Module: Immunology & Immunoanalysis

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Immunology & Immunoanalysis
Module Code	BE433 (ITS) / BIO1013 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Christine Loscher
Module Teachers	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Michael Freeley, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This purpose of this module is to provide a detailed understanding of the theory and applications of advanced aspects of immunology. Students will be given an in depth insight into the advantages and limitations of immunoanalytical approaches in clinical, industrial and research situations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the molecular factors that confer immunogenicity to antigens
2. Describe in detail the cellular components involved generating immunity
3. Discuss in detail the methods used to produce antibodies and their appropriate applications
4. Discuss how antibody-based therapy can be used to treat human disease
5. Describe aspects of immunoanalysis including cytometry, immuno-cytochemistry, sensors and antibody-based targeting of ligands
6. Outline the importance of assay validation and research ethics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Seminars	2	No Description
Tutorial	4	No Description
Independent Study	95	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Immunology
The Process of antibody production at the cellular level; Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence antigenicity; Detailed account of B-cell stimulation; Antigen processing within the B-cell; The function and structure of the major histocompatibility antigens (MHC); The interaction of B-cells and T-cells; Genetic control of the immune response; Latest advances in understanding self, and non-self immune responses.

Immunoanalysis
Methods of antibody production (in detail) including polyclonal, monoclonal, bifunctional, multifunctional, genetic methods and production of antibody-derived fragments; Genetics of antibody production and phage display; Reshaped, chimaeric and human antibodies-production and applications; Use of antibodies in cancer including diagnosis,imaging and treatment; Production and application of conjugates used for the generation of antibodies and in immunoanalysis, Detailed account of immunocytochemistry and its applications;Introduction to next generation diagnostic devices.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Ivan M. Roitt, Seamus J. Martin, Peter J. Delves, Dennis Burton,: 0, Roitt's Essential Immunology, 978-1-4051-3603-7
Kenneth M. Murphy, Paul Travers, Mark Walport: 2008, Janeway's immunobiology, Garland Science, New York, 978-0-8153-4123-9

Other Resources

None