THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
- ARCHIVE for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biological Sciences : Immunology

Undergraduate Course: Molecular Immunology (IMMU10003)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biological Sciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaImmunology Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThis 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).
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Immunology 3 (BILG09007) OR ( Clinical Immunology and Haematology 3 (MSBM09002) OR Molecular Cell Biology 3 (BILG09001))
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Possible £50 contribution to "field-trip to Firbush at start of course
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  No Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 09:00 - 13:00
First Class Week 1, Monday, 09:30 - 10:50, Zone: King's Buildings. Honours Room 1, Ashworth Labs (09:30-12:30)
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Molecular Immunology2:00
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)
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
Keywordsmolimm
Contacts
Course organiserDr David Cavanagh
Tel: (0131 6)50 5459
Email: David.Cavanagh@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Claire Fox
Tel: (0131 6)50 5454
Email: claire.fox@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Timetab
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 6:15 am