Basics of Immunotechnology

This course has substantial overlap with CBI20803; therefore, it cannot be combined with that course.
The course is designed for students with an interest in the immune system. Every organism is in continuous contact with its environment and must maintain tolerance to harmless foods and commensal bacteria, while remaining capable of mounting effective immune responses against harmful substances and pathogens.

In this course, you will receive an introductory overview of the organs and cells that constitute the immune system. Key questions addressed include: how does the immune system function, how do immune cells communicate, and how do humans and animals maintain health? In addition, the course explores immune processes involved in homeostasis and disease.

This course serves as foundational training for students aiming for a career in medical biology or the health sciences, in either human or animal contexts. It provides essential background knowledge for advanced immunology courses, such as Immunotechnology (CBI30806) and Human and Veterinary Immunology (CBI30306).

• Explain the organisation of the immune system and its development

• Describe the concepts of innate and adaptive immunity and their communication

• Explain processes underlying infection and inflammation

• Identify and apply the first concepts of independent lab work based on scientific publications. (e.g. set-up protocol, optimise protocol, prepare experiment and reagents, writing lab journal)

• Perform basic immunological assays in a laboratory and describe several imaging techniques

• Create and present a scientific poster

• Analyse data from an obtained experiment

• Assignment poster (20%) If the poster assignment is insufficient the student has to remake the poster next academic year.
• Written test with closed questions (80%) Computer-based exam.
• Performance (0%) Mandatory attendance practicals and tutorials - If the practicals/ tutorials have not been completed, they can be done the next time the course is taught (next academic year).

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety CBI10306 Cell Biology (BBI, BBT, BML, BPW, BVG) or CBI10806 (BAS, BFT).

• Handbook: How the immune system works -- L. Sompayrac (Wiley-Blackwell), ISBN: 9781119890683 , 7th edition. Practical manual: Brightspace including Lab-buddy. ICT modules with questions: Brightspace. Lectures: PowerPoint presentations on Brightspace.