SMOB26001U Immunology (Immun)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

BSc in Biochemistry
BSc in Bioinformatics
BSc in Biology
BSc in Molecular Biomedicine 

Content

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to basic and experimental immunology, progressing from innate immune mechanisms to advanced adaptive immune responses and their relevance in human disease. Core topics include molecular and cellular immunology, antigen processing and presentation, MHC-restricted recognition, T- and B-cell development, immune receptor signaling, and the regulation of lymphocyte activation and differentiation. Special emphasis is placed on tissue-specific immunity, including mucosal and skin immune responses, as well as memory formation and immune regulation.

Mechanistic insights are linked to clinical contexts such as allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, vaccination, and cancer immunology. The course introduces students to key experimental and analytical approaches in immunology, including flow cytometry, in vitro and in vivo models, organoid systems, and basic bioinformatics tools.

By integrating molecular mechanisms with translational perspectives, the course equips students with a solid conceptual foundation and analytical competence in modern immunology.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
The course provides in-depth knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the development, activation, regulation and integration of innate and adaptive immune responses in mammalian systems. Students will gain understanding of antigen recognition, MHC-restricted peptide presentation, lymphocyte development, immune receptor signaling pathways, and the regulation of effector and memory responses. The course further covers tissue-specific immunity, host–pathogen interactions, and the immunological basis of allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, vaccination and cancer.

Skills:
Students will acquire the ability to analyze and interpret complex immunological mechanisms and experimental data. This includes understanding how immune cells communicate and function in tissues; how immune responses are initiated, amplified and regulated; and how dysregulation leads to disease. Students will develop competencies in evaluation of experimental approaches such as flow cytometry, in vitro and in vivo models, organoid systems, and basic bioinformatics analyses.

Competences:
Through lectures, case-based instruction, journal club discussions and methodological exercises, students will be prepared to independently analyze immunological problems and integrate molecular insights with translational perspectives. Graduates of the course will be well qualified to engage in research within basic, translational or clinical immunology, and to contribute to immunology-related innovation in biotechnology.

Janeway newest edition plus suppl. material. 

Open to Science-, Life- and Pharma-students of Biochemistry, Biology, Nanotechnology and Molecular Biomedicine or equivalent. It is recommended that the student have passed all first year courses and half of the second year courses (corresponding to a total of 90 ECTS-points) of their curriculum.
Lectures, class instructions and theory exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 26
  • Class Instruction
  • 12
  • Preparation
  • 158
  • Theory exercises
  • 6
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Total
  • 206
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
The on-site written exam is an ITX exam.
Aid
No aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Two internal examiners
Exam period

See exam plan 

Re-exam

The same as the ordinary exam.

If ten or fewer students have signed up for re-exam, the type of assessment will be changed to oral exam 20 minutes with 20 minutes preparation time and no aids.

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.