Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Immunology
BY235
5
10 CATS
BY103
1 semester in extended mode
 To familiarise the student with the fundamental concepts of
immunology and immunity.
 To form a brief introduction to the range of diagnostic
techniques based on immunological reagents.
 To consider the biology of some immunological diseases
Learning outcomes/objectives
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
1. appreciate the fundamental characteristics of the immune
system, of antigens, and of the immunoglobulin
superfamily.
2. understand the genetics of antibody, T-cell receptor and
major histocompatability complex diversity.
3. know the type, structure and distribution of the cells,
tissues and organs of the immune system.
4. understand the processes involved in, and the control of the
humoral and cellular immune responses.
5. know the elements of natural immunity and their role in
defence.
6. understand the importance of, and possible mechanisms
for, the induction of tolerance.
7. carry out a range of basic immunologically based tests and
assays.
Content













Teaching and learning strategies
The module will be delivered by a mixture of lectures, practicals
and directed reading.
Lectures occupy 30hrs
Practicals occupy 9hrs
Directed reading 20hrs
Private study/assessment 41hrs
General characteristics of the immune system
Cells and tissues of the immune system
Characteristics of antigens
Antigen recognition molecules
Antibody structure
Genetics of antibody and TCR production
Clonal selection theory.
Major histocompatability complex (MHC)
The humoral and cellular responses
Induction of tolerance.
Natural immunity (incl TLRs)
Introduction to practical immunology
Some immunological diseases
Learning support
Current edition of Kuby's Immunology, Goldsby et al. Freeman
The Student Central site contains a set of immunology book
reviews; links to Immunolgy pages at other universities and a link
to a virtual immunoassay site. It also carries practical schedules
and results.
Assessment tasks
50% Exam and 50% coursework.
The exam is 50% MCQ and 50% essay type questions,(L2,3,4,5,)
The coursework is a short practical report (L 7)and a short essay
(L1, 6).
Brief description of module
This module will present the student with the principles
content and/or aims (maximum 80 underpinning the structure and function of the immune system at
words)
the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. It will explain how the
immune system responds to antigens, and how it avoids responses
against self.
Area examination board to which
module relates
Module team/authors/ coordinator
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this version
Version number
Field for which module is
acceptable and status in that field
Course(s) for which module is
acceptable and status in course
School home
External Examiner
Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Dr. S. L. James
1991
2006
2007
4
Biology- option
Biomedical Science- compulsory in approved mode- All other
Biology field degrees- optional
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Dr P Nicholls