing and reinforcing a range of academic skills through defined teaching and assessment tasks.

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 features and immune system associations in a range of human immune-mediated diseases;
2. Evaluate the mechanisms of immunity and inflammation used in a range of immune-based diseases or conditions;
3. Work constructively individually and in a team to design, research and create novel immunological content;
4. Critically evaluate the research literature and other source material.

Workload

• Two hours of lectures; • Three hours of tutorials/workshops; • Three hours of assessment and • Approximately 6.75 hours of independent and directed study per week

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