Immunology

Immunology is the study of the immune system that protects us from harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It is the basis of why vaccination against deadly diseases works. However, the immune system is also important in many other diseases or disorders, including cancer, allergy, autoimmunity and rejection of transplanted tissues. There is also emerging evidence that links immunity to areas such as cardiovascular disease, mental health and diet. Immunology is central to many aspects of health and researchers are currently investigating how we can treat immune-based diseases and how we can manipulate the immune system to provide better health to individuals.

Immunology provides a solid grounding in the key aspects of the immune system and its role in health and disease. The study of immunology at Monash involves both theory and practical class experiences and delivered by active researchers or teachers with a deep understanding of the immune system.

Immunology can be a standalone subject but also complements many other areas of the biomedical sciences. The knowledge or application of immunology is useful across many areas of academic research, medicine, biotechnology, teaching or areas such as government or patent offices dealing with scientific matters. Graduates will also gain the knowledge to educate others in the community about important social issues related to immunology such as vaccination.

Availability

Immunology is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.

The immunology major and extended major are not available in the double degree course S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science.

Outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major will be able to:

• define and describe the principle features associated with the structure, development and function of the immune system through theoretical and practical based knowledge
• define the physical, cellular and molecular processes associated with the development of pathologies exemplified by processes of inflammatory, immunological haematological and neoplastic disorders through theoretical and practical based knowledge
• demonstrate the role of science and the scientific process in identifying the key questions, issues and challenges associated with Immunology and immunity or human disease and how this can used to design and examine effective solutions, through written or oral based tasks.