Basal and Comparative Immunology
About the course
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
Objectives of the course
After successful completion of the course the students should:
Know the key differences between inborn (innate) and acquired (adaptive) immunity
know the principal organization of lymphoid organs of mammals and fish
know about the most important immunological cell types and their effector mechanisms
know which function various cytokines and the complement system has
know the essential molecules - B and T cell receptors and MHC Class I and II
be able to explain 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
be able to explain the immunological principles that vaccines is built on
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
Norwegian and EnglishRecommended reading/syllabus
The course text book is: Basic Immunology: Functions and disorders of the immune system. Abul K. Abbas & Andrew H. Lichtman. Third Edition. Review papers within fish immunology will be presented at the course.
Lecture presentations are also considered required reading.
Assessment
Three hours written exam. A-E for passed, F for not passed.
A re-sit exam/postponed exam will be arranged early in the following semester, for candidates who failed the exam, or who, for valid reasons, were unable to attend.
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