BIO3105 IMMUNOLOGY (E)

An individual is, because of the successful interaction with the environment and is not, when there is an imbalance in favour of the environment. Our environment is filled with numerous infectious agents that invade our bodies and disrupt the homeostasis, causing disease or death.  Nevertheless, most of the time, we are exposed to the infectious agents and because of the robust response of our immune systems in identification and elimination of the pathogens we survive.  This course therefore, will first, introduce the students to basic and contemporary concepts in Immunology with the emphasis on the components of the immune system including organs, innate, principles of adaptive immunity and the role of HLA and complement.  Second, the course will examine aspects of immunogenetics, components of humoral and cell mediated immune responses with the emphasis on the role of antibodies and T lymphocytes in the defense against various microbes and viruses.  Third, the students will learn the different evasion mechanisms of the pathogens, different immunological tests, types of vaccines with their advantages and disadvantages. Fourth, the course will address disorders and diseases beyond microbial and viral infections. Particularly, this part will include types of hyper sensitivity reactions, disorders of different body systems, primary and secondary immune disorders, autoimmune diseases transplantation and tumors/cancers.

Course objectives
At the end of the course the students should be acquainted with;

• The scope of Immunology
• Classification and features of immune responses 
• The HLA system
• Genes that encode immunoglobulins and antigenic receptors 
• Lymphocyte ontogeny and mechanisms of activation
• Sources, properties and functions of cytokines
• The protective immune mechanisms against pathogens
• Immune evasion strategies of the pathogens
• Immunodiagnostic principles and techniques 
• Vaccine production, types, schedules, benefits and associated complications 
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• System and immunodeficiency disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumors/cancers

Expected outcomes

• Comprehensive Biology graduates and teachers who can integrate and deliver Immunological concepts to the community of their own and beyond
• Appreciation of the relevance of Immunology other areas of Biology
• Ability to explain how individuals control infections
• Ability to explain why pathogens cause disease
• Ability to diagnose pathogens
• Ability to know how vaccines and produced and their importance
• To understand that there are other causes of diseases besides pathogens
• Inspired graduates into Biomedical Scientists