BMS344 Molecular Immunology (8)

Abstract

This is an advanced level immunology subject. This subject considers immune responses at the molecular level and covers the role of immuno receptors on immune cells in the initiation of immune responses, role of cytokines, cell signalling pathways and various steps involved in the generation of immune responses at the cellular level in a mammalian host. The two clinical application modules consider transplantation immunology and monoclonal antibody technology.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
Internal	Wagga Wagga Campus
Distance	Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS344
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Biomedical Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

BMS308 Immunology or equivalent

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to describe the structure and function of immunological receptors and apply this information towards building a comprehensive understanding of the initiation of immune responses at the molecular level
be able to describe the various stages of immune cell development and compare this with abnormal development in a range of immunodefficiency conditions
be able to explain how immunoregulation occurs and relate it to the overall function of the immune system in the healthy host as well as in immune disease states
be able to describe the HLA system and techniques of organ transplantation immunology
be able to explain how monoclonal antibodies are made and compare different technologies used in the development of new therapies and diagnostic agents
be able to explain, using examples, current industrial and medical applications of immunology and critically evaluate current advances in this area as published in the literature

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1: Advanced Immunological Concepts
Immunogenetics: genetic origin of antibody diversity; genetics of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) system, complement and antibody receptors
Receptor Immunology: binding of ligands to cell surface receptors; complement, antibody, B and T cell, and lymphokine receptors; application of receptor immunology in pharmacology.
Immunoregulation: role of B and T cells in regulating immune response; generation of self-tolerance in the immune system.
The development of immune cells and immune tissue
Module 2: Transplantation Immunology
The MHC system - structure and function
HLA antigens - nomenclature, histocompatibility (theory and laboratory testing), selection of organ donors, graft rejection
Module 3: Industrial and Medical Applications of Immunology
Hybridoma technology and the production of monoclonal antibodies as diagnostic reagents
Vaccine production
Tumour immunology and immunotherapy
Immunological reagents as diagnostic and therapeutic tools

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.