Students

BIOL367 – Immunobiology

2014 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
David Raftos
david.raftos@mq.edu.au
Contact via david.raftos@mq.edu.au
Michelle Power
michelle.power@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(12cp in BIOL units at 200 or 300 level) or admission to GCertBiotech
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit studies the relationship between infectious micro-organisms, and the animals and plants that they infect. The unit also focuses on the effects of environmental change on the ability of organisms to cope with disease. It begins by investigating the ecology of disease and the way it moulds the immune systems of plants and animals. We then describe the basic paradigms used by plants and animals to detect the presence of infectious agents and activate immune responses against them. The unit ends by discussing the key methods used by different organisms to kill pathogens and overcome infection. Throughout the unit we focus on systems that have direct relevance to medicine, agriculture or aquaculture, highlighting new discoveries that are changing the face of modem immunology.

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 Hurdle Due
Final examination 50% No Exam Period
Midsemester test 10% No TBA
Practical reports 30% No One week after each prac class
Seminar 10% No TBA

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

Practical reports

Due: One week after each prac class
Weighting: 30%

You will be required to answer a series of questions based on each practical. Answers to these questions must be submitted in the week following the practical.
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

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

Delivery and Resources

Classes

 

·         There are two weekly one hour lectures  (W5A, T1, Monday 9-10am, E7B, T3, Tuesday 2-3pm) and weekly 3 hour practical sessions (E8A150/130, 1pm – 4pm Mon OR 9am – 12pm Tues). 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

BIOL367, IMMUNBIOLOGY – TIMTABLE, 2014

 

WEEK

DATE

LECTURE

PRACTICAL

1

Aug 4
  1. Introduction to unit

None

 

Aug 7
  1. Summary of an immune response: recognition, induction and effect

 

2

Aug 11
  1. Self and not-self: why do animals and plants needs immune systems?

Introduction to practical classes

 

Aug 14
  1. Pathogens, parasites, competitors and symbionts

 

3

Aug 18
  1. Antigens and PAMPs: What defines not-self?

1: Pattern recognition

 

Aug 21
  1. Am I  me, or not them? Recognition paradigms in plants and animals

 

4

Aug 25
  1. Pattern recognition molecules: lectins and Toll-like receptors

2: Antibody structure

 

Aug 28
  1. Hypervariable recognition molecules I: New immune response gene families of invertebrates and plants

 

5

Sept 1
  1. Hypervariable recognition molecules II: Antibodies and t-cell receptors

3: Phagolysomal defence

 

Sept 4
  1. Danger, anti-viral states and inflammation

 

6

Sept 8
  1. Intracellular antigens, antigen processing and presentation

4: Proteolytic effector cascades I: Phenoloxidase

 

Sept 11
  1. Activation of T-cells by processed antigens

 

7

Sept 15

Mid semester test

 

 

Sept 17

No lecture

 

 

 

Mid semester break (Sept 20 - Oct 6)

 

8

Oct 6

No lecture, (Labour Day public holiday, Monday)

No practical classes (Labour Day public holiday, Monday)

 

Oct 9
  1. Signalling, clonal selection and memory

 

9

Oct 13
  1. Autoreactivity and education: To thine own self be true

5. Proteolytic effector cascades II: Complement

 

Oct 16
  1. Plant defence I: R genes and AVR genes – the gene-for-gene model – recorded only

 

10

Oct 20
  1. Plant defence II: systemic acquired resistance – recorded only

Seminars

 

Oct 23
  1. Effector cascades: complement and phenoloxidase

 

11

Oct 27
  1. Antimicrobial proteins

6: Clinical Immunology:

The Immunology of Pregnancy

 

Oct 30
  1. The phagolysosomal system

 

12

Nov 3
  1. Synthesis

No pracs

 

 

No lectures

 

 

 

 

Task

Weight (%)

Due Date

Internals

Due Date

Externals

Linked Learning Outcomes

Linked Graduate Capabilities

Mid-semester Test

10

Sept 15

29 Sept

1,2,3,4,5

1,2

Seminars

10

Weeks 9 and 10

30 Sept

5,6

2,4,5

Practical class reports

30

One week following practical classes

8 Sept & 7 Oct

7,8

1,2,3,4,5

Final Exam

50

exam period

exam period

1,2,3,4,5

1,2

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the integrated functions of different cells and molecules that are needed to produce a coordinated immune response
  • Carry out experiments using potentially hazardous material safely following Macquarie University sanctioned protocols

Assessment task

  • Practical reports

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 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

  • Final examination
  • Midsemester test
  • Practical reports

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain why all animals and plants need immune systems
  • Identify the cells and molecules in animals and plants that contribute to immune responses
  • Collect experimental data accurately and analyse, graph and apply statistical methods to allow interpretation of the results

Assessment tasks

  • Final examination
  • Midsemester test
  • Practical reports
  • Seminar

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 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
  • Prepare written and oral presentations based on evaluation of current scientific literature on topical issues in immunobiology
  • Collect experimental data accurately and analyse, graph and apply statistical methods to allow interpretation of the results

Assessment task

  • Practical reports

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Prepare written and oral presentations based on evaluation of current scientific literature on topical issues in immunobiology

Assessment tasks

  • Practical reports
  • Seminar

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 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
  • Collect experimental data accurately and analyse, graph and apply statistical methods to allow interpretation of the results

Assessment tasks

  • Practical reports
  • Seminar

Changes since First Published

Date Description
14/01/2014 The Prerequisites was updated.