Immunology, pharmacology, epigenetics and microbiology
About the course
This course is only available for students enrolled in the bachelor's program in nutrition and exchange students on approved exchange agreements for the bachelor program in nutrition at UiT.
This course focus on four topics that have great impact on the health conditions of humans. These areas are immunology, which is how the immune system protects the host from pathogenic microorganisms. Cell communication and signal pathways is the learning objective in epigenetics. The course will also include pharmacology, which concerns how drugs work on the cellular and physiological level and what the body do to eliminate these drugs. In microbiology you will learn about the composition of the microbiota, and the effect of gut microbiota on health and disease.
Objectives of the course
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
Knowledge
- Explain how the immune system is activated by infection, both via innate and adaptive responses
- Explain microbiota and its effects on health and disease
- Explain pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs
- Explain how heredity and environment can affect gene expression
Skills
- Communicate the health effects of microbiota, drugs, immune system and environmental influence of diet on cell communication.
- Identify relevant information and present it orally within immunology, pharmacology, epigenetics and microbiology.
Competence
- Apply knowledge and skills on how the body can be affected by microbiota, drugs, immune responses, and environmental impact on gene expression.
- Apply knowledge and skills about immunology in education and research in discussions related nutrition and disease using a scientific approach
- Apply critical thinking skills
Prerequisites
Anbefalte forkunnskaper
ERN-2011 Macronutrients and Energy, MBI-2001 Biochemistry
Obligatorisk forkunnskapskrav
ERN-2009 Human physiology, MBI-1002 Cell- and molecular biology
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- ERN-2003 Immunology, pharmacology, epigenetics and microbiology 5 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Study level: Bachelor’s
This course is available to exchange students who are nominated under an approved exchange agreement for the Bachelor’s programme in Nutrition at UiT.
Basic knowledge of physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, microbiology, and pharmacology is required.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
| Oral exam | Date: 11.11.2026 08:15 Duration: 45 Minutes |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Group work | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Seminars | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Student presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Peer grading | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage