Immunology and Immunochemistry
- Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 120 pages
- 19 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of immunology and immunochemistry. It covers topics such as immune responses, antigen-antibody interactions, autoimmunity, and immunopathology. The course also explores tissue and organ transplantation, chemotherapy, and modern techniques used in immunology. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the immune system and its role in health and disease.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Self Assessment Exercise
- Tutor Marked Assignment
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BIO318, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS: ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL, ANTIVIRAL, ANTIPROTOZOAN, AND ANTI- HELMINTHPage 81
- UNIT 2: MODES OF ACTION OF ANTIMICROBIALSPage 86
- UNIT 3: CHEMOTHERAPY OF SPECIFIC DISEASESPage 99
- UNIT 4: PHARMACO-DYNAMICS AND PHARMCO- KINETICSPage 103
- UNIT 5: DRUG BIOASSAYS AND SENSITIVITY TESTSPage 107
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BIO318 · UNIT 4 GENETICS OF RESPONSE TO ANTIGENIC STIMULATION
Karl Landsteiner was the first to show that there was a repertoire of antibodies that could bind almost an infinite amount of pathogens in every individual. He proved this by demonstrating that virtually a limitless range of molecules can elicit antibody production even synthetic materials.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss immune response in humans
- Explain antigen-antibody interactions
- Describe the causes of autoimmunity
- Define the concept of chemotherapy
- Discuss tissue and organ transplant tolerance in recipients
- Examine the modes of action of antimicrobials
What it prepares you for
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Immunologist
- Research Scientist
- Pharmacist
- Biotechnologist
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
- Research Institutions
- Diagnostic Laboratories
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Hypersensitivity
The complex interplay of IgE, mast cells, and basophils in Type I hypersensitivity requires a thorough understanding of cellular interactions and mediator release mechanisms.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Modes of Action of Antimicrobials
Understanding the precise mechanisms of action of various chemotherapeutic agents, including their interactions with specific enzymes and cellular processes, demands a strong foundation in biochemistry.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Immunology · 2 hours
Read the introduction to immunology.. Understand the organs and components of the immune system.. Differentiate between lymphoid and myeloid cells..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Structure of Antigenic Determinants · 2 hours
Define immunogens, haptens, epitopes, and paratopes.. Examine the features of antigenic determinants.. Explore the structural basis of antigen recognition..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Cellular Response · 2 hours
Compare and contrast innate and adaptive immune responses.. Identify the components of each immune response.. Discuss active and passive immunity..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Genetics of Response to Antigenic Stimulation · 2 hours
Understand the clonal selection theory.. Describe the genetics of response in B and T lymphocytes.. Examine the role of MHC molecules..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Structure and Classification of Immunoglobulins · 2 hours
Describe the molecular structure of antibodies.. Classify the different types of immunoglobulins.. Explain the structure-function relationship of antibodies..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Mechanism of Antibody Formation · 2 hours
Discuss the selective and instructive theories of antibody formation.. Explain the process of antibody production.. Differentiate between primary and secondary antibody responses..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Antigen/Antibody Interaction: Role of Lymphoid Tissues and Thymus in Immune Response · 2 hours
Describe the roles of B and T lymphocytes.. Explain the development of T lymphocytes in the thymus.. Understand antigen/antibody interactions..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Hypersensitivity · 2 hours
Classify the different types of hypersensitivity reactions.. Discuss diseases associated with hypersensitivity reactions.. Understand the mechanisms of each type..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: Immunopathology · 2 hours
Discuss the pathologies of the immune system.. Relate immune responses to certain diseases.. Demonstrate the pathology of immune responses..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: Auto-Pathology and Auto-Immunology · 2 hours
Explain the possible causes of autoimmunity.. Describe the pathology of autoimmunity.. Understand genetic and environmental factors..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 1: Tissue and Transplantation Immunology · 2 hours
Discuss immune responses to tissue grafts.. Explain transplant tolerance.. Describe immunosuppressive therapy..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 2: Immunoprophylaxis · 2 hours
Discuss the two major types of immunization.. Elaborate on the roles of vaccines in immunoprophylaxis.. Understand active and passive immunization..
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 3: Modern Techniques in Immunology and Immunochemistry · 2 hours
Discuss the recent techniques in immunology and immunochemistry.. Understand cell-based assays and monoclonal antibodies.. Explore separation techniques..
Unit 4: History of Chemotherapy · 2 hours
Trace the history of chemotherapy.. Understand the evolution of cancer treatment.. Explore the use of mustard gas and folic acid..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed concept maps linking key immune system components (Units 1-3)
- Practice drawing and labeling antibody structures from Unit 5
- Review the different types of hypersensitivity reactions (Module 2, Unit 3)
- Focus on the mechanisms of action of major chemotherapeutic drugs (Module 4, Units 1-2)
- Study the key differences between innate and adaptive immunity (Module 1, Unit 3)
Questions students ask about this course
What is BIO318 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of immunology and immunochemistry. It covers topics such as immune responses, antigen-antibody interactions, autoimmunity, and immunopathology. The course also explores tissue and organ transplantation, chemotherapy, and modern techniques used in immunology. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the immune system and its role in health and disease.
How many units does BIO318 have?
BIO318, Immunology and Immunochemistry, has 19 units across 4 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BIO318?
BIO318 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.
Is BIO318 hard?
BIO318 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does BIO318 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is BIO318 assessed?
BIO318 is assessed by Self Assessment Exercise, Tutor Marked Assignment and Final Examination.
What can I do with BIO318?
Medical Laboratory Scientist, Immunologist, Research Scientist, Pharmacist and Biotechnologist.