Course Syllabus

Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Fall 2017
Tuesdays & Fridays, 8:30-9:50, 1E-509

Instructors

	Natalia Landázuri Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. Assistant Professor, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
	Johan Öckinger (guest lectures) Ph.D. in Experimental Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Assistant Professor in Respiratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

 

 

 

 

Course description

This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of immunology and infectious diseases. Students will learn about the immune system and how it can fight infection. They will also learn how an immune response can fail. Students will be exposed to examples of different types of clinically relevant infectious agents and the type of immunity they activate. In addition, students will learn how infectious agents can overcome the natural immune response and cause disease. The course will also illustrate how the immune response against these agents can be manipulated through the use of vaccines.

 

Prerequisites

One year of biology, one semester of chemistry plus an introductory course in molecular biology/genetics at university level

 

Expected learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the structure and function of the immune system
• Describe how cells interact with other cells in the body, as well as with pathogens
• Classify the different types of immune responses
• Describe in detail the immunological events occurring in response to various infectious agents
• Explain the virulence mechanisms used by different infectious agents
• Explain how the infectious agents can overcome an immune response and cause active disease
• Explain in detail the basis behind vaccinology and vaccine development
• Critically analyze findings in immunological research

 

Required readings

• Murphy, Kenneth. Janeway’s Immunobiology, 8th Ed., 2012.
• Selected sections from Murray, Rosenthal, Pfaller: Medical Microbiology, 2012 (posted on Canvas)
• Peer reviewed articles posted on Canvas

 

Teaching methods

Different teaching formats may be used, such as interactive lectures, class discussions, critical analysis of research (both individually and in groups), field studies, and a final project. Case studies as well as current articles on relevant topics will be used, and students will take part in presenting these. Students are expected to engage actively in oral presentations, discussions, group work and exercises. The activities planned for certain days may change depending on the pace and interest of the students.

  

Case seminar

The case “Infection, inflammation and the danger of stepping on glass” will be used as an illustration of infection and immune activation. Students should study the case in order to be able to discuss it during the seminar. The seminar itself is not a test, but active participation is mandatory and will count as class participation. After the seminar, the students should submit a summary focusing on a main topic from the case.

 

Journal clubs

Journal club consists of group work, presentations and class discussions. They serve as an exercise of critical thinking, critical reading, teamwork, structuring information for presentations and development of presentation skills. Students will work in groups to present a scientific paper focused on an infectious disease or pathogenic microorganism. Each group should clearly present the findings and conclusions of the paper within 15-20 min.

The journal club presentation should follow a logical and clear structure. It should include the most relevant information on the background, methods, conclusions and perspectives of the paper, as well as a critique of the methods, results and conclusions. The rest of the class should read the paper and prepare 1-2 questions each, for the presenting group.

 

Final project

At the end of the semester, students will work on a research project of their choice directly related to a specific disease of the immune system (including autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and asthma/allergy) or to a defined infectious agent. The students will prepare an oral presentation of their project, and submit a written report. 

 

Field studies

We will have two field trips to learn how immunological concepts are utilized in industry and research.

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class, all of the assigned work must be completed.

Students are expected to turn in all the assignments on the due date. If an assignment is turned in after the due date, the grade of the assignment will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for each day the submission is late.

The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

Component	Weight
Active Participation	15%
Test 1	15%
Test 2	20%
Case report	10%
Journal Clubs	15%
Final project: Report	20%
Final project: Presentation	5%

DIS Science & Health contacts

Lisbeth Borbye, Program Director
Susana Dietrich, Assistant Program Director, sd@dis.dk, Tel: +45 3376 5442

 

Expectations of Students & Code of Conduct

• Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class time.
• Reading must be done prior to the class session; a huge part of the class is dependent on discussions in class.
• Students need to be present and participating to receive full credit. The final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Remember to be in class on time!
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
• Students are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.

 

Policies

• Disability and Resource concerns: Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Mark Peters (mpe@disstockholm.se) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 

• Attendance: Students are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If multiple classes are missed the Office of Academic Support will be notified and will follow-up to make sure, that all is well. Absences will jeopardize grades and academic standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences a doctor’s note is required.

 

• 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 by others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of ‘F’ and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. In such cases, DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronically for subjection to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

 

Canvas

Canvas is a web-based system that allows you to access course resources and communicate with your classmates and faculty. To access the DIS Canvas, you can go to the DIS homepage and click the ‘Canvas’ link, or go to: https://disabroad.instructure.com/ You can also download the Canvas App (By: Instructure) on iPhone and Android mobile smart phones.