BBIO115 - IfE

BBIO115
Immunity & Diseases

ECTS Value: 3 ECTS

Contact Hours: 15

Self Study Hours: 36

Assessment Hours: 24

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

This module will examine the mammalian immune system, starting with the development of immune cells, then moving onto the function of mature innate and adaptive immune cells, and how they work together to recognise and eliminate pathogens.

The module will consider the anatomy and function of the immune system and immunopathology and then consider the diseases and microorganisms that affect the different organs and tissues of the human body. Indicative topics will include inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity to pathogens, immune defence mechanisms against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, antibody classes and functions, antigen processing and presentation, complement, the generation of antibody diversity, cell communication and immunopathology, including autoimmunity, hypersensitivity and transplant rejection.

This module will therefore cover how various components of the immune system protect us from infection. This will be achieved by introducing how different classes of pathogens evade immune responses and the types of response that are crucial in protection. This forms the basis of discussion of the types of responses vaccinations need to induce protection. Although not all aspects of immunology can be covered in depth, more detailed insight will be provided into selected aspects of current research of particular relevance to vaccine design.

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

a)Guide learners to learn about immunity and diseases, including the underlying biological mechanisms, factors influencing disease transmission, and strategies for prevention and treatment;
b)Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging instructional materials suitable for diverse learners;
c)Design curriculum units, lesson plans, and learning activities that effectively integrate concepts related to immunity and diseases into the broader educational framework;
d)Design appropriate assessments to measure student learning outcomes related to immunity and diseases, including formative and summative assessments;
e)Collaborate with colleagues, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to support student learning;

Knowledge

- a)Identify the immune system’s components, such as white blood cells, antibodies, antigens, and the lymphatic system;
- b)Examine the various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and the diseases they cause;
- c)Understand the principles of vaccination, vaccine development, herd immunity, and the role of vaccination in disease prevention;
- d)Explore the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells and tissues;
- e)Describe the allergic reactions and hypersensitivity disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments;
- f)Explore disorders where the immune system is compromised, such as primary immunodeficiency diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
- g)Examine the interactions between pathogens and the host immune system, including evasion strategies employed by pathogens and the host defence mechanisms against infections;
- h)Explore emerging therapies that harness the immune system to treat diseases, including cancer immunotherapy and the use of monoclonal antibodies.

Skills

- a)Organise information drawn from textbooks, journals, videos and online sources while building on prior learning;
- bEvaluate research and investigative observations to make conclusions about biological processes;
- c)Draw annotated diagrams depicting biological phenomena;
- d)Employ simple laboratory techniques during a practical investigation and/or dissection to report about one or more aspects of animal and/or plant physiology covered in this module;
- e)Collaborate effectively within a group, wherever the number of course participants allows for effective group work;

Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Forum Discussion, Presentation and Assignment