Course Syllabus
Immunology A |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2025 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: | Biology, Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science |
| Prerequisites: |
One year of biology, one semester of chemistry, and an introductory course in molecular biology/genetics at university level |
| Faculty Member: |
Mark Doherty (current students please use the canvas inbox to contact) |
| Program contact: |
Science and Health Department |
| Program Director: |
Susana Dietrich |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays and Thursdays, 13:15-14:35 Classroom: N7-B12 |
Faculty
|
Education. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Double major: Microbiology and Biochemistry. 1980 – 1983 Master of Science (MSc) 1st Class Hon.s, Double major: Microbiology and genetics 1985 - 1986 University of Auckland Medical School. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Immunobiology 1987 - 1990 Work Experience Postdoctoral researcher. DNAX Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology. 1990-1994 Distinguished visiting Professor. University of Sao Paulo. 1994 Associate, Fogarty Institute, National Institutes of Health 1994-1998 Coordinator for Research, Strategy. Statens Serum Institute. 1998-2011 Adjunct professor, Gade Institute, Bergen University. 2006-2011 Adjunct professor, St John’s Medical College. 2011-2015 Senior Manager, GSK Vaccines. 2011-2024 |
Course Description
This course will focus on how our immune system function including an introduction to each of our immune cells, how they develop and interact when they fight different types of infections but also how some infections or diseases like cancer sometimes can overcome our immune system. We will also discuss how we can manipulate the immune system or use it for the benefit of the patient like for example with immunotherapy or vaccines.
The course will incorporate both individual and group work in class and at home and small presentations in class. You will finish with a group project, in which you will focus on an immunological relevant disease and the latest research done in that disease area. You will hand in a paper and present the paper in class.
Group work improve the quality of your assignments by adding the different academic strengths of each of you and importantly helps you prepare for how work is organized in professional life when collaborating with colleagues reaching deadlines with products of high quality.
Be aware that there are extensive readings for this class.
Expected Learning Outcomes
After taking in this course, students should be able to do the following:
- Describe the structure and function of the immune system, how it develops and how the immune cells interact with other cells in the body as well as with pathogens
- Explain how the different cells of the immune system are activated and review the different types of mechanisms the immune system use to fight pathogens
- Explain how the immune system can be manipulated by infectious diseases like HIV and TB
- Explain why autoimmunity and cancer occurs
- Explain the basis behind vaccinology and vaccine development
- Critically analyze findings in immunological research
Required Readings
All reading material will be provided by DIS
Punt, J., Stranford, S., Jones, P., Owen, J. Kuby Immunology. Eighth Edition. 2019
Murphy, Kenneth. Janeway’s Immunobiology, 9th Ed., 2017.
Assorted Readings posted on Canvas
Approach to Teaching
Lectures, class discussions, case studies, critical analysis of research (the immunological research assignment), group presentations and field studies.
There will be a graded canvas test finishing innate and adaptive immunity and small graded presentations throughout the semester. There is no final, but instead, the class wraps up with the immunology research assignment.
Participation
Participation is determined by attendance, tardiness and engagement in class. You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities in-person when scheduled, and we will actively monitor attendance. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but you will need to email your instructor in advance. If you miss a field study or multiple classes the Director of Academic Support, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well.
To prepare for each day, you are required to read all assigned material and prepare study questions when they are assigned for class or fields studies. Additionally, for those students that did not have a chance to give their input in class, you will have the opportunity to do so on Canvas. On the discussion board there will be an open “Continue today’s class discussion/debate”, where you can share thoughts/questions with your classmates related to the topic discussed in class. Participating actively in class, on the discussion board and on fields studies by asking and answering questions and taking part in discussions will be taken into consideration when the student’s participation assessment is made.
Evaluation and Grading
The final grade for this course will be based on canvas test, small presentations and a final project, and participation:
|
Component |
Weight |
|
Participation |
15% |
|
Prepare for Field studies |
5% |
|
Multiple choice quiz |
10% |
|
Canvas test |
25% |
|
Small presentation in class |
10% |
|
Immunology Assignment (written+oral) |
35% |
**Note**: To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.
Field Studies
There will be two field studies, where you will be visiting immunological relevant places at university, hospital or a biotech company. To be prepared and get the most out of the visit, you will prepare 2-3 questions based on readings before the field study visit.
Tests:
There will be two open-book multiple choice quizes covering innate and adaptive immune system and one larger canvas test to finish the bootcamp covering the following topics:
The basics of the innate and adaptive immune system including tumor immunology.
The canvas test format will include shorter questions, true and false statements, and extended answers. The exam questions will be a combination of information recall and concept explanation.
Small Presentations in class:
You will use your newly gained knowledge within immunology to explain how an infectioun impact our immune system. The infection will be investigated from many sides and therefore a number of questions have been formulated to be answered. In groups of 2-3 persons, you will (on a random basis) answer one of the questions and present in class.
Immunology Project:
As a group, you will write about an immunological relevant topic and use the immunology you have learned in class to understand, explain and discuss the topic.
There are numerous immunologically relevant topics to choose from. For this assignment, I encourage you to select an immunological topic that genuinely interests you. Utilize the knowledge you've gained in class to explore the complexities of your chosen area and engage with the latest research developments. Your goal is to write a comprehensive review paper that provides a detailed examination of the topic, demonstrating your understanding of immunological concepts and their real-world applications
You will do a final group presentation of your paper in class. The paper is graded as a group effort, while grades for the project presentation are a combination of group and individual performance.
Questions and feedback
If you have questions to the readings, lectures, or assignments, you are always welcome to contact me by canvas mail (preferable) or by mado@dis.dk.
DIS Contacts
Susana Dietrich, Program Director, shsupport@dis.dk
Science & Health Program Office: Vestergade 7-37
Policies
Use of Laptops or Phones in Class
Use of phones in class is not allowed. Laptop use is allowed for group and project work only.
Policy on late papers and/or assignments
Late papers will be accepted, but your grade for the paper will be reduced by half a letter grade for each day that it is late.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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