Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8027
Title: Immunology and Infection
Long Title: Immunology and Infection
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Immunology describes the biological structures and mechanisms that an organism uses to defend itself against pathogens. A comprehensive understanding of immunology is essential to understanding infectious diseases and disorders of the immune system.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Differentiate between humoral and cell-mediated divisions of the immune system.
LO2 Describe the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in adaptive immunity.
LO3 Evaluate species-specific immune response to infectious agents
LO4 Discuss abnormalities of the immune system
LO5 Integrate the principles of immunology with the application of antibodies in diagnostic tests
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The immune system
Cells and organs of the immune system; innate and adaptive immunity; complement system; humoral and cell-mediated immunity;
Adaptive immunity
Antigen presentation and immunological memory; antibody structure and classification of immunoglobulins; Major Histocompatibility complexes (MHC); T cell classification; pathogen recognition receptors; toll-like receptors and signal transduction pathways
Comparative immunity
Evolution of the immune system; species-specific responses; inflammation and chemokine expression; animal vaccines and therapeutics
Disorders of the Immune system
Allergies, hypersensitivity; autoimmunity; immunodeficiency; stress and immunity
Assessment of immune response
Measurement and characterisation of immune response in animals; immunological techniques; flow cytometry; Real-time PCR;
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Theory assessment of lecture material
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Interpretation of case studies with data handling
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of semester examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class-based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Assessment of peer-reviewed publications and other relevant scientific articles; case studies Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of lecture notes Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Data handling exercises Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • D.R. Burton, S.M. Martin, P.J. Delves and I.M. Roitt. (2017), Roitts Essential Immunology, 1th ed. Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781118415771].
  • J.Owen, J. Punt, and S. Stranford. (2013), Kuby Immunology, 8th ed. W.H. Freeman, [ISBN: 9781464119910].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • M.J Day and R.D Schultz. (2014), 2. Veterinary Immunology: Principles and Practise, 2nd ed. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781482224627].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 8 Mandatory