Immunology and Immunotherapeutics MSc

This module provides an overview of the mechanisms and concepts underpinning the science of immunology.

In this module you will define the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning the science of Immunology, giving you a sound background in aspects of immunology.

You will gain a grounding in planning, preparing and executing research in the field of molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and genetics. 

You will gain a grounding in planning, preparing and executing research in the field of molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and genetics. You will learn how to plan research projects, assess published literature, analyse data and gain experience presenting research data and preparing publications, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of statistical methods. 

This module will also enhance your ability to critically assess published literature and analyse data.

During the molecular biology practical laboratory sessions you will gain experience of standard techniques related to laboratory research in the fields of immunology, microbiology and genetics. From this you will appreciate the workflow of gene cloning, followed by sequence analysis of genes and their variability, as well as cloning and expression of recombinant proteins.

This will be supported by online provision of podcasts describing the theory and practice of each laboratory component, as well as videos and animations describing the details of laboratory practice. 

The aim of this module is to enable you to describe the human immunoglobulin E (IgE) network and the mechanisms of tissue damage in allergic inflammation. It also explores the use of modern molecular biology techniques in the development of strategies for immunological intervention.  

You will gain an understanding of core concepts of immune responses in relation to the development of autoimmunity, the associated immune dysfunctions and the association of autoimmunity within the larger topic of hypersensitivities. You will also study mechanisms by which antigens are presented, and how tolerance to self is achieved. The module will address mechanisms by which self-tolerance can be broken, the types of autoimmune diseases which are classified as organ specific or systemic in nature and the mechanisms of damage associated with autoimmune responses under these circumstances.

Focusing on the basic mechanisms and concepts underpinning : innate immune activation within the context of infection with extracellular and intracellular pathogens, tumour recognition, immunoevasion and immunopathology. You will also gain insight in to how this understanding could be used for developing new vaccination or therapeutic strategies. 

Introducing bioinformatic techniques and commonly used in medically related research including database interrogation, homologue identification, multiple sequence alignment, genomic data, and protein structure analysis. This topic will enable you to obtain practical experience in using bioinformatics software available for the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. The module is taught using a combination of lectures and practical sessions.  

This 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.

You will design and execute a research programme performing experiments, analysing data or undertaking other research activities aimed at solving a specific problem in clinical microbiology. 

The form of project may vary from laboratory-based work, bioinformatics, or extended literature reviews, depending on the expertise of your project supervisor. As well as gaining the technical and project management skills required for contemporary research, you will develop the ability to write scientific texts through producing a dissertation based on your research findings.

You will be asked to write a project proposal on a formal pro-forma document in year 2 to be checked for authenticity and appropriate level of study.

This report is discussed with academic staff during an oral viva voce examination.