Coordinator: Associate Professor Jennifer Rolland (Department of Pathology and Immunology)
The
immune system has evolved to provide the host with a highly sophisticated
strategy for defence against invading microorganisms 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 response. 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 units as part
of the BSc at third-year level. In each semester, students can take one
theory-based immunology unit (IMM3031/ IMM3042) and one practical-based unit
(IMM3051/IMM3062). Together, these units 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 units in these disciplines are an excellent complement to
immunology. In preparation for studying immunology at level three, students are
recommended to take one biology and chemistry unit at level one and they should
take one level-two biological science unit. Cell biology is recommended.
The Department of Pathology and Immunology in collaboration with other
departments also offers cell biology units at levels two and three 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 units will introduce students to dynamic cellular
processes.
Human pathology units are offered in both semesters at third-year level. These
units 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 of 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
biomedical 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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