Studying at York
Immunology & infection - BIO00050I
Module summary
In this module the students will be introduced to the diversity of pathogens that may infect us, and learn the importance of host-pathogen interactions that lead to infection and disease.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
In this module the students will be introduced to the diversity of pathogens that may infect us, and learn the importance of host-pathogen interactions that lead to infection and disease. We will explore the structural features of microbes that aids their virulence, the molecular evasion strategies they employ to prevent eradication and the relationship between our microbiome and infection. As the module progresses, we will explore the immune system; the intrincities of the innate and adaptive systems that collaborate to destroy the microbe prior to wide-spread tissue pathology. The students will learn how defined cells of the two immune systems recognise microbes, the pathways of activation and the weapons the two immune systems use to destroy microbes, exploring how microbes can exploit the tenents of immune cell activation to deride the immune response. Finally, we will discuss how science is capitalising on our knowledge of the microbial and immunological worlds to facilitate vaccine development against the biggest global pathogens.
Module learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will have the ability to:
Articulate subject-specific terminology correctly
Identify features that facilitate microbial transmission, infection establishment and evasion of host anti-microbial response
Summarise the cellular and molecular constituents of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and their unique abilities to recognise microbes
Describe the structural and functional attributes of the primary and secondary lymphoid organs essential for an effective anti-microbial response
Illustrate using specific examples how knowledge of complex anti-microbial immune responses promote vaccine development
Employ critical analytical skills to interrogate host-microbial immune responses
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Cohort-level feedback will be provided on performance in closed exams and made available via the VLE. Histograms of module marks will be posted on the notice boards outside the Biology Student Services office. Individual marks will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Exam scripts will be made available at the end of either the Spring or Summer terms. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site.