Høst 2016

BIO-3609 Basal and Comparative Immunology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Norges fiskerihøgskole

Type of course

The course can be taken as a singular course.

Course contents

This course aims to provide an understanding of the components and principal workings of the vertebrate immune system and the lectures will focus both on mammalian species and on fish. The course will particularly discuss on how the immune system protects the body from microorganisms like virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites. We will also examine how immune responses are initiated and terminated, how the immune system "remembers" a pathogenic intruder such that it can respond stronger at subsequent infections (the basis for vaccination). We will also discuss the basis for the immune system to recognize virtually any structure it is exposed to and why the immune system will vigorously reject transplanted foreign tissues.

Admission requirements

Student must have pre-knowledge corresponding to BIO-1001 Cell and molecular biology, and BIO-2601 General microbiology.

Obligatory prerequisites

BIO-2601 General microbiology, MBI-1001 Cell and molecular biology

Objective of the course

Knowledge: The Candidate

knows the key differences between innate and adaptive immunity
knows the principal organization of lymphoid organs of mammals and fish
knows about the most important immunological cell types and their effector mechanisms
which function various cytokines and the complement system has
knows the essential immune molecules - B and T cell receptors and MHC Class I and II
understand the mechanisms that provide the B and T cells with the great repertoire of molecule detection
have knowledge about the principles for clonal selection of antigen-specific lymphocytes
know the main differences in the defense against bacteria and viruses
is able to understand the immunological principles that vaccines is built on

Skills: The Candidate can

evaluate the effects of different prophylactic treatments including vaccines and vaccination strategies
evaluate the impact of different immunological parameters, i.e. antibody responses and immune gene profiling by qPCR

General knowledge: The Candidate

have a good overview of the immune system of higher vertebrates (mammals and fish)

Language of instruction

English.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Three hours written exam. A - E for passed, F for failed.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.

Date for examination

One written 05.12.2016

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.