MICRO 3520 - Infection & Immunity B (Theory) III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This is an advanced course that includes a detailed examination of the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system, immune responses to microbial pathogens and other antigenic stimuli and immunisation against infections in humans and animals. Topics to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MICRO 3520
    Course Infection & Immunity B (Theory) III
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites MICRO 2500 & MICRO 2501
    Corequisites SCIENCE 3100
    Incompatible MICRO 3202 & MICRO 3001
    Assumed Knowledge MICRO 3000
    Restrictions Available to B.Sc (Advanced) students only
    Course Description This is an advanced course that includes a detailed examination of the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system, immune responses to microbial pathogens and other antigenic stimuli and immunisation against infections in humans and animals. Topics to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Shaun McColl

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    By completion of this course, students will have:
    1. Gained an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the pathogenesis and control of infections, and the interaction of pathogens with the immune system.
    2. Developed organisational and time management skills and the capacity for multi-tasking.
    3. Developed the ability to work in small teams and to communicate and coordinate outcomes with a larger group of colleagues.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1,3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1,2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered in the following means:

    3 x 1 hour lectures per week,
    1 x 2 hour tutorials (total of 3 sessions)
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary

    The course content will include the following:

     Lecture topics
    to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples.

     Tutorials:
    Each student will participate in the presentation of research paper tutorials. Research paper tutorials are compulsory and assessable - all students will be expected to attend and contribute in every session scheduled for their group. In each session, two to three students will present the paper and lead the discussion. Each student will be involved in the presentation of a single paper, but will be expected to participate in the discussion of all other papers..

     A 2000 word essay that will be based on unique content and will develop skills in scientific inquiry through reading and written interpretation of primary and secondary research literature.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading
    purposes


    Hurdle
    Yes
    or No
    Outcomes being assessed / achieved Approximate Timing of Assessment
    Essay Summative 25% No 1 & 2 Mid-semester break
    Tutorials Summative 15% No 1, 3  Weeks 4-8
    Written examination Summative 60% No 1 Examination period
    Assessment Detail

    Final Exam 
    (60% of course grade). One exam will be given to test the capacity to comprehend and integrate knowledge from a broad range of topics relevant to the disciplines of immunology & virology. 1/3 of the marks will be longer essay format 2/3rd of the marks will be short answer or similar questions.

    Tutorials

    (15% of course grade) Small groups of students will analyse and reflect on key primary research papers relevant to the lecture course, The tutorials assess knowledge of scientific concepts, techniques and technologies, cognitive skills, critical thinking and presentation skills. Assessment will be based on individual performance and participation

    Essay
    (25%) Students submit an essay of 2,000 words (maximum) on an allocated topic of relevance to the disciplines of immunology and virology. Students are expected to read widely on the topic and to cover the most up-to-date primary literature.

    Submission

    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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