Course overview
This course introduces Immunology and Virology and is complementary to Microbiology II and equivalent courses. An integrated approach is used to study the mechanisms by which our immune system deals with pathogens. Topics covered in the Immunology section comprise innate and adaptive immunity, including T and B cell development, cell mediated and humoral immunity; receptors and cytokines; inflammatory responses; tolerance and autoimmunity; immunity to intra- and extra-cellular organisms such as bacteria, viruses and macroparasites. Topics covered in the Virology section include: information on structure, replication and classification of eukaryotic viruses; virus-host interactions; epidemiology of virus infections; virus vaccines, antiviral drugs and viral diagnostics. PRACTICAL COMPONENT worth 20% of the grade: Students enrolled in this course will need to also enrol in a separate course which is the practical component (one of SCIENCE 2200 or SCIENCE 2201 or SCIENCE 2202). To determine which practical to enrol into you are required to read the companion document.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand how viruses transmit, infect and replicate in different host cells
- Discuss how viral some viral infections are transient or persistent and the disease they cause
- Describe how viral infections are controlled and diagnosed
- Appreciate the role and importance of innate and adaptive immunity to host defence against micro-organisms
- Describe the functions and properties of different immune cells and organs that comprise the immune system
- Describe antibody structure and how this relates to antibody functions
- Discuss the importance of MHC molecules in activation of adaptive immunity
- Describe the assembly and expression of antigen receptor molecules during lymphocyte development
- Discuss the cellular interactions and activation of immune cells in response to foreign antigen and cytokines
- Describe central and peripheral tolerance in lymphocytes and how failure this process can lead to autoimmunity
- Discuss the over-reaction of our immune system to some antigens in hypersensitivity reactions
- Work as a team to develop answers to questions asked on any of the above topics (1-11) during face-to-face tutorials
- Conduct experiments to visualise concepts taught in the above topics 1-11