LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Module Specification template
Section One: ABOUT THE MODULE
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Module title
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Module code
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Module level and credit rating
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Faculty
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School/Subject Discipline
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Teaching locations
northnorth
Introduction to Immunology
BM7101DL
Level 7Level 7
1010
Life SciencesLife Sciences
School of Human SciencesSchool of Human Sciences
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DayDay
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Teaching period
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Pattern of attendance
Required prior learning
Module description
BM7101DL
Introduction to Immunology
This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of immunology. It
addresses the mechanisms of the mammalian immune system in defence against disease, the
consequences of inappropriate responses of the immune system, immunological disease or disorders,
organ transplantation, prophylaxis and immunotherapy, and immunological techniques.
Semester: Autumn, Spring, Summer (10 credit)
Required prior Learning:
Assessment: Quizzes (200 words) (20%), reflective learning log (800 words) (30%), coursework (1000
words) (50%)
Module aims
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance
Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. To provide, through in depth study,
knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of immunology. It will also reinforce analytical,
evaluative and communication skills, allow students to research a topical issue in depth and present it
at an appropriate level and to reflect on the topics studied and their application in biomedical practice.
Module learning outcomes
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On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the products of immunological responses, and the mechanisms of
specific and non-specific defence and show an understanding of the consequences of inappropriate
responses and malfunctions in the ontogeny of immune response components.
2. Demonstrate an ability to utilise immunological techniques as a member of a team to generate
practical data to diagnose diseases and show an appreciation of current and evolving concepts in
immunology and developments in immunotechnology, immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis and
3. Think critically in analysing and solving immunological problems and demonstrate through the
reflective learning journal that the student has reflected on their own performance as an independent
professional learner
Indicative syllabus – for full details see section C in Module Booklet
Basis of immunity: historical perspectives; self /non-self behaviour of cells; comparative immunology;
components and effector mechanisms of innate and non-specific immunity; specific immunity;
ontogeny of effector mechanisms for primary and secondary responses; immunoregulation; Class I and
II major histocompatibility (MHC) gene products.
Pathology and immunotherapy: immune-mediated injury and disease; hypersensitivity,
immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and immunopathology; tumour immunology; cancer
immunotherapy; immunity to infection; transplantation immunology; immunosuppressive therapy;
experimental systems and immunomodulation therapy.
Immunotechnology: hybridoma technology; monoclonal antibodies and their biochemical and medical
applications; vaccine design and production.
Indicative bibliography and key on-line resources – for full details see section D in Module Booklet
Alberts et al. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell 5th Ed. Garland Science. NY.
Eales L. (2003) Immunology for Life Scientists. 2nd Ed. Wiley.
Murphy K, Travers P, Walport M. (2008) Janeway's Immunobiology 7th Ed. Garland Science. NY.
Lodish et al. (2008) Molecular Cell Biology 6th Ed. Freeman. NY.
Learning and Teaching strategy for the module including approach to blended learning, students’ study
responsibilities and opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Information pertaining to the subject matter will be presented through an integrated programme of
lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of a problem-based learning approach and
the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual
framework. Student centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their
knowledge, and develop subject specific skills and competence.
Indicative learning and teaching hours for the module. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual
contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements (where relevant).
Method
Description and percentage of learning hours
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
Guided independent study
100 (100%)
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE
100
MODULE
Assessment strategy
The module will be formatively assessed by in-course online quizzes (20%) and two coursework
components. A reflective learning log (800 words) and a written assignment (30%; 1000 words).
Criteria for assessment will include an understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both orally and
written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of written reports
and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour. To pass the module students need
to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
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Component
Learning outcomes
Quizzes
1
Reflective learning log
2,3
Written assignment
2,3
Arrangements for formative and summative feedback
Written feedback on the coursework will be given at the end of the module
Description of assessment items
Assessment
Method
Practical
ExamPractical
Exam
CourseworkCour
sework
CourseworkCour
sework
Description of Item
%
weighting
Week
Due
On-line Quizzes (200 words)
20
Reflective learning log (800 words)
30
12
Written assignment (ECA) (1000 words
50
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Section Two: FACULTY USE
20 Nominated External Examiner
21 Nominated Module Leader at time of approval
22 Courses to which this module contributes and
whether Core or Option
If not pass on aggregate,
explain what is required to
pass the module
Sheelagh Heugh
Section Three: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES – responsibility for completion is as indicated
23 Original date of approval (QEU)
24 Module approved to run from (QEU)
25 Revision date (specify cohort) (QEU)
26 Module specification version number (QEU)
27 SITS Mark Scheme (Academic Registry)
28 Subject Standards Board Name (Academic
Registry)