The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical knowledge of immunology. Students will learn of the importance of the immune system in maintaining good health and preventing disease. Subject topics include: innate and adaptive immunity, the immune response to viruses and bacteria, T and B lymphocyte development, cytokines, biology of hypersensitivities (allergies and autoimmunity), tumour immunology, transplantation immunology and molecular diagnostics including the use of monoclonal antibodies. The subject will be explored as a basic science with applications in the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture industry, food science, environmental science, medical science and as a preparatory course for pathology and haematology careers.

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
RBM3720

Prerequisites

RBM2540 - Pathophysiology 2

HBM2105 - Medical Microbiology and Immunity

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Critically review the importance of the immune system in the maintenance of good health and disease prevention;  
  2. Describe and appraise the innate and adaptive immune response to various pathogens;  
  3. Conceptually map all stages of the immune response from infection to immunity with a focus on explaining the function of T lymphocytes and antibodies;  
  4. Apply scientific processes to the investigation of immunological disorders especially with respect to hypersensitivities;  
  5. Collaborate in group tasks and reflect critically on processes, specifically in the context of laboratory exercises where data is collected and analysed.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Laboratory Work Proforma (Four (4) proformas, 150 words each) 10%
Test Mid semester MCQ test (1 hour) 20%
Examination Practical examination (1.5 hours, 1500 words) 20%
Examination Final Examination (2 hours, 2000 words) 50%
Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all labs to pass the unit; Acquisition of laboratory skills is an integral part of the learning outcomes for this unit and for students to achieve GC1, in terms, of working collaboratively with others.

Required reading

Basic Immunology 5th ed.
Abbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H., & Pillai, S. (2016)
Elsevier

Where to next?

As part of a course

You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.

Course Study as part of
Bachelor of Education Studies Biology (Ed Studies) - Major
Bachelor of Education (P-12) Biology (Education) - Major
Bachelor of Science Biotechnology - Major
Bachelor of Science Cell Biology/Microbiology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Biomedicine Immunopharmacology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Molecular Cell Biology - Major

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