• Offered by John Curtin School of Medical Research
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Advanced
    Specialist
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Medical Science, Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science

This course examines in detail all aspects of the biology of the immune system, and uses this foundation to study the application of immunobiology to human disease. Topics will include the innate immune system, antigen processing and presentation, HLA, B and T lymphocytes, and how the immune system provides a coordinated response to viral, bacterial and helminthic pathogens. This biology will then be applied to the understanding of the pathogenesis of human autoimmunity, allergy, immunodeficiency and cancer, how such diseases can be diagnosed in the diagnostic pathology laboratory, and the theoretical basis of new treatment strategies. Finally, the course will cover research methods including animal models that prepare for future research into human immunological disease, aided by close liaison with, and presentations by, leaders in immunological research at ANU. Practical demonstrations in flow cytometry will be complemented by small group tutorials examining specific topics in immunobiology and analysis of the latest publications in the field.

Note:  Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
  1. Explain how the immune system responds to infection, vaccination, cancer
  2. Discuss how human disease can result from aberrations in immune responses
  3. Apply diagnostic laboratory techniques to diagnose immunological diseases
  4. Plan established and consider new interventions to treat immunological disease
  5. Interpret experimental data on research in immunology
  6. Read and summarise the literature critically to assimilate views on new findings

Other Information

The Biology Teaching and Learning Centre is located in Building 116. Alternatively you can email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Indicative Assessment

  • Tutorial presentations (including Flow Prac, Topic review and Journal Analysis 5% each total to15%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
  • Assignments (25%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
  • Major essay (20%; LO 3, 4, 5)
  • Final exam (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

    The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

    Workload

    Two lectures and up to three hours of practical, seminar or tutorial work per week.

    Requisite and Incompatibility

    This course is incompatible with BIOL3144

    You will need to contact the John Curtin School of Medical Research to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

    Prescribed Texts

    Janeway - Immunobiology (9th edition)

    Assumed Knowledge

    A solid foundation in cellular function and biology, including structures of human cells and tissues.  A firm understanding of molecular genetics as it applies to cellular function.
    A basic understanding of microbiology, particularly with regard to human pathogens

    Fees

    Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

    If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

    Student Contribution Band:
    3
    Unit value:
    6 units

    If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.  Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

    Units EFTSL
    6.00 0.12500
    Domestic fee paying students
    Year Fee
    2017 $4092
    International fee paying students
    Year Fee
    2017 $5454
    Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

    Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

    ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

    The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
    Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

    Second Semester

    Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
    7486 24 Jul 2017 31 Jul 2017 31 Aug 2017 27 Oct 2017 In Person N/A

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