Undergraduate Course: Molecular Immunology (IMMU10003)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Biological Sciences |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Immunology |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None |
|
|
| Course description |
This course will introduce the structure and function of the families of molecules employed by the immune system to recognize and initiate a responses to antigen. It will provide an essential grounding for the understanding of the complex cellular interactions of the immune response.
We will initially look at receptors involved in the recognition of antigens during the early phases of immunity. In particular we will examine Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), components of the complement system, and receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. In mammals, once an immune response is initiated, more complex families of molecules are used to deal with individual pathogens. A major focus of this course will be the molecules encoded by the MHC. Examination of the structure, polymorphism and intra-cellular trafficking of this family is essential to appreciate their role in 'presenting' antigenic peptides to activate the acquired immune response. MHC presentation of peptide antigens leads to activation T cells via the T cell receptor (TCR). This receptors ability to recognize an almost unlimited range of antigenic peptides associated with MHC molecules will be studied. B cells also recognize antigens via a specialized receptor (BCR). The structure of this receptor as well as the generation of a repertoire of capable of recognizing differing antigens will be examined.
This course will conclude by looking at the molecules that transduce signals from antigen receptors. This will include both intracellular pathways, leading to cell activation, as well as the expression of accessory molecules. These include membrane-bound co-stimulation molecules and secreted molecules capable of relaying signals to other cells either locally (cytokines) or further away (chemokines). |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | 09:00 - 13:00 | | | | |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| Basic understanding of the molecular aspects of Immunology. Attainment of advanced skills in reading and understanding the primary literature. Development of scientific problem solving skills. Development of oral Presentation Skills. |
Assessment Information
Exam: A two-hour exam with 2 essay type questions. December (weeks 12 - 13)
|
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr David Cavanagh
Tel: (0131 6)50 5459
Email: David.Cavanagh@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Alexandra Bedetti
Tel: (0131 6)51 6671
Email: a.bedetti@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:09 am
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