Infection and Immunity

Course Content:

This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of
microbiological agents in health and disease and the immunological responses raised as a
consequence by the human body.

Through the lectures a number of microbiological processes will be examined along with
methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well
as within a patient.

Students will also become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune
system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. The
module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are
important in communication between cells of the human immune system.

Autumn Semester content summary: general properties of microorganisms including
safe working practices/genetic manipulation. Normal flora, viral agents, sources and
routes of infection plus virulence factors. Control through disinfection, sterilisation,
chemotherapy and vaccination.

Topics covered may include:
? Review of the general physical properties of micro-organisms
? Safe working practices and current legislation including that relating to genetic
manipulation
? The normal microbial flora of man and animals; it?s potential to act as a source of
human infection
? Viral agents of infection; an introduction to viral infections in humans
? Transmission of infection
? Virulence factors of micro-organisms:
o adhesion to the host, overcoming immunity, exotoxins
o endotoxins, immunopathological damage
? Control of micro-organisms: asepsis, disinfection, sterilisation, chemotherapy,
vaccination.

Spring Semester content summary: Organs, cells and tissues in the human immune
system; innate and acquired immunity (cell types involved, their production,
inflammation, cytokines, inflammatory mediators) antibiody structure and function.
Serological techniques, concept of HLA.
? Organs, tissues and cells involved in the human immune system
? Innate Immunity ? Granulocytes, macrophages, and phagocytosis; complement
and complement mediated defences. Inflammation and role of cytokines,
chemokines and inflammatory mediators in this response
? Acquired immunity ? Function, maturation and activation of B and T
lymphocytes. Mechanisms underlying specific lymphocyte activation. Antibody
structure and function. The role of immunoglobulin and cell mediated immune
mechanisms
? The immunology laboratory ? Standard serological techniques involving
precipitation, agglutination, enzyme linked assays, antibody-based techniques
and cellular techniques

Teaching: Lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Exam: short essay style questions (60%)
? Practical: MCQ test based upon a microbiology practical (20%)
? Coursework: written report from an immunological practical (20%)
STUDY OPTION 2:
? Assessment of practical (50%)
? subject MCQ (50%)
STUDY OPTION 3:
? Assessment of practical (50%)
? subject MCQ (50%)

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer