Innate Immune Recognition
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE4040 | Life Sciences | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE4040
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
A series of specialist lectures is provided on current understanding of the role of innate immunity in the elicitation of an inflammatory response in response to cellular damage and infection and in the induction of acquired immunity. There will be a particular focus on pattern recognition receptors and cell damage- and microbe-associated molecular patterns and their contribution to immune activation in the context of infection with extracellular and intracellular pathogens, tumour recognition, immunoevasion, immunopathology and vaccine development. The content of the lectures will be expanded and consolidated through sessions focused on research on each family of receptors and the preparation and delivery of presentations by the students and discussion groups.
Target Students
Only available for MSc/PGT students.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc.
Assessment
- 30% Oral: Group Oral Presentation
- 70% Coursework: Short essay (max 1500) centred on the analysis of selected experimental data and an explanation of their contribution to our understanding of Innate Immunity
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
1) The students will achieve a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of recent advances and problems at the forefront of research in innate immunology. A comprehensive understanding of techniques and critical evaluation of research will be attained through the discussion of primary research manuscripts during lectures and discussion groups.2) The students will have to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in innate immunity.Learning Outcomes
- To be able to define the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning immune activation.
- Apply the skills needed for scientific study and enquiry in the area of innate immune recognition.
- Assembling information from diverse sources in order to obtain a coherent understanding of scientific concepts and procedures.
- Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- To continue to advance their knowledge and understanding independently.
Transferable skills will include:
- The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility.
- The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
- Acquisition of IT skills.