Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
UNIT OUTLINE
Immunology 334 - Semester 1, 2011
Unit Index No
311415
Credit points
25 points
Pre-requisite Units
Successful completion of second year Immunology
Unit Coordinators
Dr Delia Nelson
Phone: 9361 9058
Email: Delia.Nelson@curtin.edu.au,
Address: 3 Turner Avenue, Technology Park
Dr Brian Brestovac
Phone: 9266 7474
Email: B.Brestovac@curtin.edu.au
Building and room number: 310-213
Teaching staff
Professor Deirdre Coombe
Phone: 9224 0355
Email: d.coombe@curtin.edu.au
Address: Royal Perth Hospital, Level 5 MRF Building,
50 Murray Street.
Associate Professor TK Mukkur
Phone: 9266 7520
Email: T.Mukkur@curtin.edu.au
Building and room number: 308-208
Adrian Paxman
Phone: 9266 4316
Email: A.Paxman@curtin.edu.au
Building and room number: 308-203
Learning management system
FLECS - Blackboard (oasis.curtin.edu.au)
Assessment
Mid semester test – 10%
Practical reports – 40%
Final Examination – 50%
Please read this outline fully before commencing your study in this unit.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
This unit is managed by the School of Biomedical Sciences in Health Sciencs
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
Contents
Welcome
Requirements to complete the unit
Prerequisite Skills
Laboratory Charge
Technology
Aims
Unit Outcomes
Learning Outcomes (Content Knowledge)
Professional Skills Outcomes
Page
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
Lecture Program
6
Laboratory Program
7
Syllabus
8
Unit Materials
Unit Outline
Textbook and recommended reading
Laboratory manual
Web-Based Resources
Study Load
9
9
9
9
9
9
Delivery of Unit
Tuition Pattern
Lectures
Practicals
Assessment format for practicals
Practical Reports
10
10
10
10
10
10
Theory assessment
Final Examination
Pass/fail policy
Due Dates and Submission of Work for Assessment
Late Submissions
If Difficulties Arise …..
11
11
11
11
11
11
Mobile Phones
Plagiarism Policy
Copyright Requirements
12
12
12
Supplementary Examinations
Deferred Assessment
13
13
Student Rights and Responsibilities
14
Feedback
14
Immunology 334
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
WELCOME
Welcome to Immunology 334.
If you are reading this, you should be enrolled in the unit Immunology 334.
Immunology 334 examines fundamental Immunology and focuses upon the structure and
functions of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity and their inter-relationships in
health and infection. We also discover how some immunological methods are used and applied in
medical laboratory science and in medical research. Immunology 334 is the precursor for
Immunology 431 which focuses on clinical immune-related disorders, and current research in the
field of immunology.
Please read this document carefully. It explains virtually everything you need to know about
Immunology 334 and how it works.
Please do not hesitate to contact the unit coordinators (see front page) at any stage if you have
any questions, queries or comments on the unit.
REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THE UNIT
Prerequisite Skills
The content covered in Immunology 334 assumes that you have successfully completed the
second year of a Bachelor of Science Degree. The assumption is that you have an understanding
of immunology provided by the units Immunology 234 or Molecular and Cellular Immunology
231 (or an equivalent unit). The content of the course assumes that you:
1.
Are familiar with structure and function of the immune system as covered in Immunology
234 (or an equivalent unit).
2.
Understand the principles and applications of immunoassays.
3.
Possess practical skills as might reasonably be expected of a student who has completed
four semesters of a BSc course.
3.
Are competent in English, mathematics and chemistry.
4.
Have reasonable written and verbal communication skills.
5.
Can effectively source, access and use library resources (printed and electronic).
Laboratory Charge
No charges or levies are applied to students in this unit for their use of the laboratory.
Technology
It is helpful, but not essential, that you have access to:
1. A computer with an Internet connection, which you can use effectively
2. Email (preferred), a telephone or a fax machine to contact your tutor and possibly other
students studying the same unit.
You can access computing facilities on campus if can you do not have a computer at home.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
AIMS
The unit Fundamental Immunology 334 is designed to advance your knowledge of immunology
from that provided in Immunology 234 or other equivalent unit. The unit content discusses
current theoretical aspects of immunology, and addresses immunology within medical
laboratories.
UNIT OUTCOMES
Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students can:
1. Explain current mechanistic concepts that are
fundamental for fully functioning immunity
2. Describe in depth the evolution of the immune system
3. Describe interactions between innate and adaptive
immunity
Graduate Attributes addressed
Thinking skills
Learning how to learn
Thinking skills
Learning how to learn
Thinking skills
Learning how to learn
Thinking skills
4. Explain how a normal healthy immune system responds
Learning how to learn
to infection
5. Competently perform selected immunological
techniques used in science
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
This unit is managed by the School of Biomedical Sciences in Health Sciencs
Technology skills
Thinking skills
Information skills
Apply discipline knowledge
Professional skills
Page 4 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this unit you will have completed tasks that have fostered
development of the following skills:
Effective Communication
Communicating with your lecturers and other students enrolled in Immunology 334. Use of
written, verbal and electronic media
Analysis and Evaluation of Information
Accessing, analysing and critically evaluating relevant information.
Completing self-study and group-study exercises.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Developing self –reflective study practice
Setting aside time to study, research, revise and review unit materials.
Reviewing lecture materials.
Submitting assignments and conducting independent self-study exercises.
Timely completion of assessments.
Teamwork
Completing group-study exercises and assignments.
Revision and discussion of unit materials.
Practical Competence
‘Hands-on’ experiments in practical sessions.
Completion of practical exercises competently and safely.
Awareness of Issues Affecting Health Professionals
Development of high ethical standards.
Knowledge of other (health) science disciplines and their interrelationships.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
Immunology 334 lecture program
Wk #
Lect#
Thursdays
4.00 - 6.00pm
1
1
2
Background & history – basic concepts
Innate Immunity and pathogen recognition
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
3
4
Adaptive immunity – introduction
B cells and immunoglobulins
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
5
6
B cell biology
Monoclonal antibodies and immunological methods
D. Nelson
B. Brestovac
7
8
Using a flow cytometer
Complement & disease II
D. Nelson
D. Coombe
9
10
Complement & disease I
The MHC
D. Coombe
B. Brestovac
11
12
Antigen processing
Mid-semester test
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
13
14
The T-cell Receptor
T cell biology
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
15
16
Adaptive immunity – priming
Adaptive immunity –the effector phase
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
starts 28/2/11
2
starts 7/3/11
3
starts 14/3/11
4
starts 21/3/11
5
starts 28/3/11
6
starts 4/4/11
7
starts 11/4/11
8
starts 18/4/11
Topic
Lecturer
Tuition free week
9
starts 25/4/11
10
starts 2/5/11
11
starts 9/5/11
12
starts 16/5/11
13
starts 23/5/11
17
18
Cell migration I
Cell migration II
D. Coombe
D. Coombe
19
20
Inflammation
Mucosal immunology
D. Nelson
D. Nelson
21
22
Evolution of the immune system
Immunology of infectious diseases – extracellular versus
intracellular pathogens
D. Coombe
B. Brestovac
23
24
Vaccines
Review
T.K Mukkur
D. Nelson
30 MAY – STUDY WEEK
6 JUNE – EXAM FORTNIGHT BEGINS
Please note lectures are Thursdays at 4.00 – 5.00pm in 307.102; 5.00 – 6.00pm in 300.214
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
Immunology 334 Laboratory Program
No lab
Week 1
Week 2
9/3/2011
Spread of Infection
B. Brestovac
Agnes Yap
Week 3
16/3/2011
Generating dendritic cells;
PMN phagocytosis (opsonised beads)
Week 4
23/3/2011
Antigen uptake by DCs (yeast)
Week 5
30/3/2011
Flow Cytometry - basics
B. Brestovac
Agnes Yap
Scott Cornwall
B. Brestovac
Agnes Yap
Scott Cornwall
Delia Nelson
Scott Cornwall
Week 6
6/4/2011
Flow Cytometry – cytokine bead array
Delia Nelson
Scott Cornwall
Week 7
13/4/2011
Anti-Tissue antibodies
B. Brestovac
Agnes Yap
Week 8
20/4/2011
SDS PAGE
Adrian Paxman
Agnes Yap
Week 9
Tuition Free Week
Week 10
4/5/2011
SDS PAGE Gradient gels
Adrian Paxman
Agnes Yap
Week 11
11/5/2011
SDS PAGE Western Blot
Week 12
18/5/2011
Revision
Adrian Paxman
Agnes Yap
B. Brestovac
Week 13
25/5/2011
No lab
Please note:
Labs are on:
Wednesday at 9.00 to 12.00am in 1A 310.103B
Or
Wednesday at 2.00 to 5.00pm in 1A 310.103B
For notes on writing the laboratory reports see page 10.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
SYLLABUS
The unit Immunology 334 comprises selected topics described below:
Background & history and evolution of the immune system: You will develop an
understanding of how historical findings influenced current immunological dogma and why there
are so many gaps in knowledge. You will also understand how the immune system evolved over
time.
Innate and acquired immunity: Traditionally, the immune system was divided into two
different systems comprising of different molecules and cells. It is now clear that these systems
cooperate with each other and that some cell types function in both compartments. The role,
components and evolution of these systems will be discussed.
Cell migration: The immune system is dependent upon the ability of cells to move rapidly
between blood, lymph, tissue and organs. The process of cell migration is complex and involves
a number of different molecules that orchestrate the movement of cells from the blood and
lymphatics into various organs and tissues, and this discussed in detail.
The MHC: The MHC gene complex and its products are especially significant to the immune
system. We will examine the structure and function of the gene complex and its products.
Infection, vaccines and the immune response: A major role of the immune system is to protect
against pathogens, thus the development of vaccines that have proved to be very effective at the
global level. Infection, inflammation and vaccines will all be covered in this course.
Basic Immunoassays: Immunoassays are used to study macromolecules for many different
purposes. You will experience a selection of these methods to gain an appreciation of their
applicability to diagnostic medicine and research. In particular we will examine the production
and use of antibodies in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Note that it expected that you will have commenced the recommended reading before you attend
the lectures. Lecture outlines will be available on the net.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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Page 8 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
UNIT MATERIALS
UNIT OUTLINE
The unit outline (this document) gives you important information about the general aims of the
unit, texts and references, and details about the assessment, including allocation of marks, grading
criteria and submission dates. You should take the time to read this document.
TEXTBOOK
The following titles are the preferred or recommended texts:
1. Chapel, H., Haeney, M., Misbah, S., and Snowden N. Essentials of Clinical Immunology.
(2006, 5th Edition). Blackwell publishing.
2. Coico, R., Sunshine G. and Benjamini, E. Immunology; A short course. (2003, 5th Edition),.
John Wiley and Sons, Inc, New Jersey.
Recommended: Janeway, C.A., Travers, P., Walport, M. and Shlomchk, M.J. Immunology: the
immune system in healthy and disease. (2006, 6th Edition). Garland Science, New York and
London.
$ prices not determined at the time of production of this outline.
While these texts should be regarded by the student as the preferred source of topic information for this unit, students
are encouraged to explore other reference materials.
LABORATORY MANUAL
This is an essential laboratory resource for this unit and will be made available on Blackboard.
Immunology 334: Laboratory Methods. Brestovac and Nelson (2010).
Blackboard-based resources
Blackboard will be available for use by enrolled students. Note that whilst every effort will be
made to ensure that the lecture material is available prior to the lecture itself, students are
encouraged to attend all lectures.
This site is intended as a forum for communication to the students and is updated from time to
time by the unit coordinator. Items posted to the site will include notices, lecture outlines, study
guides, and links to sites of immunological interest. Reference to material available from the site
will also be given in the lectures at appropriate times.
Study load
You will need to spend about 8 hours a week outside of scheduled classes studying in this unit to
be successful. Those who are not fast readers may also need to spend more time on the unit.
Keeping up with the work is the key to being successful in this unit, and, indeed, in the other third
year units of your course.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
This unit is managed by the School of Biomedical Sciences in Health Sciencs
Page 9 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
DELIVERY OF UNIT
Tuition pattern 5 hours per week allocated as follows:
 Lectures
Two hours per week
 Practicals
Three hours per week
LECTURES
ATTENDANCE AT ALL LECTURES IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
PRACTICALS
ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICAL SESSIONS IS ESSENTIAL. Reports will NOT be accepted
from students who have not attended specific practical sessions and have obtained copies of the
data/results generated during the lab times. The correct clothing must be worn to all laboratory
sessions and the appropriate safety regulations must be observed at all times. The laboratory
manual is an essential resource for the practical program in this unit.
IMPORTANT NOTE
During this semester you may at times work with specimens of human origin such as blood,
blood products or body fluids. These materials may be capable of transmitting disease,
particularly hepatitis and AIDS. For this reason, all specimens and reagents must be handled as if
they were infectious.
ASSESSMENT FORMAT FOR PRACTICALS
5 practical reports worth 8% each. Total = 40%
PRACTICAL REPORTS
Students are advised that practical reports are DUE seven (7) days after the results are obtained.
It is recommended that you retain a photocopy of your practical reports. Practical reports will
NOT be accepted as a "bulk submission" at or towards the end of the semester.
Details regarding the FORMAT of the practical reports are in the practical manual and will be
discussed during the first practical class. Note that the laboratory report requirements vary from
lab to lab. This is to give you a wide variation on reporting, covering a direct report in a
diagnostic immunology lab to a scientific article suitable for publication. Note that the write
should be typed on single sided pages in Time new Roman font size 12, with one and a half
spacing.
The following is a brief description of the type of report required for each of the labs.
1. Spread of Infectious Disease – Standard write up with introduction, methods, results and a
discussion. Approximately 2 pages.
2. Lymphocyte separation, DC generation and antigen uptake. A set of questions to answer.
3. Anti-Tissue antibodies – Standard write up as described above.
4. Flow-cytometry – Standard write up as described above, plus a set of questions to answer.
5. SDS PAGE – A set of questions to answer.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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Page 10 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
THEORY ASSESSMENT
MID-SEMESTER TEST
There will be one mid-semester test (closed book assessment) conducted in a lecture or a practical
session; details will be published on the web site.
FINAL EXAMINATION
The final theory examination will consist of a supervised 2 hour closed book exam to be
conducted during the official university examination period. No notes or books will be allowed
into the examination room. The use of a calculator is permitted. Further details regarding the
final examinations will be provided later in the semester.
Due dates and submission of work for assessment
Practical Reports: Seven (7) days from the date on which the results are available. These are to be
submitted to Dr. Brian Brestovac by placing them in his pigeon hole adjacent to the Office on
Level 1 of Building 308.
Due dates, attendance and submission requirements may be altered with the consent of the
majority of students enrolled in the unit, with the unit coordinator having the power of veto.
Late submissions
Late submissions of practical reports/assignments etc. will only be accepted when prior
arrangements have been made with a Unit Coordinator. Discuss any problems relating to the
expected deadlines in the unit with the undersigned, thereby facilitating identification of
arrangements which are mutually agreeable to the parties concerned. Late submissions granted
prior approval of the Unit Coordinator must be lodged with the Unit Coordinator, unless
otherwise arranged.
If difficulties arise ….
You are strongly advised to consult the Unit Coordinator if difficulties arise which interfere with
your ability to meet submission deadlines or your study program in this unit. The Coordinator is
available to discuss your problems and can design alternative strategies which are mutually
acceptable and which are intended to assist you to pass the unit.
PASS/FAIL POLICY
In accordance with Curtin policy, students are advised that this unit is a SIGNIFICANT UNIT
in which failure twice may lead to termination of a student’s course. Students should note that
satisfactory completion of each assessed component is considered essential for passing the unit.
Students who fail to do so may be required to repeat the failed activities and/or complete
additional assessed activities. In addition, a mark of 50% or more in both the theoretical and
practical component of the unit is expected in order to secure a pass, and that failure in either
area may result in an overall failure in this unit regardless of the total marks accrued. That is,
a pass in the practical component but failure in the theory component (or vice versa) may lead to
a fail grade for the unit, even though the student's total mark may exceed 50%.
Mobile phones
If you have a mobile phone, please ensure that it is TURNED OFF during lecture, tutorial and
practical sessions as a courtesy to both lecturers and other students. Students who do not comply
with this request can be asked to leave the class.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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Page 11 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
*Plagiarism policy (as adopted by the School of Biomedical Sciences)
It is not acceptable to simply copy the words of other students or authors when completing the
weekly exercises and assignments in this unit. This action constitutes plagiarism and is regarded
as academic malpractice. The penalties for plagiarism can be severe and may include termination
from your course of study. All direct quotes must be correctly attributed to the author and should
be kept to a minimum. Also, you should include a list of references to acknowledge the source(s)
of information used to produce any written work.
The School of Biomedical Sciences advises students that it will use screening software to
check for plagiarism in submitted work suspected of containing plagiarised material and
also for routine screening of text as deemed appropriate by the Head of School.
Useful examples and explanations of plagiarism may be seen at the following web site –
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html
These will help you in understanding the nature of this form of academic malpractice.
As a guide only, typical penalties which may be imposed by the School of Biomedical Sciences
for some of the more common types of plagiarism (including collusion) are shown in the Table
below. Please note that each case of academic malpractice is assessed individually and that
penalties actually imposed by the Head of School (or a delegate) may vary from the examples
shown in the Table over the page.
Example
Students submitting very similar
work (even as a result of
legitimate co-operation)
Not referencing input (factual
statements, definitions etc)
where students’ words are used
Not referencing input where
plagiarised words are used
1. Not acknowledging ideas or
concepts of others (i.e. stealing
intellectual property).
2. Taking notes into a test or
exam (i.e. cheating).
Degree of seriousness
Collusion
Minor to Severe depending
on context
Minor to Intermediate
Typical Penalty
Loss of marks for that question or
assignment etc. by both students
Depends on context, but may
be serious
Serious misconduct
Loss of 50 – 100% of marks for that
question or assignment.
Loss of marks plus an additional
penalty which could entail failure of
unit and/or possible termination
from course depending on the
circumstances
Loss of 5% of assessment entity for
each instance
*Copyright requirements
As a student of Curtin you must be familiar with the requirements of the University's Copyright
Procedures. Guidance is available to you at the following web page
(http://lisweb.curtin.edu.au/copyright/) under the heading Information for All Students. Curtin's
Copyright Procedures can be found under the heading Related Curtin Policies and Procedures
whilst the Copyright Act can be accessed from the Additional information heading at that web
site should you wish to understand the source of the Procedures.
Failure to comply with the University's policies and procedures on Copyright and IT/IS use may
include suspension or termination of enrolment, fines, withdrawal of privileges for use of the
University's ICT facilities and services and, depending on what is copied, stored or
communicated, may also render you liable to prosecution in the courts.
Immunology 334
18/6/2010
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Page 12 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
*Supplementary examinations
Supplementary examinations are awarded only at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. The
aim of a supplementary examination is to allow the student to correct minor problems
/deficiencies in the initial assessment. They are not intended to gain extra study time or to
correct major problems. The number of supplementary examinations awarded will be kept to a
minimum of one per student per examination period.
NB. Supplementary examinations are not automatically awarded. The Board of Examiners will
carefully review individual cases. No written application for supplementary examination will be
considered.
Students will be notified of Supplementary examinations, if awarded, via the OCC (Official
Communication Channel). It is your responsibility to check your status – students are obliged to
check their OCC at least once a week during semester. Students should note that supplementary
examinations for units conducted in the School are likely to be held on the week of either 27
June or 4 July 2011. A student who does not sit for a scheduled supplementary examination has
no claim to a further examination. If you are awarded a supplementary examination it is
imperative that you confirm the time and venue for the exam.
*Deferred assessment
Deferment of an examination is not automatic. Students may be permitted by the relevant Board
of Examiners to defer an examination or other assessment where circumstances outside their
control have arisen. However, a student’s overall performance may be taken into account in
granting permission to defer an examination.
Applications for deferment on health grounds or as a result of extenuating circumstances must be
submitted not later than seven (7) days after the end of the relevant examination period or
assessment date during the semester. Detailed medical certificates should be attached to the
application where appropriate.
The prescribed application form may be obtained either from Admission and Student Records or
the Course Administrator. Completed forms must be submitted to the Course Administrator.
This includes applications for deferred assessment for units in your course of study conducted by
other Schools.
* Policies relating to these items have been defined by the School and the University and
provided previously. They are included on the Web site for this Unit at:
http://medsci.biomed.curtin.edu.au/imm334_05/index.htm
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Page 13 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B
Health Sciences
School of Biomedical Sciences
Student Rights and Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation and policies and
procedures relating to his or her rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:





the Student Charter
the University’s Guiding Ethical Principles
the University’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity
copyright principles and responsibilities
the University’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities
Information on all these things is available through the University’s “Student Rights and
Responsibilities” website at: students.curtin.edu.au/rights.
Feedback
We welcome feedback as one way to keep improving this unit. Students are encouraged to give
unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin’s online student feedback system (see
http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/index)
http://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/dates.cfm
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18/6/2010
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Page 14 of 14
CRICOS Provider Code
WA 00301J, NSW 02637B