Overview

The module is divided into three main areas:

• Key concepts of the development of the human immune system and the nature of human immune responses
• Key concepts of Autoimmunity and Autoimmune Diseases, with focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• Key roles of the immune system in cancer development and current Cancer Immunotherapies

Lectures and tutorials aim to present summaries of core chapters of the module reference textbook and directed outside reading from key cutting edge peer-reviewed literature.

The Clinical Report and module practical aims to provide experience in the generation and clinical interpretation of data derived from an ELISA analysis of serum samples derived from a patient diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Core text chapters - Basic Concepts in Immunology - Innate Immunity and induced Responses of Innate Immunity - Antigen Recognition by B-cell and T-cell receptors - 
The Generation of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors - Antigen Presentation to T Lymphocytes - Signalling Through Immune System Receptors - The Development and Survival of Lymphocytes - T Cell-Mediated Immunity - The Humoral Immune Response - Dynamics of Adaptive Immunity - Failures of Host Defense Mechanisms - Autoimmunity - Manipulation of the Immune Response, via immunotherapy

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Category D- to D + (40-49%):Completed assessments present sufficient relevant accurate taught material to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate threshold level 5 knowledge and understanding of module material.

-good-Category C- to C+ (50%-59%):Completed assessments present relevant accurate taught material but may lack explanation and context. Statements are largely correct but not further supported. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate a sound understanding of module material.

-very good -Category B- to B+ (60%-69%):Completed assessments present overall good accurate relevant taught material, integrated with some directed core text outside-reading. Essays, answers and reports are well organised and structured, contain good coherent arguments, and demonstrate good overall knowledge and understanding of all module material.

-excellent -Category A- to A (70%-100%):**Completed assessments present very accurate relevant taught material, integrated with numerous directed outside core text-reading and some self-researched information sources. Essays, answers and reports present very coherent and well organised arguments that demonstrate excellent overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. Evidence of in depth critical thinking and wider reading are important for grades of A+ and above

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development, regulation and effectiveness of the human immune system in human health

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature of Autoimmunity and the diagnosis and human Autoimmune diseases

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the roles of the human immune system in cancer regulation and cancer immunotherapies