| Unit name | Immunopathology and Applied Immunology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PANM33002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Nicholson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Two units from level 6/H in teaching block 1 and one level 6/H unit from teaching block 2 and Research Skills unit. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
Immunology plays an increasingly central role in modern medicine. On one hand immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a growing healthcare burden and on the other there is a growing group of medicines that exploit properties of the immune response therapeutically. For example, we have new methods of vaccination, drugs to block inflammation and treatments that encourage immune responses against cancer. This unit will give students a research led view of these exciting areas of medicine.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Building on the foundation of immunology studied in year 2, this unit will explore how basic science can develop into new forms of treatment.
An overview of content
The unit will look at selected examples of the immunology and pathology of autoimmune diseases, allergy and asthma. It will consider the subversion of the immune system by tumours.
We will explore the particular importance of immunology at mucosal surfaces and consider how knowledge of immunology helps in the development of effective vaccines and also therapies that are effective in the treatment of cancer.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of current topics in immunology and how knowledge of fundamental immunology can be applied therapeutically. They will have a familiarity with the scientific literature pertaining to the topic and an ability to evaluate this literature critically.
Learning Outcomes
Lectures, Data Handling Session, and Review Session.
Independent Study: Students are expected to study the recommended literature.
Task which helps you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Students will submit a formative essay in TB-1 which will allow them to practice essay writing. Feedback will be discussed in a small group teaching session during Teaching Block 1. This will provide students with the opportunity to and become familiar with the Level 6 Marking descriptors of the assessment criteria.
Task which counts towards your unit mark (summative)
Students will have an examination at the end of Teaching Block 2, the exam will include two essays, one to be chosen from each section containing three questions.
When an assessment does not go to plan.
If you are unable to take an end of unit exam due to self-certification or exceptional circumstances the faculty examination board may give you the opportunity to take this in the reassessment period. The examination will be in the same format as the initial examination.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PANM33002).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
