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BIO406Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Parasitology and Immunology

This course on Parasitology and Immunology explores the body's defense mechanisms against infections. It covers different types of immunity, defense mechanisms, processes, functions, and the interaction of antibodies with antigens. The course delves into hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and the immunology of tissue transplantation. Students will gain an understanding of infections, protection, and the roles of various cells and molecules in the immune response. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of parasitology and immunology.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ParasitologyImmunologyImmunityAntigenHypersensitivity

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Types of Immunity

2

Infection and Protection

3

Antigens and Antibodies

4

Hypersensitivity Reactions

5

Autoimmunity and Tolerance

6

Tissue Transplantation

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Immunologist

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Research Scientist

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Public Health Officer

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Pharmaceutical Researcher

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcarePharmaceuticalsBiotechnologyResearchPublic Health

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Immunity

3h

Unit 1: Immunity

3 study hours
  • Define immunity and its historical context.
  • Describe the theories of immunity from ancient times to modern immunology.
  • Explain the different types of immunity: passive, active, innate, and acquired.
Week
2

Module 1: Immunity

3h

Unit 2: Infection, Immunity and Protection

3 study hours
  • Define infection and describe the chain of events for infections to occur.
  • Explain the differences between bacterial and viral infections.
  • Discuss prevention strategies, including hygiene, sanitation, and vaccination.
Week
3

Module 1: Immunity

3h

Unit 3: Antigen

3 study hours
  • Define antigen, immunogen, and epitope.
  • Explain the characteristics of antigens and their origin.
  • Describe the interaction of antibodies with antigens, including affinity and avidity.
Week
4

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 1: Hypersensitivity

3 study hours
  • Describe hypersensitivity and its classification.
  • Explain the mechanisms of Type I hypersensitivity, including IgE-mediated reactions.
  • Discuss the role of mast cells, basophils, and other mediators in allergic reactions.
Week
5

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 1: Hypersensitivity

3 study hours
  • Explain the mechanisms of Type II hypersensitivity, including antibody-mediated cytotoxicity.
  • Discuss the role of IgG and IgM antibodies and complement activation.
  • Provide examples of Type II hypersensitivity, such as drug-induced hemolytic anemia.
Week
6

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 1: Hypersensitivity

3 study hours
  • Explain the mechanisms of Type III hypersensitivity, including immune complex formation.
  • Discuss the role of IgG and IgM antibodies and complement activation.
  • Provide examples of Type III hypersensitivity, such as serum sickness and lupus nephritis.
Week
7

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 1: Hypersensitivity

3 study hours
  • Explain the mechanisms of Type IV hypersensitivity, including cell-mediated reactions.
  • Discuss the role of T lymphocytes and macrophages.
  • Provide examples of Type IV hypersensitivity, such as tuberculin reaction and contact dermatitis.
Week
8

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 2: Autoimmunity

3 study hours
  • Describe autoimmunity and its causes.
  • Explain the role of sequestered auto-antigens and inappropriate MHC class II expression.
  • Discuss the defects in the generation of suppressor T cells.
Week
9

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 2: Autoimmunity

3 study hours
  • Explain the concept of low-level autoimmunity and its potential benefits.
  • Discuss the role of autoimmunity in recognizing neoplastic cells and aiding rapid immune responses.
  • Describe the theories of immunological tolerance, including clonal deletion, anergy, and idiotype network.
Week
10

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 2: Autoimmunity

3 study hours
  • Explain the genetic factors associated with autoimmunity, including genes related to immunoglobulins, T-cell receptors, and MHC.
  • Discuss the role of HLA DR2, DR3, and DR4 in autoimmune diseases.
  • Describe the environmental factors affecting autoimmunity, including infectious diseases and chemical agents.
Week
11

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 2: Autoimmunity

3 study hours
  • Describe the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, including T-cell bypass, molecular mimicry, and cytokine dysregulation.
  • Explain the role of dendritic cell apoptosis and epitope spreading.
  • Discuss the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.
Week
12

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 3: Immunology of Tissue Transplantation

3 study hours
  • Identify the different types of transplants: autograft, allograft, and xenograft.
  • Describe the evidence that graft rejection is immunological, including first and second set reactions.
  • Explain the role of lymphocytes and antibodies in graft rejection.
Week
13

Module 2: Hypersensitivity

3h

Unit 3: Immunology of Tissue Transplantation

3 study hours
  • Describe the mechanism of graft rejection, including lymphocyte-mediated rejection and the role of antibodies.
  • Explain the prevention of graft rejection through tissue typing and the use of immunosuppressants.
  • Discuss the use of agents producing general immunosuppression and their side effects.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking different types of immunity (innate, adaptive, passive, active) and their components.

2

Focus on understanding the mechanisms of each type of hypersensitivity reaction (Types I-IV) and their clinical manifestations.

3

Review the key differences between humoral and cell-mediated immunity, including the roles of B cells, T cells, and antibodies.

4

Practice identifying the key characteristics of different autoimmune diseases and their underlying genetic and environmental factors.

5

Study the mechanisms of graft rejection and the strategies used to prevent it, such as tissue typing and immunosuppression.

6

Use flashcards to memorize key terms and definitions related to parasitology and immunology.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment questions to identify areas of weakness and focus your study efforts.

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