Life Sciences

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Module code: C5501
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop, Pre-recorded content, Practical, Online interactive, Post lab
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

During this module you will develop a comprehensive knowledge of host-pathogen interactions. You will gain knowledge of medical microbiology, learning the characteristics, biology and pathogenesis of medically important infectious microbes – including virulence, identification, diagnosis and epidemiology.

You will cover the mechanisms of how the human immune system counters infection. This will include:

• how the immune system is organised
• the various mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune responses, including inflammation
• how the immune system detects infection
• the generation of antibody and T cell diversity
• T cell and B cell defences to infection.

You will integrate this knowledge with practical lab and employability skills, including research, problem solving and scientific communication.

Module learning outcomes

• Explain in-depth the key cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune defence against a variety of infectious agents using examples of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites.
• Process and synthesise information relating to pathogens, including their identification, pathogenesis, evasion of host, epidemiology, immunisation and antimicrobial therapy.
• Recognise the importance of diagnostic microbiology and its application in the practice of clinical microbiology, appreciating current challenges such as antimicrobial resistance.
• Propose experimental design, appraise and critically evaluate current scientific research and demonstrate skills in scientific thinking through the series of workshop and practical sessions.