Students
BIOL767 – Advanced Immunobiology
2014 – S2 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Other Staff
Katherine McClellan
Contact via katherine.mcclellan@mq.edu.au
Unit Convenor
David Raftos
Contact via david.raftos@mq.edu.au
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
NCCW Biol367
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides high level studies of the systems used by animals and plants to defend themselves from infection. The holistic approach taken in this unit allows us to identify the general themes that govern all immunological reactions. It also lets us dispel some myths that have governed mainstream immunology for decades. The biggest myth may turn out to be that only vertebrate animals, primarily mammals, are capable of sophisticated immune responses with the capacity to differentiate between different types of infectious agents. New evidence from throughout the animal and plant worlds suggests that this is not true, and there have been good reasons to be suspicious of this concept from the outset. So, in BIOL767, we don’t use terms like “innate” and “adaptive” immune systems as you find them in textbooks because we think that they are outmoded. Instead, we describe immune responses in terms of three major phases that any defensive reaction must go through. These are: “recognition”, where the presence of invaders is detected; “induction”, where the responsive systems that combat invasion are activated; and “effect”, where those responsive systems destroy or otherwise neutralise the invasive threat. Most of the unit will be spent describing those three phases, and the ways in which different animals and plants manage them.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Explain why all animals and plants need immune systems
- Describe how the immune system contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis
- Identify the cells and molecules in animals and plants that contribute to immune responses
- Conceptualise immune systems in terms of three distinct process: recognition, induction and effect
- Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
- Prepare written and oral presentations based on evaluation of current scientific literature on topical issues in immunobiology
- Carry out experiments using potentially hazardous material safely following Macquarie University sanctioned protocols
- Collect experimental data accurately and analyse, graph and apply statistical methods to allow interpretation of the results
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Final examination | 50% | Exam Period |
| Midsemester test | 10% | TBA |
| Literature review | 15% | Oct 21 |
| Seminar | 10% | TBA |
| Practical reports | 15% | Sept 2 & Oct 8 |
Final examination
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain why all animals and plants need immune systems
- Describe how the immune system contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis
- Identify the cells and molecules in animals and plants that contribute to immune responses
- Conceptualise immune systems in terms of three distinct process: recognition, induction and effect
- Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
Midsemester test
Due: TBA
Weighting: 10%
Midsemester test will be comprised of multiple choice questions that are designed to assess your understanding in terms of both lecture material and practical classes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain why all animals and plants need immune systems
- Describe how the immune system contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis
- Identify the cells and molecules in animals and plants that contribute to immune responses
- Conceptualise immune systems in terms of three distinct process: recognition, induction and effect
- Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
Literature review
Due: Oct 21
Weighting: 15%
You will need to write a 2,000 word (excluding references and figures) literature review on the topic of your tutorial seminar
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
- Prepare written and oral presentations based on evaluation of current scientific literature on topical issues in immunobiology
Seminar
Due: TBA
Weighting: 10%
Groups of four students will prepare and present a short (20 minute) seminar on a selected topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
- Prepare written and oral presentations based on evaluation of current scientific literature on topical issues in immunobiology
Practical reports
Due: Sept 2 & Oct 8
Weighting: 15%
You will be required to answer a series of questions based on each practical. Answers to these questions must be submitted to the Science Centre on 2 September (for the first 3 practicals) and 8 October (for the second set of practicals).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Carry out experiments using potentially hazardous material safely following Macquarie University sanctioned protocols
- Collect experimental data accurately and analyse, graph and apply statistical methods to allow interpretation of the results
Delivery and Resources
Classes
· There are two weekly one hour lectures (W5A, T1 - Mon 9-10am, and E7B, T3 - Tues 2-3pm) The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2013/showtimetable.aspx
· Practical content will be covered during two on campus sessions for external students:
Sat 24th and Sun 25th August from 9:00am until 4:00pm
and Mon 23rd to Wed 25th Sept from 9:00am until 4:00pm
· Attendance at practical sessions is a compulsory component of this unit.
Required and Recommended texts and/or materials
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 7th Edition. Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, and Shiv Pillai. Saunders Elsevier Publishing - this is an extremely comprehensive textbook with detailed information on most of the topics covered in lectures. Many images in the lecture graphics are taken from this book. This is the most recent (2012) edition, but previous editions should be OK.
When reading this textbook, you should remember that Biol367 takes a different approach to teaching immunobiology, and so does not refer to concepts such as "innate" and "adaptive" immunity. So if there are apparent contradictions in the textbook, always refer back to the lectures as a guide. The textbook provides access to the Elsevier Evolve Learning website, which provides additional material such as animations of key processes.
· Lecture graphics will be available online on the unit website (via iLearn) prior to each lecture. There are 20 lectures in Biol367 covering the major topics of recognition, induction and effect. Each lecture has a series of learning objectives described in terms of Key Topics on the second slide of each lecture Powerpoint file. You will need to understand each of these key topics. The lecture graphics mainly use images from the textbook and from primary research articles and reviews. The written text on the graphics is kept to a minimum and you will need to fill in the gaps with your own notes from the lectures and, where necessary, from the textbook. The lecture series does not cover topics in the order in which they are presented in the textbook so that graphics for a single lecture may come from different chapters of the textbook.
Unit web page
· This unit operates as an online unit via iLearn. The website will contain lecture and practical class notes, and will be updated regularly with additional information and announcements. We encourage you to visit the website frequently to check for updates.
Unit Schedule
| WEEK | LECTURE | PRACTICAL |
| 1 |
1. Introduction to unit 2. Summary of an immune response: recognition, induction and effect |
|
| 2 |
3. Self and not-self: why do animals and plants needs immune systems? 4. Pathogens, parasites, competitors and symbionts |
|
| 3 |
5. Antigens and PAMPs: What defines not-self? 6. Am I me, or not them? Recognition paradigms in plants and animals |
|
| 4 |
7. Pattern recognition molecules: lectins and Toll-like receptors 8. Hypervariable recognition molecules I: New immune response gene families of invertebrates and plants |
|
| 5 |
9. Hypervariable recognition molecules II: Antibodies and t-cell receptors 10. Danger, anti-viral states and inflammation |
|
|
24 and 25 September - first on-campus session |
1. Pattern recognition 2. Antibody structure 3. Phagolysomal defence |
|
| 6 |
11. Intracellular antigens, antigen processing and presentation 12. Activation of T-cells by processed antigens |
|
| 7 | ||
|
23 to 25 September - second on-campus session |
Mid semester test Seminars 4. Proteolytic effector cascades I: Phenoloxidase 5. Proteolytic effector cascades II: Complement 6. Clinical Immunology: The Immunology of Pregnancy |
|
| 8 |
13. Signalling, clonal selection and memory 14. Autoreactivity and education: To thine own self be true |
|
| 9 |
15. Plant defence I: R genes and AVR genes – the gene-for-gene model 16. Plant defence II: systemic acquired resistance |
|
| 10 |
17. Effector cascades: complement and phenoloxidase 18. Antimicrobial proteins |
|
| 11 |
19. The phagolysosomal system 20. Synthesis |
|
| 12 |
No lectures |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.