Module: Immunology & Immunoanalysis

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Immunology & Immunoanalysis
Module Code	BIO1013 (ITS: BE433)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10156	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Michael Freeley	Module Teacher	Christine Loscher, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	2 x In-class tests worth 10% each (1 CA for each lecturer)	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	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

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None