Immunology of Infection
| Module title | Immunology of Infection |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIOM110 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Peter Cook (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
Immunology of infection will provide expert led insight into the diversity of host immune responses to different types and contexts of infection. Here you will cover the latest understanding in immunity to viral, bacterial, fungal and parasite infection and exposure. Additionally, you will be introduced to the concept of co-infection and co-morbidity. You will be taught by active UK and overseas based researchers addressing both fundamental and clinical aspects of this field of immunology. Your face-to-face teaching will be complemented by tasks that will require you to assess and understand current literature and technical advances that is advancing this field.
We would expect you to have an undergraduate background in a relevant biological subject. Such a background will provide the foundational knowledge needed to complete this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to ensure you have an understanding of the molecular and cellular immunological basis of infection control and infection induced pathology. It will provide you with the essential knowledge to allow you to understand and interpret the significance of both published findings and your own experimental and clinical readouts.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Illustrate how the distinct molecular and cellular immune responses influence the outcome of infection.
- 2. Describe how specific predisposing factors (e.g. co-morbidity, genetic and environmental) can alter control of infection.
- 3. Be able to identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of the role of the immune system in controlling infection.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Evaluate how immunological concepts underpin basic and applied research, diagnosis and therapy of human health and disease.
- 5. Reflect on the challenges and ethical principles involved in controlling infection.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Apply critical thinking to analyse and evaluate evidence to formulate effective arguments.
- 7. Apply concise and engaging scientific communication effectively to a range expert and lay audiences.
- 8. Demonstrate effective independent and group work.
Syllabus plan
The module will contain several one-week blocks that are focussed on specific topics of current advances in immunological research aligned to infection. Here we will cover advances in:
- our understanding of immune control of infection
- relevant immune cell subsets and immunological concepts that relate to host response to infection
- interdisciplinary research (incl. advanced research methodologies)
Learning within each block will be guided by an expert from the University of Exeter.
The structure of each learning block will consist of:
1) Trigger material release (Key concepts, Selected reading material, Pre-set questions).
2) Lecture
3) Guided Independent learning (using the provided reading material [and any additional extra reading you identify] to answer the pre-set questions.
4) In person seminar sessions which may include “journal club” discussion, report back to and discussing your answers to pre-set questions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 1 | Lecture Introduction to Module |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Lectures Lay Abstract & Presentation Skills (2 x 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10 | Lectures (10 x 1 h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 20 | Seminar (10 x 2 h) |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Lectures: Wider reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 42 | Seminar: Prep/Follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | 5 | Peer marking |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Prep Lay Abstract |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Prep Presentation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lay abstract | 500 words - peer marking | 1-8 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Abstract and short answer questions | 70 | 500 words | 1-8 | Written |
| Presentation | 30 | 15 minutes | 1-8 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Abstract | Lay Abstract | 1-8 | Relevant re-assessment period |
| Presentation | Presentation | 1-8 | Relevant re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Murphy, K. M., Weaver, C., Berg, L., & Barton, G. (2022). Janeway's immunobiology (10th ed.). Garland Science.
- Abbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H., & Pillai, S. (2015). Cellular and Molecular Immunology (8th ed.). Elsevier Saunders
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Students will be expected to use standard online search engines such as PubMed to access peer reviewed research that will support their learning.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 10/04/2025 |
