Immunology (6512.6)

Please note these are the 2019 details for this unit
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Immunology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit Band 3 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces basic concepts in immunology. The lectures deal with B- and T- lyphocytes, antibodies, complement factors, antigen presentation, interferons and other cytokines, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, cancer and vaccine strategies. The laboratory component contains key immunology techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA and PCR.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand the differences between innate and adaptive immunity;
2. Describe organs and cells of the immune system;
3. Describe antigen processing presentation and recognition;
4. Describe B and T cell maturation, activation and differentiation;
5. Understand the role of antibodies in disease, diagnostics and research;
6. Describe the complement system;
7. Discuss the importance of vaccinations for the prevention and cure of many infectious diseases;
8. Describe and the development of autoimmune diseases; and
9. Understand the development of cancer and discuss current and future treatment options.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

Biochemistry or equivalent previous units.

Corequisites

Pathobiology or equivalent previous units.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

1. Punt J, Stranford SA, Jones PP and Owen JA (2019), Kuby Immunology (8th edition). Freemann and Co, NewYork.

2. Thomas S and Frese M (2023), Immunology — Practical Notes 2023

The textbook (in print or ebook) can be purchased on campus from "The School Locker". Details about the release date and how to purchase the Practical Notes 2023 will be provided on the Canvas site for this unit.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Research topic PowerPoint presentation slides must be submitted before the presentation is given (deadline is the beginning of the presentation). Late submissions without an approved extension will result in the assignment not being marked and zero being recorded for this particular assignment. Only in extenuating circumstances will a late submission be considered upon the production of supporting documentation and at the discretion of the unit convener.

Special assessment requirements

In order to pass, students must:

(i) attempt the following assessment items: the mid-semester test, the research topic presentation and the final exam;

(ii) gain a mark of at least 50% in the final exam;

(iii) gain an overall mark of at least 50%; and

(iv) participate in at least 5 of the 8 laboratory classes, not counting the Research Presentation  (regardless of medical or counselling certificates).

The unit convener reserves the right to question students orally on any of their submitted work.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment will only be offered to students who have failed a single unit in their final semester with a final mark between 45-49% and if the unit is required for course completion. Refer to the UC Supplementary Assessment Policy.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

The learning in the unit is through lectures and practical laboratory classes; there are 2 hours of lectures and 3 hours of practicals every week. It is assumed that you will spend, on average, a total of 10 hours every week on this subject, including the 5 hours of contact time.

Participation requirements

Participation in all laboratory (practical) classes is a compulsory condition of this unit, and attendance will be recorded. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned laboratory class due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible and provide medical or counselling certificates. However, in order to pass, you must participate in at least 5 of the 8 Practical classes, not counting the Research Presentation (regardless of medical or counselling certificates).

Required IT skills

Basic knowledge of internet browsers, Microsoft Office or similar program packages.

In-unit costs

Apart from acquiring a laboratory coat and the Practical Notes 2023, there are no specific costs associated with this unit.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

Additional information

Foundation of unit:

This unit provides basic scientific understanding of Immunology but also its application to current practices in diagnostic and research laboratories and, with COVID, in the community.

Provision of information to the group:

Notifications through Canvas are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the unit's Canvas website. Furthermore, students should ensure they check their student email regularly.

Use of student email account:

The University email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes". Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

Other:

In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit convener is informed. The participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit.

Potentially hazardous materials will be used as part of this unit. Risk assessments have been performed and control measures implemented to manage the hazards and risks. Students have an obligation to comply with any safety directions issued by staff and to inform staff if incidents of a potentially hazardous nature occur.