Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Immune Defense

Graduate

MICR 142 Fundamentals of Immunology This course consists of lectures that cover the field of Immunology, including both normal and disease-related aspects. The focus will be on the basic cellular and molecular components involved in antigen specific and non-specific immune responses. We will cover the mechanisms associated with cellular and humoral immunity, the development of allergies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency diseases, graft rejection, the role of the immune system in preventing and treating cancer, and the immune response to pathogens. The course is divided into four parts, each ending with a written, in-class examination. During the second half of the class, graduate students will be required to present assigned literature dealing with research in a disease-related aspect of immunology. This may take the form of group or individual student-led discussion of papers germane to the disease topic or a written research paper that comprehensively reviews the relevant topic-related assigned literature. Exams and Assignments : Grades are based on three in-class examinations, a final exam, and one literature presentation/research paper. Exams consist of 100 points each, broken up into multiple choice (50 points) and short answer (50 points) sections. The Final Exam is worth 200 points, with one half on material from the last part of the course, and the other half being cumulative. Grades for the literature presentation/research paper will be calculated out of 100 points. Additional homework or in-class assignments may be given. Literature Presentations/Research Papers: Each Micro142 student will be required to give either an in-class presentation or write a research review paper using literature related to an immunological topic in Autoimmunity and Hypersensitivity, Infections and Vaccines, Tumor Immunology, or Transplantation Tolerance. Presentation/research paper topics, associated literature, and dates will be assigned at the beginning of the term. A grade will be assigned for the presentation/research paper out of 100 points. The use of a literature presentation vs. research paper format will depend on the number of students enrolled in any given year, and will be announced at the start of the term.