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SL22023: Infection and immunity

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWRI 40%, EXCB 60%
Assessment Detail:
  • Practical report (CWRI 20%)
  • Case study (CWRI 20%)
  • Examination (EXCB 60%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit you will be able to:
  • Describe the molecular and cellular features of bacteria, fungi, and viruses
  • Explain key molecular mechanisms used by micro-organisms to invade and infect a host
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the function of the innate and adaptive immune system and explain their role in defending against microbes.
  • Explain the strategies pathogens have evolved to circumvent the immunity system and barriers to infection.
  • Explain the form and function of the most common antimicrobials and how micro-organisms can develop resistance to them.
  • Generate, interpret and critically analyse experimental subject specific data.



Synopsis: This unit will provide you with an introduction to bacteriology, virology, mycology and immunology. You will develop an understanding of how animals defend themselves against invading microorganisms, and how pathogenic microbes overcome these defences. The unit will focus on the biology of infective agents, the innate and adaptive immune system, and approaches to preventative treatment and vaccination.

Content: The major groups of microorganisms: i.e. bacteria, viruses and fungi, will be covered. The pathogen�¿s cellular structures and secreted molecules, plus genetic, developmental and evolutionary processes, important for infection will be discussed.
The functions of key antimicrobial substances and resistance mechanisms against them will be covered.
Non-specific host defences; barriers; skin; innate immunity; secreted antimicrobials; cellular defences; classes of leukocytes; FACS; innate immune responses; phagocytosis; cell killing; acute inflammation; humoral defences; recognition of microbial invaders; immune signalling by cytokines and chemokines, examples of immune evasion and suppression by microbial pathogens.
Antibodies and acquired immunity; immunoglobulins, Ig classes; genetic basis of Ab diversity; MHC; T-cell receptors; development of B and T-cells; immunity mediated by B and T cells.
The complement system; case studies of interactions between pathogens and the immune system.

Course availability:

SL22023 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFB11 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB11 : BSc(Hons) Biology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM11 : MBiol(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM11 : MBiol(Hons) Biology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.