Therapeutic Immunology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE4012 | Life Sciences | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE4012
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module addresses current therapeutic strategies for the application of therapeutic interventions, both for immunological diseases and where "biologic" drugs (engineered cytokines antibodies and other molecules) are applied to a broader range of diseases.
The module makes reference to the use of both existing and future potential immunotherapies including engineered antibody based therapeutics, including chimeric antigen receptors, use of cytokines and derivatives, siRNA, small molecule inhibitors, gene therapies and gene editing technologies, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells based therapies.
Specific examples of viral disease and vaccination, HIV and bacterial vaccines are provided.
The aim is to up-to date with modern therapeutic options.
Target Students
Priority for MSc Immunology and Immunotherapeutics students and MSc Microbiology and Immunology students. Only open to Masters level students in Life Sciences.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1
- 50% Coursework 2
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To provide awareness of the applications of modern immunological knowledge in designing novel therapeutic agents, to give examples of current practices, and mechanisms of action of biologic and small molecule drugs designed to address immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.To discuss the benefits and risks of each sort of therapeutic option, and notable successes and failures as examples in this area.Specific areas, such as viral diseases and HIV, and vaccination for bacterial pathogens are addressed within the module.Learning Outcomes
To be able to define the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning the science of immunology and allergy.
To analyse current and potential therapeutic strategies and to assess the use of engineered antibodies and peptide vaccines for treating immunological diseases.
Apply the skills needed for scientific study and enquiry.
Assembling information from diverse sources in order to obtain a coherent understanding of scientific concepts and procedures.
Adopt strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a range of sources.
Effective communication with individuals at all levels, both orally and in writing.
To manage own time effectively.
Information retrieval from a variety of sources.