Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

• To develop an appreciation of the part played by the immune system in a range of human diseases

•To build upon the students’ knowledge of basic virology and develop an understanding of the biology of pathogenic viruses

Outline Of Syllabus

The module considers the role of the immune system in human disease and is divided into two strands:

Clinical Immunology:

The clinical immunology strand considers immunity in the context of infectious disease with particular reference to inflammation and immunodeficiency. The second part of the strand considers how immune responses can cause disease with reference to allergic disease, autoimmunity, cancers of the immune system and transplantation. The diagnostic techniques currently used in clinical immunology, immunosuppressive drugs and the potential of immunomodulation and immunotherapy in the treatment of a number of conditions are also described.

Viral Pathogens:

The Viral Pathogens strand considers the ways in which viruses cause disease. It examines the mechanisms by which viruses enter host cells, replicate within them and are finally released and transmitted from man to man and from animals to man. The host response to viral infection is described and the outcomes are considered. Specific examples of viral pathogens, including coronavirus, hepatitis B virus, herpes viruses, Ebola virus and retroviruses including HIV are described. The role of viruses in development of some cancers is discussed, including the role of human papilloma virus in cervical cancer. Finally we look at mucosal immunity, anti-viral therapies and vaccines.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Clinical Immunology (Strand A):

By the end of this section students should be able to:

1. Explain what is meant by primary and secondary immunodeficiency; discuss the causes of immunodeficiency and the consequences of different types of immunodeficiency

2. Explain the molecular and cellular events underlying acute and chronic inflammation. Appreciate the clinical significance of inflammation and give specific examples of inflammatory disease

3. Explain what is meant by hypersensitivity and its significance; describe the mechanisms underlying each of the four main types of hypersensitivity reaction and give specific examples of each

4. Explain what is meant by an allergic reaction; appreciate the clinical significance of allergy and give examples of allergic diseases

5. Discuss what constitutes an autoimmune disease; explain the distinction between organ-specific and non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases and give examples of each; discuss how autoimmune reactions may account for the pathogenesis of organ-specific and non-organ specific diseases; discuss the factors that may contribute to the development of autoimmune disease

6. Explain what is meant by ‘immune surveillance”; discuss the prospects for harnessing immune responses against tumours in cancer therapy

7. Define the terms autograft, allograft and xenograft; describe the events which may lead to allograft rejection, and the steps that can be taken to minimise the chances of this occurring


Viral Pathogens (Strand B):

By the end of this section students should be able to:

1. Explain the following features of viral pathogenesis:

- How viruses infect human tissues and the host response to viral infection
- The range of outcomes of viral infection
- Acute, chronic and latent viral infections
- How oncogenic viruses are associated with tumour development

2. Describe specific viral pathogens which can be used to illustrate the features listed above

3. Describe examples of vaccines and drugs used to prevent and treat viral infection and explain their mechanism of action

4. Discuss the features and roles of the mucosal immune systems and its importance in viral infections

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate oral communication skills.

2. Interpret and synthesize complex information relating to clinical immunology and virology.

3. Demonstrate team working skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide students with key information and guidance for additional reading.

Poster presentation and paper interpretation workshop develop interpersonal communication and team work skills, increase understanding of lecture material and primary literature by discussion with peers and teachers and help prepare students for final exam. Module talk and seminars will introduce students to the module teaching and assessment format. Drop-in Q&A surgeries will allow students to discuss areas of the curriculum with lectures to consolidate learning. Private study will allow students to extend and reinforce their knowledge and understanding through reading of text books, journal articles and use of other recommended resources (eg online).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The quiz format question section of the examination will assess the students' knowledge and understanding of taught material and additional reading; the scientific paper interpretation section of the examination will assess the students ability to use their knowledge and understanding of the topics to data presented in a scientific research paper.

The poster presentation assesses information literacy, computer literacy, ability to interpret scientific papers, planning and organisation skills, group working skills and oral presentation skills. The scientific paper interpretation exercise assesses ability to interpret data presented in a scientific research paper and will prepare students for the scientific paper interpretation element of the examination.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: