Module Code - Title:

BY4085 - CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

6

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

BY4014

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This course provides a detailed understaning of immunology at the cellular and molecular level. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of self and non self recognition and how these mechanisms are involved in immunity and how aberrant self-regulation contributes to allergy and autoimmunity. The concepts will also serve to provide a foundation for the concepts of molecular and regenerative medicine, and cancer therapeutics. Note: Section 12 Prerequisite module: Microbiology and Immunology 2147 will be prerequisite for this module.

Syllabus:

Cellular Immunology: the cell types involved in immune responses, the interactions between these cells during immune and inflammatory responses, and the mechanisms of host response against infectious pathogens.The molecular basis of immune recognition,mechanisms underlying T and B cell recognition of antigens and antigen processing, in transplantation, viral immunity and in various immune diseases. Mechanisms of host response against infectious pathogenic agents, transplantation, vaccine design, immunodeficiency and other immune disorders. Immune dysfunction and chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, cancer immunology, immunogenetics and immune deficiency. Applied Immunology, vaccine technology and immunotherapeutics

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Understand how B and T cells encounter antigen and develops subsequent to antigen activation. Describe how antigen presentation and lymphocyte activation work at a molecular level Outline immunology of mucosal surfaces and the interplay between commensal flora and and the immune system in the gut Identify cellular and molecular basis for autoimmune disease and allergies. Describe the basis of applied immunology tumor immunology and recognize the potential for development of novel recombinant antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors for treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Students will develop an appreciation for the range of antigenic challenges, both benign and pathogenic, recognized by the immune system and the level of pleiotropy and redundancy in host immunological defences.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The subject is taught through lecture, laboratory and private study. Immunology is a laboratory based science and recent findings will be incorporated in lecture and laboratory.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Murphy, K. (2011) Janeway's Immunobiology , Garland, New York and London

Abbas, A., Lichtman, A.H., Pillai, S. (2014) Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 8th Ed , Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

elizabeth.ryan@ul.ie