Medical Immunology

3 units

An introduction to basic concepts in immunology and immunopathology. Lectures focus on antigen-antibody interactions, immunoglobulin structure and genetics, the cellular basis of the immune response and immune regulation, T cell effector mechanisms, the inflammatory response, complement, the positive and negative roles of hypersensitivity, and immune deficiency. Prerequisite, some background in biochemistry and genetics helpful. Restricted to medical students only except in unusual circumstances, with permission of coursemaster. Offered during the first half of the second medical semester. Three-four lecture hours a week, two 2-hour lab periods, four 1-hour clinical discussion groups.