Advanced Immunopathology
| Module title | Advanced Immunopathology |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM193 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Martin Eichmann (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
Our immune system has iteratively evolved into a highly regulated and sophisticated system that can identify and eliminate almost any microbe and aberrant self. An imbalance in this regulation can lead to unwanted immune responses causing a diverse range of immune-mediated pathologies, that affect increasing numbers of people and lead to societal burden. In Advanced Immunopathology you will gain in-depth knowledge of selected immune-mediated pathologies by critically appraising the related aetiology, pathophysiology (at molecular and cellular level) and exploring therapeutic approaches to modify unwanted immune response.
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
Study of the immune system and related immune-mediated pathologies is a fascinating, complex and fast-moving research field with great potential for clinical translation. Ongoing research provides us with an ever-clearer insight into the aetiology and pathophysiology. These advances allowed development of and research on therapies that target specific immune pathways to modulate unwanted immune responses.
The overall aim of the module is to provide a holistic understanding of a range of immune-meditated pathologies from predisposing factors, affected immune pathways and therapy, and exposure to the leading edge of current research. The acquired knowledge will provide a strong platform to extrapolate and apply understanding to other pathologies.
Research-inspired teaching sessions will be led by experts from the University of Exeter Medical School to solidify specialist knowledge and acquire skills to critically appraise literature, make informed, evidence-based decisions to clearly articulate your conclusions; all key skills for you to succeed in your future career.
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 lead to a range of immune-mediated pathologies.
- 2. Appraise how specific predisposing factors (e.g. aging, genetic and environmental) can lead to a range of immune-mediated pathologies.
- 3. Evaluate current uncertainties in our understanding of the role of the immune system in immune-mediated pathologies.
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. Recognise good quality research by appraising project design and core methodology.
- 6. Reflect on the challenges and ethical principles involved in design and use of therapeutics that target the immune system.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Apply critical thinking to analyse and evaluate evidence to formulate effective arguments.
- 8. Apply concise and engaging scientific communicate effectively with different audiences.
- 9. Demonstrate effective independent and group work.
- 10. Recognise limitation of generative AI outputs.
Syllabus plan
The precise content of the module may vary between years. An example of an overall structure and content is given below:
The module will contain several one-week blocks that are focussed on specific topics of current advances in immunological research aligned to immunopathology. Here we will cover advances in:
- our understanding of immune pathologies
- relevant immune cell subsets and immunological concepts
- interdisciplinary research (incl. advanced research methodologies)
Learning within each block will be guided by an expert from the University of Exeter Medical School.
The structure of each learning block will consist of:
1) Trigger material release (Key concepts, Selected reading material, Pre-set questions).
2) Lecture (f-2-f)
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 session to 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 (SSGL) (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 | 1-10 | 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 | 1-10 | Written |
| Presentation | 30 | 15 minutes | 1-10 | 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 | 1-10 | Relevant re-assessment period |
| Presentation | Presentation | 1-10 | Relevant re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Janeway’s Immunology (10th)
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology (8th)
- Annual Review of Immunology
- Nature Reviews Immunology
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 10/04/2025 |
