Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module provides an integrated and fully contextualised understanding of how the immune system works and how it can be harnessed for
therapeutic purposes. Topics such as biological
therapies, stem cells and cancer will be explored. the students will study the cells and molecules of the innate and adaptive immune system, the development of lymphocytes, activation and antigen recognition. After this general introduction the students will learn about regulation of the immune system, autoimmune disorders, infection, and inflammation. The potential and limitations of harnessing the immune system will be studied in section B. Throughout this module, students will work on clinical case studies and will apply their gained knowledge developing a webpage and a brochure related to specific diseases, treatment and side effects.
Aims
This module aims to provide an integrated and fully contextualised analysis of basic immunology, autoimmune diseases and therapies based on components of the immune system.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Identify the components of the innate and adaptive immune system
: 1
Recognise and explain antigen-recognition by T and B lymphocytes
: 1
Identify and evaluate the implications of the regulation of the immune system and the conditions arising from faults in it
: 1
Discuss the role of microbiota in the development of the immune system
: 1
Describe in detail how antibody technology can be utilised in the treatment of chronic diseases
: 2
Recognise how different disease outcomes can be improved by harnessing components of the immune system
: 2
Interpret different side effects of immunotherapy: 2
Lectures: 14 hours
Tutorials: 2 hours
Workshops: 24 hours
Seminars: 2 hours
Problem Based Learning (PBL): 8 hours
Independent study: 100 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Assignment weighted 40%Skills assessment
Students would build a Sway page (equivalent to 1500 words) about an autoimmune disease with information regarding the molecular biology pathways, mutations and clinical aspect. This assessment is individual work.
2: Assignment weighted 60%Skills assessment
Students will develop a brochure (1500 words) aiming to inform either clinicians or patients the possible side effects of immunotherapy. This assessment is individual work.