Entry requirements

At least two years of basic courses in Natural Sciences, equivalent to 50 points/75 ECTS credits in Biology and 20 points/30 ECTS credits in Chemistry. Biology courses should include Cell Biology, Genetics and Gene Technology, Structure and Physiology of Organisms, and Ecology. Alternatively, one year of Chemistry together with 20 points/30 ECTS credits in Biology including Structure and Physiology of Organisms and Genetics and Gene Technology.

Learning outcomes

The aim is to give a broad and detailed overview of whole the immunological field, and provide detailed knowledge of many of the most important immunological techniques.

After the course, the student should be able to

• understand immunological terminology
• describe the different haematopoietic cell groups regarding phenotype, function and distribution
• describe how these cells are formed, in which organs, and how this is governed by differentiating factors and cell adhesion molecules
• describe differences between adaptive and not adaptive (innate) immune defence regarding specificity, memory and kinetics
• describe the different genetic mechanisms and the selection mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level that guides the formation of the enormous amount of antigen-specific receptors, immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors that are the basis for the adaptive immune defence system of the vertebrates.
• describe immune responses against different pathogens and how these pathogens affect the ability of the immune system to combat the infection
• describe the mechanisms and components that participate in an inflammatory response
• describe different immunological diseases at the molecular and cellular level
• describe immune responses to tumours and transplanterad tissue
• describe different types of immunotherapy and vaccinations
• describe different immunological methods and carry out some of them
• analyse immunological data, draw conclusions and generate hypotheses
• carry out an immunological project with literature search and present the results in a written report, in the form of a summary, and orally
• read and understand both original paper and review papers within virtually the whole immunological field

Content

The students reach the aims by acquiring knowledge about immune system and its components, molecular and cellular processes for development of immune system, how the immune system functions in health and at immunological diseases, cancer and transplantation and how immunotherapy and vaccinations can be used to counteract or prevent diseases. This knowledge is acquired through lectures that cover practically the whole immunological field, through self-tuition and through laboratory sessions where the students becomes acquainted with important and common immunological methods. Scientific procedures and attitudes are obtained by keeping accurate laboratory records and by problem-solving at seminars where scientific data are analysed (theoretical exercises).

Immunological projects with literature search and oral and written reports give training in information retrieval and how to structure and present information.

Several course part have connections to the job market

• Basis in scientific methods
• Skills in documentation and critical evaluation of scientific data
• Oral and written presentation in both English and Swedish.
• Through its broad and solid knowledge in immunology the students will be attractive on labour market for both small, medium and large biotechnology companies, for pharmaceutical industry and in human aid projects.

Modules: Theory, 9 credits; Laboratory practicals, 3 credits; Exercises 3 credits

Instruction

The course includes lectures, seminars and laboratory work. Attendance in the laboratory work and connected lectures is compulsory.

Assessment

For passed final grade, passed participation in the compulsory exercises is required (laboratory sessions including approved laboratory records, equivalent to 3 credits, theoretical written exercises and project work equivalent to 3 credits, and passed results on examinations equivalent to 9 credits. Two written examinations are given, one relating to theoretical knowledge, the second to theoretical knowledge, theoretical laboratory skills and analysis of data and immunological problem.