IMM3031

Molecular and cellular immunology

(SCI)

Associate Professor Paul Gleeson and Dr John Emmins

6 points + First Semester + Clayton + Four 1-hour lectures per week and one 1-hour tutorial per fortnight + Prerequisites: One second year biological science subject + Highly recommended: A first year subject in both biology and chemistry + Corequisite: IMM3051 is highly recommended

Synopsis: This subject examines how the immune system functions to protect the host from infection. The cells, tissues and molecules of the immune system will first be introduced. Aspects of adaptive immunity will then be discussed: how the immune system recognises and discriminates among different molecules; how individual cells develop so that each bears a unique receptor directed at foreign, not at self, molecules; and how these cells are activated to provide effective defence when they encounter microbes. Essential techniques of immunology will be presented including the relevance of genetic engineering. Skills will also be developed in searching the literature and in assignment writing.

Assessment: One assignment (2000 words): 15% + Two multiple choice examinations during semester: each 7.5% + One 3-hour examination: 70%