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Immunology of Infectious Diseases

Module description

This module introduces the complex yet fascinating field of science known as Immunology. In this module, you will learn about the key cells and proteins that constitute the immune system, and how they work together to fight pathogens and other threats to keep us healthy. You will learn about the key pathways that result in either activation or inhibition to mount an effective immune response. The molecular mechanisms will be discussed in the context of future global challenges and historical events. This knowledge will then be applied to a variety of pathogenic organisms to see the varied and powerful mechanisms that keep us healthy and disease-free. This module provides the foundation from which you may progress to higher modules in Immunopathology, Introduction to Tropical Medicine and Global Health and Rational Drug Design.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The immune system is a vast and critical element of human physiology that underpins almost every aspect of health and disease. In this module, you will learn about the vital cells and proteins of the immune system, and how they communicate with one another to mount an effective immune response. You will then discover the microorganisms that can cause disease in the human body, and how they avoid detection and counteract the mechanisms that the immune system uses to kill them. This module will also highlight the impact of climate change of the prevalence of infectious diseases, and how the dangers these pose can be targeted to minimise risk to the populations they affect.

This knowledge will then be built upon by exploring the various vaccination technologies, and the vital part they play in protecting individuals from infections. Alongside this, you will also learn about the key techniques that immunologists and microbiologists use to conduct research in these areas. You will then have a hands-on opportunity to apply these theoretical principles into tangible experience through practical sessions. By the end of the module you will have a broad understanding of immunology and microbiology and how these two systems interact with one another.Assessment will take the form in an infographic and presentation.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skillsin critical appraisal skills and communication to lay and scientific audiences.

The module aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs) SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) ensuring knowledge into physiology and healthy lives along with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe the cells of the immune system and organise them into the innate and adaptive branches
• 2. Distinguish between the different types of pathogens that are capable of infecting the human body, and how the immune system responds to each of them
• 3. Evaluate the current and emerging challenges to global health and justify the risk that these pose
• 4. Explain how specific groups in the population are more susceptible to infection
• 5. Illustrate ways in which pathogens are able to circumvent the immune response to establish infection

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Identify how climate change will impact the prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide
• 7. Discuss historical and present ethical issues that have impacted the fields of microbiology and immunology
• 8. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of some standard immunological and microbiological laboratory techniques and analyse data

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Demonstrate an ability to engage with current literature and appraise their significance
• 10. Communicate complex information via visual and verbal routes

Syllabus plan

This module will use seminars and lectures/workshops to provide a variety of learning environments to understand course content. The module will begin with learning the basics of the immune system, and the functions that each cell plays in fighting infections. You will then begin to explore the various types of pathogens that can cause disease in the human body. These foundations will then be built on with more advanced concepts such as vaccination targeting, immune dormancy and immunodeficiencies, and the impact that global challenges will play in the landscape of infectious disease. There will also be an opportunity to learn key techniques used in the fields of immunology and microbiology in the practical labs.  

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake two laboratory sessions in the teaching laboratory (of up to 40 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs, and sessions involve fine laboratory work. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Murphy KM, Weaver C. Janeway's Immunobiology: Tenth International Student Edition with Registration Card. WW Norton & Company; 2022 Jun 1.
• Goering R, Dockrell HM, Zuckerman M, Chiodini PL. Mims' Medical Microbiology E-Book: Mims' Medical Microbiology E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2023 Dec 20.
• Alberts B, Heald R, Johnson A, Morgan D, Raff M, Roberts K, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell (Seventh Edition). Seventh edition. W. W. Norton & Company, Incorporated; 2022.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Module ELE page containing formative quizzes and access to on-line learning resources

Key words search

Immunology, Pathogens and Vaccines