Module MSE-2014:
Human Immunology

Module Facts

Run by School of Medical Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr David Pryce

Overall aims and purpose

The purpose and aims module are to introduce students to key aspects of the human immune system and human immunology, with direct relevance to the benchmark statements of an accredited IBMS Biomedical Science degree; which include the nature of acute and chronic inflammation, the structure, function and mechanisms of action of the components of the immune system; innate and acquired immunity, Clinical immunology, immunopathological conditions and abnormal immune function.

Course content

The module is divided into three main areas:

  • Key concepts of the development of the human immune system and the nature of human immune responses
  • Key concepts of Autoimmunity and Autoimmune Diseases, with focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
  • Key roles of the immune system in cancer development and current Cancer Immunotherapies

Lectures and tutorials will present summaries of core chapters of the module reference textbook and directed outside reading to key cutting edge peer-reviewed literature. The module lectures will conclude with a discussion of the development and use of 'immunotherapies' for cutting-edge clinical treatments.

The Clinical Report will provide experience in the generation and clinical interpretation of data derived from an ELISA analysis of serum samples derived from a patient diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Core text chatpers

  • Basic Concepts in Immunology
  • Innate Immunity and induced Responses of Innate Immunity
  • Antigen Recognition by B-cell and T-cell receptors
  • The Generation of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors
  • Antigen Presentation to T Lymphocytes
  • Signalling Through Immune System Receptors
  • The Development and Survival of Lymphocytes
  • T Cell-Mediated Immunity
  • The Humoral Immune Response
  • Dynamics of Adaptive Immunity
  • Failures of Host Defense Mechanisms
  • Autoimmunity
  • Manipulation of the Immune Response, via immunotherapy

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Category A (70%-100%):

Completed assessments present very accurate relevant taught material, integrated with numerous directed outside core text-reading and some self-researched information sources. Essays, answers and reports present very coherent and well organised arguments that demonstrate excellent overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. Evidence of in depth critical thinking and wider reading are important for grades of A+ and above

good

Category B (60%-69%):

Completed assessments present overall good accurate relevant taught material, integrated with some directed core text outside-reading. Essays, answers and reports are well organised and structured, contain good coherent arguments, and demonstrate good overall knowledge and understanding of all module material.

C- to C+

Category C (50%-59%):

Completed assessments present relevant accurate taught material but may lack explanation and context. Statements are largely correct but not further supported. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate a sound understanding of module material.

threshold

Category D (40-49%):

Completed assessments present sufficient relevant accurate taught material to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate threshold level 5 knowledge and understanding of module material.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the roles of the human immune system in cancer regulation and cancer immunotherapies

  2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development, regulation and effectiveness of the human immune system in human health

  3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature of Autoimmunity and the diagnosis and human Autoimmune diseases

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Clinical Report 40.00
End of Module Exam 60.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Tutorial

Tutorials

  • One formative tutorial, consisting of MCQ style questions and example study methods for enhanced development of module material understanding
  • a timetabled opportunity for students to discuss aspects of the module material with the module organiser. Topics can include any aspect of the lectures, assessments and/or self-researched outside reading
 2
Lecture

7 x 2hr Lectures

 14
Private study

Self-directed background reading, data analysis and processing and assessment preparation

 81
Practical classes and workshops

The use of ELISA data to create a clinical prognosis of a patient suffering from the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus.

 3
 

Please note for 2020/21 this module will be delivered according to Bangor University COVID-19 regulations

  • Mode 3. On-campus, timetabled delivery. This is a teaching method you will be familiar with. The difference compared to the past is that social distancing and Safe Operating Protocols (SOP) will apply in all these sessions. The SOPs will be specific to each session and specified in the outlines that we’ll supply you before each session via the module Blackboard Ultra web pages. Mode 3 sessions may include all taught modules, including laboratory practicals, small-group seminars and tutorials and computer sessions that use specialist software packages.
  • Mode 2. Synchronous timetabled online delivery. This will be online, live sessions of the on-campus sessions and you will be required to ‘attend online’. Additional teaching to timetabled sessions may include additional lectures, mini catch-up lectures, problem-solving exercises, large-class or small-class group work, drop-in sessions and discussions. They can also contain other learning material that has been previously released onto the module website.
  • Mode 1. Asynchronous online pre-recorded delivery. Usually, this teaching material is made available a few days before the relevant mode 2 or 3 sessions and could comprise lecture-style video recordings (often shorter than the usual 50 to 100-minute lecture format), problem tasks to consider, some short reading passages from online library textbooks or key research papers etc. These do not require you to be in a certain place at a certain time, so will not appear in your timetable. Instead, the module website will have information about when to expect these recordings or other material will be released.
  

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resources

Courses including this module