Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Written Practical-based Report 2000 Words | 60% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written Examination | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Supplementary Coursework Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. 2000 Words | 60% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Supplementary Examination Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain and discuss key immunological principles and terminology under examination conditions
Discuss the importance of understanding the immune system in diagnosing, treating and controlling key medical and/or veterinary diseases under examination conditions
Perform, interpret and analyse immunological assays
Brief description
Understanding how the immune system functions at molecular, cellular and physiological levels is vital in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. With a focus on practical laboratory experience and interpreting data, this module explores the key components of immune responses (lymphoid organs, leukocyte cell types, cytokines, receptors etc.) in both humans and veterinary animals. Students will also learn about the interconnected nature of the immune system and its role during a range of diseases. Applied clinical immunology topics will be addressed including inflammation (acute and chronic) and immunity (innate and acquired).
Content
Practical sessions during the module cover aspects of immune function and immunological measurement, reinforcing themes covered in lectures.
The module is comprised of a number interconnecting themes building logically from first principles. It begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of immunology. A variety of pathogens and their modes of attack are considered and defensive molecules, cells and tissues are introduced. Basic mechanisms underpinning immune function are explained: innate immunity, the initiation of immune responses, antigen presentation and the development of adaptive T- and B-cell responses.
The lymphoid tissues, cells and molecules involved in the different humoral and cell-mediated immunity and the regulation of immune responses are then explored in greater detail.
The remainder of the module tackles a series of specialist themes with strong applied relevance, such as hypersensitivities and vaccination
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | Written communication skills will be developed by the practical report and preparation for the exam. Feedback will be given on the practical report and exam scripts. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside of contact time students will pursue independent research, develop learning skills, and manage their own time and workloads in relation to the practical report and preparation for the exam. |
| Information Technology | Students will develop information technology skills through using internet literature searches to access appropriate information relating to practical reports and exam revision. The practical report will be written using a computer. Feedback will be given on exam scripts and practical reports. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | The practicals will involve a problem solving component through which the problem solving skills of the student will be developed and assessed. Feedback will be given to the student on the practical report. |
| Research skills | The practical report and exam will require students to access and synthesize information from scientific literature. Research skills will therefore be assessed in both the examination and the practical report. Feedback will be given on the practical report. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Concepts relating to immunology will be developed. These will be assessed in the exam. Feedback will be given on exam scripts. Students will develop the ability to perform and interpret immunological assays. This will be assessed in the practical report. Feedback will be given on practical reports. |
| Team work | Possibly developed by group working in practical sessions but not assessed or the subject of feedback. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5