Immunobiology (U00703)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : BIO-4-IMmbio

This course will cover most aspects of the basic biology of the immune system. Initial lectures will consider the cells of the immune system, their function, the stucture of lymphoid organs and the how cells move around the within and between lymphoid organs to bring about crucial interactions. The information provided is viewed as core knowledge for students wishing to gain an honours degree in Immunology; it will be useful, if not essential, for many of the other immunology electives. Following on from this orientation to the immune system, the course will narrow its focus onto 4 main areas of immune biology:

1. How the innate immune system (evolutionarily old) underlies and informs the adaptive immune system (lymphocytes).

2. How the immune system decides when (and how) to respond (issues such as co-stimulation, self versus non-self discrimination and danger).

3 How the immune system is prevented from responding to self (tolerance).

4. How the immune system remembers is has encountered an microorganism already (memory). These represent fields of very active current research and in which big, important questions remain. The course will involve a mixture of lectures and problem-based learning with an emphasis on discussion of the controversial aspects of the subject.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Immunology 3; At least one other appropriate third year course; Medical Microbiology 3m and Molecular Cell Biology are recommended

? Costs : Possible £50 contribution to "field-trip to Firbush at start of course

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Immunology, (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
26/09/2006	09:30	12:30	Room 1.0115, Ashworth Labs	KB	Honours Room , Ashworth Labs

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	13:00	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Basic understanding of the current field of Immunology. Development of an intellectual framework of the immune system upon which other courses build. Attainment of advanced skills in reading and understanding the primary literature. Development of scientific problem solving skills. Development of oral presentation skills.