91401 Immunology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91400c Human Anatomy and Physiology
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to introduce the basic concepts of immunology for students planning careers in biomedical research, biotechnology and diagnostic pathology. The cells of the blood, bone marrow and immune tissues are studied in detail with regard to their identification, morphology and function. The development of these cells (haematopoiesis) and their role in haemostasis and immune function is investigated. The study of immune function is structured in such a way that it follows the course of an immune response, from initial non-specific reactions to the development of adaptive responses and immunological memory. Emphasis is given to the basic concepts that underlie the recognition of foreign bodies by the host and the immune response to infection. The practical sessions introduce students to a variety of immunological techniques routinely used in pathology and research laboratories such as serial dilutions, Coombs test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Work safely in a laboratory using blood, cell products and perform tests following safety guidelines and using laboratory safety precautions. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify, describe and relate innate immune cell morphology and function. Specifically identify monocyte, macrophage, NK cell, granulocytes and their effector mechanisms for clearing foreign bodies including phagocytosis, free radicals of oxygen and oxygen-independent killing, perforin and granzyme mediated killing. |
| 3. | Describe, demonstrate and analyse the complement cascades (alternative, classical and lectin pathways) and their role in opsonisation, cell lysis and the inflammatory response. |
| 4. | Identify, describe and relate adaptive immune cell morphology and function. Specifically describe B and T cells and their unique receptors which bind a unique antigen and induce the proliferation/differentiation of effector cell clones (clonal selection). |
| 5. | Describe and relate immature, mature, plasma and memory B cells. Specifically describe the structural organisation of the antibody molecule and how this facilitates antibody function. |
| 6. | Describe and relate the role of the thymus in the development of mature T cells. |
| 7. | Describe and justify the structure and function of the T cell receptor. |
| 8. | Describe and explain the two T cell MHC-restricted (class I and class II) antigen processing and presentation pathways. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Explain how diseases arise and disrupt normal physiological function and appraise the technologies used to diagnose, treat, and cure diseases. (1.1)
- Collect, accurately record, interpret, and draw conclusions from data to solve real-world medical problems, and infer how the results of medical research can be translated to improve patient outcomes. (2.1)
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cultural issues in medical science in local and global contexts and work responsibly, safely and with respect to diversity and regulatory frameworks. (3.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Immunology 1 develops the desired Faculty of Science graduate attributes of:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
An understanding of the nature, practice and application of the fundamental concepts underlying the discipline of immunology. The knowledge and understanding of immunological concepts and techniques studied and practiced in this subject will aid in developing competence in relevant, current laboratory skills for professional practice and research. In this subject, you will also acquire the sound theoretical background to make reasoned scientific and technological judgments and make responsible decisions affecting laboratory operations. These concepts and techniques will be achieved through the subject’s theoretical curriculum and through the provision of practical experience in the practical sessions.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
You will engage in practical and workshop learning experiences that present case studies and experimental data, which will develop your skills in data analyses, problem-solving and critical thinking.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Through the practical and workshop program, you will develop the ability to acquire, develop, employ and integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills, within a professional context, both autonomously and collaboratively, across the disciplinary area of immunology. During practical sessions, there will be opportunities to develop your expertise in laboratory skills and data handling and analysis.
Teaching and learning strategies
Each week during the teaching session you will participate in lectures (theory) (2 hour duration each) and practicals/workshops (2-3 hour duration each) including wet-lab experiments that will be performed in student groups. For further information regarding the content involved, please refer to the subject 'program' in the following section.
Lectures, practicals, and workshops are closely integrated to help you achieve this subject’s learning objectives. Before attending each scheduled lecture, you must download the slides/additional information from CANVAS and prepare before the class. For Immunology theory revision, you will be provided with lecture revision modules (quiz questions) on CANVAS in preparation for the Immunology Theory exam conducted towards the end of the teaching session.
Practical classes will be conducted in laboratories and involve hands-on approaches to learning. You will have an Immunology Practical Manual and experienced Teaching Associates to assist, guide and offer feedback to you through the practical component of this subject. Before coming to each scheduled practical class, you must revise the material provided in the Immunology Practical Manual as this will allow you to maximise your learning experience in the face-to-face sessions. There will be learning activities where you will work in groups and share findings with other students. Immunology Practical session knowledge will be assessed through online Practical Reports (short answer and multiple choice questions).
Your Immunology Practical Manual, Lecture Slides/Notes, lecture revision modules, and other additional resources will be made available to you through CANVAS, as will results and feedback, other than the final Theory exam results. It is essential that CANVAS is checked at least twice weekly to receive updated material and announcements.
Content (topics)
The lecture series is designed to introduce you to the language (jargon) and basic concepts of immunology. The practical sessions provide an introduction to a variety of techniques and procedures that are the cornerstones of immunological analysis in clinical and research laboratories. In addition, workshop sessions and problem-based learning activities will be used to explore contemporary topics in immunology and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge to real life situations.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 2: Practical Reports
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 3: Theory Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
| Criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
You must attain at least 50% of the collective marks in the subject to pass.
No minimum attendance requirement for practicals. No minimum requirements for lectures.
Recommended texts
Prescribed readings for Immunology will be from the text below:
- Murphy K and Weaver C (9th Edition) Janeway's Immunobiology Garland Science NY (ISBN 978-0-8153-4505-3)