University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ6A-30-M Title: APPLIED IMMUNOLOGY Version: 2

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: NONE

Co-requisites: NONE

Excluded combinations: NONE

Learning outcomes:

• critically discuss the generation of antibody diversity.

• critically evaluate the role of cytokines in the regulation of the immune system.

• critically assess the origin of autoimmunity in the light of current research.

• critically evaluate the role of cell-cell interactions in the immune system.

• critically evaluate immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy.

• critically discuss dysfunction of the immune system and associated disease states.

Syllabus outline:

• Molecular immunology.

The structure of antibodies and the development of antibody specificity.

Production of cytokines and mode of action. Cytokine classification. Th1and Th2 subpopulations. Role of cytokines in T and B cell activation, humoral and cell mediated immunity. Intracellular receptor signalling; JAK/STAT and kinase pathways.

• Cellular immunology.

Cell-cell interactions. Receptors involved in cell activation pathways. Antigen presentation. Induction of tolerance; central and peripheral. Tolerance and autoimmunity. Autoimmune disease and allergy; induction and disease mechanisms. Transplant rejection and immunosuppression

• Applied immunology

Application of antibodies in immunodiagnostics and current technology. Antibody engineering and use of monoclonal and other synthesized antibodies. Applications of antibodies and cytokines in the treatment of disease. Chemotherapy.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered using keynote lectures supported by tutorials and seminars. Emphasis will be placed on student centered learning using indicative lists research papers and journals. Students will also undertake a critical review of an agreed topic area and present their findings in a seminar presentation.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

• Immunology (5^th edition)

Goldsby, Kindt, Osbourne & Kuby (Freeman, 2003)

• Cellular and Molecular Immunology (third edition)

Abbas, Lightman and Pober (Saunders 1997)

• Advanced Immunology (third edition)

Male, Cooke, Owen, Trowsdale and Champion (Mosby 1996)

Internet sites:

A large number of relevant internet sites are described on the Faculty Intranet

Journals:

Annual Review in Immunology

Cell

Current Opinion in Immunology

Immunology

Immunology Today

Journal of Biological Chemistry

Journal of Cell Biology

Journal of Immunology

Nature

Science

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX3	Examination (3 Hours)	1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

OP1	Oral Presentation	1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) No

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX1	Examination (3 Hours)	1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

OP1	Oral Presentation	1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. Yes

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)