Leader: Associate Professor Chow Sek Chuen

Offered

Sunway Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to some fundamental aspects of immunology. It reviews the normal immune response to foreign antigens and how it provides defense against microorganisms, and also the pathogenesis and diagnosis of disorders associated with an excessive, defective or unwarranted immune response. Disorders discussed include autoimmune diseases, allergies, immunodeficiency states, leukemia/ lymphoma and transplants. Students will also be introduced to the practical aspects of laboratory immunology. Techniques used in clinical and research immunology laboratories will be presented during practical classes.

Objectives

The objectives of this unit are to ensure that students will be able to understand the

1. normal function, regulation and anatomy of the immune system and how it provides defense against microorganism
2. pathogenesis of disorders of the immune system and strategies for immunosuppression and immunopotentiation to correct these disorders and
3. principles of immunological techniques used in diagnostic and research laboratories.

Assessment

Assignments: 20%
Practical Reports: 20%
Mid-semester test: 10%
and Final Examination (3 hours): 50%

Contact hours

3 x 1-hour lectures, 1x 3-hour practical class and 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

Completion of at least 12 points of biology and medical bioscience units. Recommended: One unit each of first year chemistry and second year physiology