SMOA09008U Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Volume 2023/2024
Education

BSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine - semi compulsory

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

 

Content

The aim of the course is to give an introduction and overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune system. This is achieved by an introduction to the nomenclature of immunology and the components of the immune system. During the course, several lectures will describe the different types of immune responses and their general properties including the fundamental principles that govern the immune responses. The anatomic, cellular, molecular organization and structure-function relationship is described.
Main topics included in the course are:
1. Recognition of antigens.
2. Maturation, activation and regulation of lymphocytes.
3. Effector mechanisms of immune responses.
4. The immune system in diseases.
During the course cutting edge papers will be discussed, as well as cases with clinical immunological relevance. Basic immunological techniques will be presented during laboratory exercises.

 

 

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.

The student shall have obtained the following learning outcomes :

Knowledge: (the student will be able to)

  • Describe 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 and humoral immune responses
  • Explain in detail the immunological mechanisms in hypersensitivity disorders, allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, infectious immunology, vaccinology, tumor immunology, and transplantation immunology
  • Explain the mechanisms of action for common immunotherapeutic drugs

 

Skills: (the student will be able to)

  • 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)

  • Will be able to 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

Cellular and Molecular Immunology by Abul K Abbas et al. Latest edition

Open to students in Molecular Biomedicine, Biochemistry and Biology that have passed all first year and half of second year courses corresponding to 90 ECTS-points.
Lectures, group discussions and simulated laboratory exercises
  • 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
All aids allowed
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 in detail the immunological mechanisms in hypersensitivity disorders, allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, infectious immunology, vaccinology, tumorimmunology, transplantation immunology
  • Explain the mechanisms of action for common immunotherapeutic drugs
  • 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