Module: Immunology & Cell Biology for Engineers

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Immunology & Cell Biology for Engineers
Module Code	BIO1004 (ITS: BE309)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of the human immune system, and the fundamental principles and resultant applications of an immune response both in vivo and ex vivo. Over the course of this module, students will gain knowledge in how antibodies protect a host against disease-causing pathogens, how these antibodies can be produced in the laboratory, and how specific antibodies can be tested, validated, and implemented for immunoanalytical and therapeutic applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand how the human immune system responds to different disease-causing pathogens
2. Appreciate the origin, production, and role of antibodies in fighting infection in a host
3. Detail the different types of antibodies, and how they can be produced in a laboratory setting
4. Understand the use and application of antibodies in modern-day bioanalytical and therapeutic strategies
5. Detail what constitutes an immunosensor and how this technology can be utilised for immunoassay development
6. Understand the critical features of an antibody-based array and how this approach can be developed into point-of-care devices
7. Appreciate the ethical considerations that need to be applied in the work flow when developing and validating an immunoassay

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	24 Lectures spanning four key sections will be delivered via online format
Tutorial	6	Tutorials will be formally scheduled via Zoom after the delivery of each quiz to revise the examined and allow for questions on the course content. Tutorials will also be scheduled as requested in advance of the written exam component/as needed
Independent Study	60	The continuous assessment build of this module will require the student to partake in study throughout the semester
Directed learning	35	Students will be assigned specific reading materials to enhance learning and knowledge. Understanding of this material is expected in tutorials and the student should work independently on this in parallel with the course content being delivered.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10139	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Neil Conlon	Module Teacher	Denis Collins, Denise Harold, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Loop quizzes will be scheduled at Week5 and Week 10. Two quizzes are planned.	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

The Immune System
An introduction to the human immune system spanning innate and adaptive immunity.

Antibodies
A detailed examination of antibodies; their structure, function, the different types, different formats, and varying methods of production

Immunoanalysis
Detailed overviews of modern day applications of antibody-based methods of analysis; including but not limited to immunohistochemistry, immunoaffinity, chromatography, imaging; ELISA, flow cytometry, immunosensors, and immunoblotting

Therapeutics
Exploration of modern day therapeutic strategies that augment, and/or evade, the immune system for the benefit of the recipient.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Murphy, Kenneth M.,Weaver, Casey: 2016, Janeway's Immunobiology, 9th, W.W. Norton & Company, United States, 0815345518

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None