LSC-20015 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module you will explore how the mammalian body copes with infection by various pathogens. This includes addressing the cellular basis of the immune system and the generation and selection of the immune repertoire. You will also explore functional insights of immune protein structure and pathogen structure, including viruses and bacteria, and key concepts of the structure, function and immune recognition of pathogens. Within laboratory and workshop sessions, you will address the use of antibodies in the laboratory setting, and accessing and using protein databases and further explore the structure/function relationship of proteins.
Please note that either LSC-20015 or LSC-20073 is a pre-requisite for taking the module LSC-30036.

The aims of the course are to consider how the mammalian body copes with infection by various pathogens, to understand the cellular basis of the immune system and the generation and selection of the immune repertoire including the role of cell death, to consider the structure and function of immune proteins, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, and to develop subject-based IT skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

discuss and explain the key concepts of the mammalian immune system repertoire and its role in combating infection: 2
describe and critically evaluate the generation and selection of the immune repertoire: 2
explain the cell and molecular biology of cell death: 2
explain key concepts of the structure and function relationship with reference to proteins of the immune system: 2
explain in detail the key concepts of the structure, function and immune system recognition of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens: 2
explain and critically evaluate analytical methods used based on antibodies: 1
locate and use scientific information, protein sequences and protein structures from protein databases: 2
describe in detail the cells mediating the immune response: 2

Study hours

11 hours of tutorials/discussion activities supporting asynchronous material and assessment
3x 2 hour workshops
9x 5 hours asynchronous (on demand) activities (engagement with pre-recorded materials)
3 hours class test/online tasks
85 hours independent study; preparation for in-course assessment (practical report), and revision and engagement with directed reading to support end-of-semester class test

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment