BI2BC45-Cells and Immunity

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Building Blocks of Life ô€€– Pt 1
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Mike Fry
Email: m.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will build on molecular cell biology concepts introduced at Part 1 and will introduce new concepts that will form the foundation for further development in modules at Part 3. The aim will be to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of eukaryotic cell structure and function in molecular terms, focusing on cells in tissues and immune cells and the interplay that occurs between them during infection. The module will start by introducing a range of topics linked to cell function in all cell types and then will move on to consider these in the context of the functioning of the immune system during an infection in a tissue.

Aims:
This module aims to provide background knowledge on molecular cell biology, with an emphasis on the understanding of the fundamentals of cell structure and cell function in molecular terms. The course will also provide students with an understanding of the main concepts and central mechanisms of the mammalian immune response, so that the students may understand how animals, especially humans, react to antigens and attack by pathogens. Students will also be introduced to the main forms of immunopathology and will gain an appreciation of how vaccines are produced and how antibodies may be used as 'tools' in clinical medicine and biological research. Information derived from this course is essential for a good understanding of material in subsequent modules concerning pathogens and disease processes.

Intended learning outcomes:
A working knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of molecular cell structure and function and of the immune system.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, the student will be expected to be able discuss and explain:
The structure of eukaryotic cells and their internal organization
In molecular terms the essential functions of each organelle of eukaryotic cells
Evaluate methodologies for studying structure and function of cells
Describe cellular mechanisms for control of cell growth, survival, proliferation and differentiation as controlled by cellular signalling pathways
The molecular basis o f cell adhesion and cell motility
The ways in which the cell can modify and repair itô€€’s DNA
The different types of immunity occurring in a mammal (i.e. innate and acquired)
The essential terminology associated with the subject
The roles of lymphocytes and other specialised cells, organs and tissues in the acquired immune response
The nature of antigens and how they are recognised and neutralised by the immune system
The nature, structure and roles of receptors , especially immunoglobulins and the T cell receptor
The generation of diversity of immunoglobulins, and concepts associated with immunocompetence
Examples of the role of experimental studies in clarifying the mechanisms of the immune response
The different types of immunopathology: hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency
The principle and practice of vaccination with appropriate examples
Examples of practical uses of antibodies (e.g. Western blotting, I HC, and immunodiagnostic assays).

Additional outcomes:
Students will have gained hands-on experience of techniques in molecular cell biology and immunology. The students will appreciate the rapid growth of the subject through a critical approach to immunological material presented in videos and discussion/tutorials sessions.
Students will have developed self-directed reading skills because they will be required to read relevant papers and sections of textbooks prior to seminars/discussion sessions.

Outline content:
On the cell biology side there will be a series of lectures that will cover a number of fundamental topics including a consideration of how receptor mediated signalling leads to cell growth, cell cycle and proliferation, autophagy and survival and differentiation; DNA modification and repair mechanisms; protein synthesis (translation), protein targeting and trafficking to itô€€’s site of action; secretion; protein turnover, endocytosis; cell adhesion, mig