This module will consider the anatomy and function of the immune system and immunopathology and then consider the diseases and microorganisms that affect the different organs and tissues of the human body. Indicative topics will include inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity to pathogens, immune defence mechanisms against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, antibody classes and functions, antigen processing and presentation, complement, the generation of antibody diversity, cell communication and immunopathology, including autoimmunity, hypersensitivity and transplant rejection. In the medical microbiology section of the module, indicative topics will include epidemiology, virology, parasitology, fungal infections, skin infections, GI tract infections, CNS infections, respiratory tract infections, UTI and STD infections.
Private Study: 124
Contact Hours: 26
Total: 150
• Laboratory Practical Report – 45%
• Examination (2 hours) – 55%
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
1. Demonstrate critical understanding of the major immune system functions and components, how cell-cell communication controls immune responsiveness to infectious agents and immunopathology.
2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of microorganisms of medical importance and the diseases they cause.
3. Demonstrate thorough understanding of how the spread of disease occurs in the human population.
4. Demonstrate critical understanding of experimental procedures in handling and identifying bacteria in samples provided to the students during the practical class.
5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of microbiological and immunological techniques used to identify pathogens and immune cells.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of data acquisition analysis and presentation as evidenced by the practical report assessment.
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