General provisions

The content, length and level of the education are regulated by chapter 1, section 9 of the Higher Education Act 1 (1992:1434), by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), and by the Ordinance on changes to the Higher Education Ordinance (2006:1053). The course is given in semester 4 in biomedical laboratory science programme and consists of theoretical studies and practical proficiency training. The course aims for the students to acquire theoretical basics of immunology and transfusion medicine, as well as of methodology required for both practical applications during placements in clinical transfusion- and transplantation medicine, and for acquiring more advanced knowledge within the field.

Entry requirements

Admission to the academic year 2 requires a minimum of 40 approved credits in subjects equivalent to year 1 of the program, as well as a maximum residue on one practical test and 2 exams. At admission to separate course require older biomedical laboratory science education or equivalent qualification.

Learning outcomes

Skills and abilities

Immunology

On completion of the course should the student;

- be able to turn basic theory within cellular and molecular immunology into practice

- show ability to independently acquire and present facts orally

- be able to account for used methodology in writing and interpret received results

- be able to carry out commonly occurring immunochemical analytical techniques from laboratory supervision

transfusion medicine

- be able to practically use theoretical knowledge in basic transfusion medicine based on laboratory supervision

- show ability to independently acquire and present facts orally

- be able to account for used methodology in writing and interpret received results

- be able to discuss relevant problems within the subject

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Immunology

On completion of the course, the student should be able to;

- account for the structure, function of man at the molecular level and cellular level of the immune defence, bodies and organism level

- account for the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the most commonly occurring immunological diseases

- account for background, principle and carrying-out of basic and commonly occurring laboratory methodology based on immunochemical analytical techniques

- discuss the role of the immune system in different immunologically conditioned diseases such as hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immune deficiency and immunity against microorganisms

- explain the theory behind production of antibodies

- show certain knowledge of current research in the area and the connection between research and clinical application

transfusion medicine

On completion of the course, the student should be able to;

- account for background, principle and carrying-out of basic and commonly occurring laboratory methodology within transfusion medicine

- describe the genetics and structure of the AB0-system and the blood group systems

- explain the Rh-system and the importance of the D-antigen within transfusion medicine

- account for the formation of antibodies within the different blood group systems

- account for blood component production

- show certain knowledge of current research in the area and the connection between research and clinical application

- follow the laws and regulations that govern transfusion medicine and blood donor organisation

- be able to give example of quality assurance methods in transfusion medicine

EVALUATION ABILITY AND ATTITUDES

On completion of the course, the student should be able to;

- display an awareness of ethical, diversity and equality perspectives in the interaction with blood donors

Content

- The organisation of the immune defence and the immune system, the molecular and cellular bases of the immune system.

- Monoclonal antibodies, vaccines.

- The natural immune defence and their components, immune genetics, the cell cooperation.

- Hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, immunologic deficiency diseases, transplantation immunology, tumour immunology.

- Analytical methods based on antigen-antibody reactions.

-The biochemistry, genetics, antibody formation, importance at transfusion, pregnancy and transplantation of the AB0 and Rh-systems.

- The biochemistry of other blood group systems, common antigen, importance at transfusion and pregnancy.

- The most common blood group serological technologies, importance of immunoglobulin class, sources of errors

- Blood donation, the production of blood components, storing and control.

- The organisation around logistic and quality assurance at blood donation and transplantation.

- Relevant legislation

- Ethical issues in connection with blood donation.

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies, group work, seminars and study visits.

Assessment

Examination takes place as independent written and practical test. Passed seminars and laboratory sessions are furthermore required for the grade passed and participation in compulsory parts. Students who have not passed the examination have the right to take the examination 4 additional times (= total 5 examinations). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee may admit additional examinations. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called blank exam is counted as an examination.

Other regulations

Course director: Jaan Hong phone 018-6113264 (jaan.hong@igp.uu.se)