UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
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Title of the module
BI622 Advanced Immunology
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Biosciences
Start date of the module
September 2003 revised July 2013
The number of students expected to take the module
100
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None this is a minor revision of an existing module.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
H
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn Term
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
BI505 Infection and Immunity
The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Biochemistry and related programmes
Biomedical Science and related programmes
Biology and related programmes
The intended subject specific learning outcomes
1. Ability to comprehend the importance of regulation of immune function, with reference to disease
states which result when regulation is defective.
2. To develop an ability to critically evaluate current theories of immunological function.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
1. Selection and interpretation of information from text books and primary research
papers/reviews at honours (H) level.
2. Ability to present information relating to immune function accurately in a stipulated format,
e.g in extended essay format (assessment method 1), and in concise “camera ready” form
(assessment 2)
13.A synopsis of the curriculum
Since the discovery of HIV, astonishing progress has been made in our understanding of how
the immune system functions. The aim of this Advanced Immunology module is to review topical
aspects of this fascinating subject, placing emphasis on the regulation of the immune response,
and the role of dysfunctional immune systems in the aetiology of a variety of disease states.
Students will be expected to devote time to private study, consulting course texts, reviews and
primary literature.
Topics to include –
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Antigen processing and presentation -Role of antigen presenting cells; dendritic cells;
processing and presentation of endogenous and exogenous antigens
Transplantation immunology - Basis of tolerance and graft rejection; clinical applications of
transplantation; general and specific immunosuppressive therapy
Hypersensitivity - Type I (IgE-mediated); type II (antibody-mediated cytotoxic); type III (immunecomplex mediated) and type IV hypersensitivity; clinical manifestations and therapies for
hypersensitivity
Autoimmune disease - Organ-specific autoimmune diseases; systemic autoimmune diseases;
induction of autoimmunity; treatment of autoimmune disease
Role of cytokines in the immune system - Properties of cytokines; cytokine receptors; cytokinerelated diseases, including inherited immunodeficiencies; therapeutic applications of cytokines
and their receptors
Cell migration and inflammation - Lymphocyte recirculation; role of adhesion molecules;
neutrophil and lymphocyte extravasation; the inflammatory process; chronic inflammatory
diseases
Tumour immunology - Tumour-specific and -associated antigens; immune response to tumours;
tumour evasion of immune responses; cancer immunotherapy
Applied immunology - immunotherapy; vaccines; immunodiagnostics; immunoaffinity
14.Indicative Reading List
Murphy, K . Janeway’s Immunology (8th edition, 2012) Garland Science.
Kuby, Immunology (6th Edition) (2007, W.H. Freeman & Co).
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
The material will be delivered through lectures which will include both subject specific material and
the development of skills in identifying and using appropriate current literature. This will address
subject specific learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 12.1 and 12.2
Skills in evaluating the literature will be developed through an infornal workshop This will address
subject specific outcome 11.2
Contact Time:
Lectures:
22hrs
Workshop:
2hrs
Self Study:
Reading( background and primary literature) :
Reading in Preparation for Workshop:
Research/Preparation for Extended Essay:
Research/Preparation for Encyclopaedia Entry:
Revision for Examinations:
20hrs
2hrs
20hrs
14hrs
40hr
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16.Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
There will be two pieces of assessed work associated with this course in addition to the final examination.
Students will be asked to write an extended essay (1,500 words) on one topic selected from a choice of
three and will be required to prepare an entry for an “Encyclopaedia of Immunology”.
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Encyclopaedia entry
Extended essay
15% this will address outcomes 11.1,11.2,12.1,12.2
20% this will address outcomes 11.1,11.2,12.1,12.2
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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Examination
65% this will address outcomes 11.1,11.2,,12.2
17.Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None this is a minor review of an existing module
18.The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this
module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute
materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their
learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual
basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be
provided where needed.
19.Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
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Print Name
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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