SMOA09008U Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Volume 2026/2027
Education

BSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine - restricted elective

BSc programme in Biology - restricted elective in the general profile (and previously in the specialisation molecular- and cellbiology)

 

Content

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cellular and molecular immunology, covering the organization and function of the immune system from innate immune recognition to adaptive immune responses and immune-mediated diseases.

The course begins with an overview of the immune system, including lymphoid organs, innate immune cells, pattern-recognition receptors, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines, antigen-presenting cells, and inflammatory processes. Students subsequently explore the adaptive immune system, including B- and T-cell development, antigen receptor generation, lymphocyte activation, effector functions, and immune regulation.

Building on these foundations, the course examines the molecular basis of antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation, and the mechanisms that determine immunogenicity. Particular emphasis is placed on the dynamic interactions between immune cells and tissues, including tissue-specific immune responses and immune homeostasis. The course further addresses the generation and maintenance of immunological memory, the cellular and molecular basis of primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, and immune responses to global selected infectious diseases.

Throughout the course, students critically evaluate current immunological literature through journal clubs and develop analytical and communication skills through student-led active learning activities. By integrating fundamental immunology with contemporary experimental findings, the course provides students with a strong conceptual framework for understanding immune function in health and disease.

 

 

Learning Outcome

A comprehensive understanding of the principles of cellular and molecular processes forming the basis of the immune response should be obtained. The knowledge should provide the student with competencies to participate in biomedical research projects, and participate in courses aiming at more specific areas within immunology.

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe the anatomy and functions of various lymphoid organs
  • Explain in detail the immunological mechanisms in innate and adaptive immune responses such as; Immune cell development, antigen recognition, immune receptor signaling, antigen presentation, cytokine networks, inflammatory processes, tissue-specific immunity, immunological memory, and mechanisms of immune regulation
  • Explain in detail the immunological mechanisms in cellular and humoral immune responses
  • Understand how immune dysfunction contributes to immunodeficiency and infectious diseases.

 

Skills: (the student will be able to)

  • Acquire the ability to explain and critically analyze cellular and molecular immune mechanisms and relate these to experimental observations and current scientific literature
  • Develop competencies in interpreting immunological data, discussing primary research articles, and communicating immunological concepts orally.
  • Strengthen their ability to integrate knowledge from different areas of immunology to explain immune responses in physiological and pathological settings.
  • Participate in discussion and research related to immunological problems in relation to basic and applied immunology
  • Suggest and perform a relevant analysis of immunological components and their role in various diseases
  • Apply immunological insight to experimental in-vitro and in-vivo immunology research.

 

Competences: (the student will obtain these general competences)

  • Through lectures, student active learning sessions, journal clubs, and group discussions, students will develop the competence to independently evaluate;
  • Immunological questions using current scientific knowledge
  • Critically assess immunological research
  • Communicate complex concepts effectively
  • Apply fundamental immunological principles to problems in biomedical research and biotechnology.
  • Analyse and discuss experimentel results and analysis used by researchers in the field of immunology
  • Will be able to suggest and initiate relevant research tools for projects within immunology
  • Can contribute to interdisciplinary projects involving basic research and clinical research within immunology

Janeway's Immunobiology (newest edition).

Open to Science-, Life- and Pharma-students of Biochemistry, Biology, Nanotechnology and Molecular Biomedicine or equivalent. It is recommended that the student have passed the course in Immunology as well as all first year courses and half of the second year courses (corresponding to a total of 90 ECTS-points) of their curriculum.
Lectures, group discussions and journal clubs
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 22
  • Class Instruction
  • 21
  • Preparation
  • 163
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes under invigilation
Type of assessment details
30 minutes oral exam with 30 minutes supervised preparation time.
The examination is based on the curriculum from the text book, as well as clinical cases and papers presented during the course.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed (see description below)

The students own paper-notes and text book are allowed as aids for the preparation and the exam.

 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners/co-examiners
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to:

  • Explain in detail the anatomy and functions of various lymphoid organs
  • Explain in detail the immunological mechanisms in innate and adaptive immune responses
  • Explain in detail the immunological mechanisms in cellular vs humoral immune responses
  • Explain and integrate cellular and molecular immunological mechanisms,
  • Critically discuss immune responses in health and disease
  • Relate theoretical concepts to experimental evidence
  • Communicate immunological knowledge clearly and scientifically during the oral examination
  • Analyse and discuss immunological mechanisms in common diseases
  • Provide insight into mechanisms involved in various immunodeficiences
  • Analyse and discuss experimental findings and conclusions in the field of immunology