|
 Academic Year:
| 2012/3 |
| Owning Department/School:
| Department of Biology & Biochemistry |
| Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 20%, EX 70%, MC 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10005 |
| Description:
| Aims: To provide the student with an understanding of how animals defend themselves against invading microorganisms, and how pathogenic microbes overcome these defences. Also to give an account of the cellular components of the immune systems of mammals and how they communicate with one another to generate coherent immune responses.. A number of well studied microbial and viral diseases are used as examples. The approach will stress the methods by which knowledge has been gained, and the integrative features of cellular and systemic immunobiology. Lectures are supported by a number of "virtual practicals" that aim to develop interpretative skills. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit, the student will be able to: * demonstrate knowledge of the topics given in the outline of the course and the ability to integrate such knowledge through answering factual multiple-choice questions on any of these topics, and discussing them in integrative exam questions; * analyse, display, interpret and draw conclusions from experimental data. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written Communication T/F/A, Data Acquisition, Handling and Analysis T/F/A, Problem Solving T/F/A, Group Working T/F. Content: The course is in three parts: 1. Non-specific defences; barriers; skin; innate immunity; secreted antimicrobials; cellular defences; classes of leukocytes; FACS; innate immune responses; phagocytosis; cell killing; acute inflammation; humoral defences, haemostasis; recognition of microbial invaders; immune signalling by cytokines and chemokines, examples of immune evasion and suppression by microbial pathogens. 2. Antibodies and acquired immunity; immunoglobulins, Ig classes; genetic basis of Ab diversity; MHC; T-cell receptors; development of B and T-cells; immunity mediated by B and T cells. 3. The complement system; case studies of interactions between pathogens and the immune system: meningitis, AIDS. |
| Programme availability: |
BB20027 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
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