Course Syllabus

Immunology, Fall 2017
Monday/Thursday, 10:05-11:25, V10-A12

 

Instructors 

Jeanette Erbo Wern  Ph.D. Immunology 2001-2005 (Inst. Of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Post doc 2006-2009 (Inst. of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). M.Sc. 2001 (Inst. Of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Senior Scientist 2010-2013 (Immune Targeting Group, Bioneer, Cph, Denmark). Senior Scientist 2013-2016 (Dept. of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Cph, Denmark). With DIS since 2016.

DIS Contacts

Lisbeth Borbye, Program Director, lbo@dis.dk, tel: +45 3376 5485
Susana Dietrich, Assistant Program Director, sd@dis.dk, tel: +45 3376 5442
Bethany Cucka, Science & Health Program Assistant, bcu@dis.dk, tel. +45 3376 5789

 

Description of course 

This course will focus on how the immune system develops and functions, how disease can overcome the immune response, how we fight disease and how we can manipulate the immune system for the benefit of the patients.

Learning objectives of the course

By partaking in this course, students will be able to do the following by the end of the semester:

• 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, allergy and cancer occurs
• Explain the basis behind vaccinology and vaccine development
• Critically analyze findings in immunological research
  
  

Required texts 

All reading material will be provided by DIS
Murphy, Kenneth. Janeway’s Immunobiology, 8^th Ed., 2012.

Assorted Readings posted on Canvas 

Approach to Teaching

Lectures, class discussions, case studies, group presentations of case studies, critical analysis of research work (alone/groups), field studies and the immunological disease research project. 

Evaluation

The final grade for this course will be based on in-class tests, a final project, and participation:

Component	Weight
Participation	10%
Test 1	25%
Test 2	25%
Test 3	25%
Immunology Disease Res. project	15%

**Note**:  To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.  

Practical Information

Field studies:

Wednesday, September 27th, 12:00 - 17:00

Inflammation and Cancer Research group, University of Copenhagen

Wednesday, November 8th, 8:30 - 12:30

Tests Dates: 

Monday, September 18th

Thursday, October 19th

Thursday, November 30th

Immunology Disease Research Project:

Due: Monday, December 4th by midnight

Presentation in class: Thursday, December 8th

Disability Resources 

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Sean Green (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this.  In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes. 

Participation

Participation is determined by attendance, tardiness and engagement in class. You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities 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 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 students can share thoughts/questions related to the topic discussed in class

Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment

DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others.   Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions. 

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.