The Division of Immunology enjoys a good national and international reputation in teaching and research. The Division provides a stimulating research environment, complemented by appropriate training, to encourage the development of students capable of high quality, independent, original research.
Current research themes in the Division include: manipulation of the immune system with anti-idiotypic antibodies; tumour immunology and immunotherapy; epitope recognition and molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity; immune modulation of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity; immunology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dendritic cell and macrophage biology, stem cell transplantation and immunology of connective tissue disorders. The research carried out within Immunology is recognised at an International level, and Allergy Research was rated 5* during the 2001 research assessment exercise.
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is a peer review exercise designed to evaluate the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEI). This assessment informs the selective distribution of funds by the UK higher education funding bodies. RAE 2008 awarded quality profiles for research assigned to one of 67 units of assessment (UOAs). Work submitted to RAE2008 was assessed by UOA panel members who are experts drawn from Universities and the wider research community. Every academic in the School of Molecular Medical Sciences is research active and was returned in one of 5 different UoAs. ~80% of research in the school was internationally recognized or better, ~30% classed as internationally excellent and ~5% as world leading. Three of the UoA subject areas (4,5 and 9) were rated in the U.K. top ten based on the Times Higher Quality or Research Power Rankings. The quality profiles awarded to UoAs returning MOL academics can be seen on the School RAE page.
Who teaches on the course?
The course is convened by academics within the Division of Immunology in the School of Molecular Medical Sciences. There are also several external lecturers who contribute to the course.
Staff involved with the course are recognised at an international level for their work in Immunology and Allergy, with the allergy research group receiving a 5* rating in the 2001 research assessment exercise. This provides a valuable opportunity for MSc students to carry out a five-month project in laboratories at the forefront of research.
What support is available?
The Course Director, Dr Amir Ghaemmaghami, is responsible for the general management and organisation of the course, and is part of the School Postgraduate teaching committee. Any issues or problems with any part of the course can be referred to him in the first instance.
Each student is also allocated a personal tutor within two weeks of starting the MSc, and they are required to have at least two documented meetings per semester. The personal tutors are members of academic staff within the School, and are available for both academic guidance and pastoral care.
In addition to this support, the University provides central services in the form of counselling, academic support and student guidance. The International Office provides additional resources for overseas students.