IMM3042

Clinical immunopathology ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor Jennifer Rolland and Dr John Emmins

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will first review the normal immune response to a foreign antigen. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with an excessive, defective or unwarranted immune response will then be presented. Disorders include autoimmune diseases, allergy, immunodeficiency states, leukemia/ lymphoma and transplant rejection. Prospects for tumour "vaccines" will also be discussed. How new insight into the cellular and molecular nature of the immune system is enabling improved diagnosis and more effective control of these disorders will be demonstrated. Skills will also be developed in searching the literature and assignment writing.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will appreciate the normal function and regulation of the immune system; understand the pathogenesis of disorders of the immune system including autoimmunity, allergy, immunodeficiency, leukemia/lymphoma and transplant rejection; have a knowledge of tests for diagnosis of immune disorders; understand strategies for immunosuppression and immunopotentiation to correct these disorders; be able to source information in the scientific literature and on the web concerning topics related to the discipline; have developed writing skills by the preparation of an assignment.

Assessment: One assignment (2000 words): 15% + Two multiple choice examinations during semester: each 10% + One 3-hour examination: 65%

Contact Hours: Four 1-hour lectures per week and one 1-hour tutorial per fortnight

Corequisites: IMM3062 (recommended)