Immunology and Disease Pathogenesis

This is a second-cycle course in Biology designed to establish an in-depth knowledge of Immunology in relation to disease pathogenesis. The course can be included as part of a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Molecular Biology, or as part of a Master's degree in Biology and Molecular Biology. The course can also be taken as a freestanding course.

Passed basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology and biodiversity and systematics or equivalent courses.

In addition a completed first-cycle course in Immunology, 15 hec or an equivalent course, and English proficiency to the level of English level 2/ English 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS, is required.

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the immune system's structure, function and pathology, as well as its function in interaction with invading microorganisms and malignant cells. The course will also provide knowledge about the drugs used to suppress or enhance the immune system's effector functions.

After completing the course the students will be able to;
Knowledge and understanding

• Distinguish and explain the innate and adaptive immune system's role in acute andchronic inflammation.
• Describe and account for mucosal immunology.
• Distinguish and explain the immune systems effector mechanisms in bacterial andviral infections.
• Explain the mode of action of established mucosal and systemic vaccines andadjuvants.
• Describe and account for tumor immunity and immunotherapy for cancer.
• Describe and account for the role of the immune system in autoimmune diseasesand drugs that are intended to influence the immune system.
• Describe and account for neuroimmunology.

Competence and skills

• Discuss and evaluate the principles of the immune reponse in various infections andinflammatory conditions. 
• Discuss and evaluate the principles of vaccination and the need for adjuvant.
• Discuss and evaulate the immun sytem's role in chronic conditions and howmedication affects the immune system.
• Compile and present current knowledge from relevant sources within the course topic.

Judgement and approach

• Reflect on and evaluate scientific text in immunology.
• Discuss and critically examine developmental needs and use of drug that enhance or suppress the immune system.

Teaching is mainly in the form of lectures, individual assignments and mandatory groupassignments. Also writing of a scientific report is included.

Language of instruction: English 

Written examination, 8 credits
Group assignment, 2 credits
Individual assignment, 2 credits
Written assignment, 3 credits
The written exam is given three times every year: a regular examination at the end of the course and two extra exams.
Group assignment require active participation to achieve a passing grade. On occasional absence from the group seminars the student is required to submit a written report of the assignment. Systematic absence or lack of activity and knowledge during group assignments renders a failing grade. Should a student fail, the opportunity to complete group assignments by participation in the next year's regular course is given.
There will be several individual assignments during the course, if a student fail to pass these assignments two extra occasions will be offered.
The written assignment is examined twice a year: an annual submission during the course and another opportunity until the next annual submission.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).
For grade G, the student is required to pass the written exam and pass the group seminars and the written report. For the grade VG, pass with distinction on the written exam is required, along with pass on the group seminars and the written report. Group seminars and the written report is only graded G/U.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.