The
immune system has evolved to provide the host with a highly sophisticated
strategy for defence against invading mocroorganisms including viruses,
bacteria and larger parasites. There is also evidence that the immune system
can target cancer cells and thus has a fundamental role to play in maintaining
host homeostasis. Immunology is the study of the cells and molecules which
provide an effective and highly specific response to a wide array of foreign
antigens. Knowledge of the mechanisms for coordination and regulation of the
immune system is an exciting and rapidly advancing frontier with major
implications for vaccine development. There are several diseases associated
with disorders of the immune system. These include allergy, autoimmunity and
immunodeficiency such as following HIV infection. Transplant rejection is also
an example of an unwanted immune resposponse. Recent insight into the molecular
basis for these disorders is leading the way to more effective and selective
treatments.
The Department of Pathology and Immunology offers four immunology subjects as
part of the BSc at third-year level. In each semester, students can take one
theory-based immunology subject (IMM3031/IMM3042) and one practical-based
subject (IMM3051/IMM3062). Together, these subjects provide an excellent
coverage of all aspects of immunology, and students will be well equipped to
undertake a career in research, applied or diagnostic Immunology. Immunology
links with other branches of biology such as cell biology, pathology,
bichemistry and microbiology, and subjects in these disciplines are an
excellent complement to immunology. In preparation for studying immunology at
third year, students are recommended to take one biology and chemistry subject
at first year and they should take one second-year biological science subject.
Cell biology is recommended.
The Department of Pathology and Immunology in collaboration with other
departments also offers cell biology subjects at the second and third year
level of the BSc. Cell biology is a rapidly advancing contemporary field that
strives to understand how an entire cell is organised and how this organisation
supports cellular function. This requires an integration of molecular biology,
biochemistry, morphology and imaging. Cell biology is an essential component of
many areas of the biological sciences, including plant sciences and the
biomedical disciplines such as developmental biology, neurobiology, immunology,
microbiology and physiology, as well as both the biomedical and agricultural
biotechnology industries. Cell biology is fundamental to the post-genomic era,
as the function of gene products can only be clarified in their cellular
contexts. For example, in biomedical sciences, the identification of gene
products responsible for the genetic defects in inherited diseases represents
only the beginning in the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms.
The cell biology subjects will introduce students to dynamic cellular
processes.
Human pathology subjects will be offered for the first time in both semesters
of 2001 at third-year level. These subjects are coordinated conjointly by the
departments of Pathology and Immunology and Anatomy and Cell Biology. Students
will gain an understanding of basic pathologic processes with particular
reference to cell death, inflammation, disorders if immunity and neoplasia.
Particular diseases will also be discussed including ischaemic heart disease,
cancer of the breast, lung, colon and skin, diabetes, renal failure and
anaemia. Skills in microscopy, histology-staining techniques and diagnosis and
problem-solving will provide students with valuable assets for future careers
in applied or research pathology and biomedial sciences.
The department also offers an honours program at fourth year. For this,
students undertake a major research project on a topic selected from a wide
range in immunology, cell biology and immunopathology. Advanced theory study is
in the form of tutorials and assignments.
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