Immunopathology
| Module title | Immunopathology |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC3034 |
| Academic year | 2027/8 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Martin Eichmann (Convenor) Dr Alex Clarke (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
Our immune system has evolved into a highly regulated and sophisticated system that can identify and eliminate almost any microbe and aberrant self. Imbalance in this tightly regulated system results in unwanted immune responses that can cause immune-mediated pathologies. These pathologies affect an increasing number of people and lead to societal burden.
In Immunopathology you will explore key concepts of immunology. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of selected immune-mediated pathologies by appraising their pathophysiology at the molecular and cellular level. Exploring therapeutic approaches to modify unwanted immune response will highlight how immunology research translates into clinical application. The content of this module is intended to build on learning in other modules, such as Microbiology and The Immunology of Infectious Disease.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module you will establish the key concepts that underpin the core functions of the immune system. You will explore how unregulated immune responses in essential immune pathways can lead to development of diverse immune-mediated pathologies. Finally, you will evaluate the impact of cutting-edge biomedical research into development for clinical application for therapy and diagnostics.
Using real-world examples and the research expertise of researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School you will enhance your efficiency in critically appraising research data and linking it to wider concepts of immunology. Assessment will take the form of an oral presentation and critiquing a scientific article.
Graduate attributes; as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skills: in explaining science simply and effectively across a range of communication platforms. Also effectively assessing and using generative AI to support work.
The module aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing; providing awareness and knowledge to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all across all ages) and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities (providing awareness and knowledge to reduce inequality within and among countries).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe in detail the key principles, components and tissue adaptations of the immune system.
- 2. Explain how a malfunctioning immune system leads to immune-mediated pathology with illustrative examples of diseases with major global impact (e.g. autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer).
- 3. Appraise how various factors (e.g. aging, genetic and environmental) affect the immune system.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Identify and evaluate how immunological concepts underpin basic and applied research, diagnosis and therapy of human health and disease.
- 5. Apply insight of key techniques to advance immunological research and application.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally in writing and verbally to a range of audiences.
- 7. Critically evaluate and interpret primary literature in the wider context of the subject area.
- 8. Effectively use generative AI to assist in summarising of literature.
Syllabus plan
The module will contain several one-week blocks, with each block focusing on a new area of immunopathology. You will explore a range of areas crucial to the field of immunology research such as: immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, key immunological systems in the body, and the clinical applications of immunological processes.
There will be two sessions per week: a 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hours workshop. In interactive workshops, you will work in small groups to appraise scientific literature and discuss your understanding of the week’s learning material. In these workshops, you will also use generative AI as a tool to enhance your learning and to understand its applications to research, exploring its benefits and limitations.
For each block you will be provided with key questions to answer through independent learning and directed reading, which will expand on material provided in the lectures to help consolidate your understanding.
Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module, you will undertake workshop sessions that are of 1.5 hrs in duration. These workshops are not recorded. The workshops include break(s) and students can leave the teaching space for short periods as required. You will be assigned to and be part of one workshop group throughout the duration of the module. In these small groups (akin to a research group), you will be expected to actively contribute to groups discussion and providing feedback to others.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2.5 | Introductory sessions Introduction to Module & and workshop design |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Lectures Article Critique & Presentation Skills (2 x 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 7 | Lectures (7 x 1 h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10.5 | Workshop (SSGL) (7 x 1.5h) |
| Guided Independent Study | 53 | Lectures: Wider reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 45 | Pre/Post work for Workshop |
| Guided Independent Study | 18 | Preparing for Oral Presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | 12 | Preparing for Critiquing Article assessment |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation of Finding/Conclusions | Short presentation during SSGL session | 1-7 | Peer-feedback - oral and written; not anonymous |
| Paper critique | 300 words, summarising/analysing weak point of a manuscript | 2-4, 6-8 | Peer-feedback - written; not anonymous |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 60 | 15-minutes, recorded | 1-8 | Written |
| Critique of article | 40 | 1000 words | 2-4, 6-8 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | Oral Presentation | 1-8 | Ref/Def period |
| Critique of article | Critique of article | 2-4, 6-8 | Ref/Def period |
Re-assessment notes
Referred and deferred assessments will be on a new brief/trigger/topic.
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
- Abbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H. and Pillai, S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Eighth Edition, Elsevier Saunder; 2015
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module ELE page containing formative quizzes and access to on-line learning resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 13/05/2024 |
| Last revision date | 01/04/2025 |
