MD536: Advanced and applied immunology
Title
Advanced and Applied Immunology
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Places
6-18
Module Code:
MD536
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
specialised module
Specialised module targeted to students enrolled in
structured PhD programmes of the School of Natural
Science, School of Medicine and School of
Engineering
Elective Places
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The module aims to give students the opportunity to develop a grounded knowledge base in the
biology underlying infection and the immune system, its relevance to diverse disease processes
and the application of immunological techniques to the broader field of Biomedical Science.
Course material will be delivered by faculty associated with the Immunity/Infection/Inflammation
theme of the MolCellBiol structured PhD programme as well as invited visiting faculty. Enrolment
will be open to students of other Biomedical structured PhD programmes based on Supervisor
approval and place availability. The module will be targeted to students in the 1st or 2nd year of
these programmes but will be open to 3rd and 4th year students as deemed appropriate. As a
component of a national, multi-institutional structured PhD programme (partner institutes being
TCD, UCD and UCC), the module will feature on the prospectus for the national programme and
will interact, where possible, with relevant teaching activities at partner institutes (via visiting
lecturers, workshops and video linkages).
Course material will consist of reading in the relevant primary literature and a series of lectures
delivered by core programme faculty, invited visiting faculty and interactions partner institute
campuses. Lecture formats will include a small number of traditional lectures designed to impart a
fundamental common knowledge base in infection and immunity transitioning to Workshop-style
group sessions focusing on specific relevant clinical and research topics presented by expert
faculty with emphasis on collaborative discussion. Teaching activities will be reinforced by directed
reading assignments, practical session and tutored preparation and review of hypothesis-based
research proposals.
Indicative Learning Outcomes: (about 5 bullet points)

On successful completion of this module, students should:

Have gained a strong knowledge base in the fundamental mechanisms underlying
infection, immunity and inflammation.

Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and discuss the literature in a range of
specific immunological topics.

Be able to formulate meaningful hypotheses from basic experimental data in
infection and immunity.
Understand the conceptual basis and practical applications of a range of experimental
techniques used in immunology and inflammation research.

Be able to design and critique hypothesis-driven experimental plans for addressing
research problems in infection and immunity.
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)

Class Contact
16 seminar hours over two semesters
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)



Specified Assignment(s)


Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)


Directed reading and discussion sessions
with course faculty (3-4 per semester).
Practical teaching sessions in core
immunological techniques (1-2 per
semester).
Group presentation and critical review of
research proposals (1).
Preparation of 1000-word research
proposal in immunology (1).
Written critical review of a research
proposal (1).
Reflective journal on course lectures,
workshops and related reading (reviewed
with supervisor).
Self-directed literature search and
reading for research proposal.
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
Type
Written Assignments (research proposal and
critique)
Reflective Journal
Group presentation Activities
Result
% of marks
40%
30%
30%
Pass / Fail
Timing