SIIK16004U Allergy, Autoimmunity and Inflammation

Volume 2017/2018
Education

Msc in Immunology and Inflammation

Content

Two viewpoints are applied during the course:

1. A description of the biological components (tissues, cell types, molecules) and processes found in the immune system that may cause various forms of inflammation. Different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) and their interplay will be reviewed along with the role of various immune molecules such as antibodies, cell surface receptors, cytokines and chemokines (immune hormones).

2. A disease-oriented approach, where the immunological and inflammatory mechanisms that causes and maintain pathological processes will be reviewed in the context of diseases such as allergy (asthma, hayfever, food allergy), atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjøgren’s Syndrome, and other diseases with a strong inflammatory components such as atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease and psoriasis.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

 

Knowledge:

  •  the immunological and inflammatory mechanisms, involved in the most common allergic, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases
  • Explain the characteristics of different categories of inflammation and application of these in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies
  • Explain the interplay between different parts of the immune system and with tissues and organs when different categories of inflammation develop
  • Explain and discuss the various types of antigens that give rise to allergic and autoimmune diseases
  • Discuss the use of animal disease models in immunological research
  • Discuss the use of cellular and antibody-based diagnostics of inflammatory diseases

 

Skills:

  • Propose relevant immunological studies aimed at clarifying the role of endogenous and exogenous antigens, life style and environment, and genetic background in chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Hypothesize experimental approaches that could be taken to gain further insight into the interplay between tissues and organs and the cells of the immune system
  • Suggest animal studies that could help clarify the role of the immune system in disease mechanisms 
  • Suggest new strategies for immune-based treatments of inflammatory diseases

 

Competences: (the student will obtain these general competences)

  • Will be able to critically analyze and discuss clinical and experimental data in the field of inflammation and inflammatory diseases
  • Will conceptually be able to outline small research projects within experimental immunology and inflammation
  • Provide immunological inputs to interdisciplinary projects involving basic research, clinical research, biomarker and drug development within allergy, autoimmunity and inflammation

A literature list will be produced upon establishment of the faculty for this course.
 

Immunology at least at the level of SIIK160011U Advanced Basic Immunology is recommended
Lectures, seminars in the form of journal clubs, lab demonstrations
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Course Preparation
  • 32
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Exam Preparation
  • 36
  • Laboratory
  • 24
  • Lectures
  • 62
  • Preparation
  • 217
  • Project work
  • 30
  • Seminar
  • 10
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 2 hours under invigilation
Multiple choice with a set of of multiple choice questions supplemented by a few open questions to test the ability of thinking and arguing in immunological terms.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

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

Knowledge:

  • Understand the immunological and inflammatory mechanisms, involved in the most common allergic, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases
  • Explain the characteristics of different categories of inflammation and application of these in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies
  • Explain the interplay between different parts of the immune system and with tissues and organs when different categories of inflammation develop
  • Explain and discuss the various types of antigens that give rise to allergic and autoimmune diseases
  • Discuss the use of animal disease models in immunological research
  • Discuss the use of cellular and antibody-based diagnostics of inflammatory diseases

 

Skills:

  • Propose relevant immunological studies aimed at clarifying the role of endogenous and exogenous antigens, life style and environment, and genetic background in chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Hypothesize experimental approaches that could be taken to gain further insight into the interplay between tissues and organs and the cells of the immune system
  • Suggest animal studies that could help clarify the role of the immune system in disease mechanisms
  • Suggest new strategies for immune-based treatments of inflammatory diseases

 

Competences:

  • Will be able to critically analyze and discuss clinical and experimental data in the field of inflammation and inflammatory diseases
  • Will conceptually be able to outline small research projects within experimental immunology and inflammation
  • Provide immunological inputs to interdisciplinary projects involving basic research, clinical research, biomarker and drug development within allergy, autoimmunity and inflammation.