Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title	Immunology & Cell Biology for Engineers
Module Code	BE309
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr. Paul Leonard	Office Number	A210
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of the immune system and the role of antibodies in fighting disease. In this module, students will gain knowledge in aspects of immunoanalysis with particular emphasis on antibody production for assay development and biosensors.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand how our immune system fights infection with particular reference to the cellular events involved in antigen recognition
2. Describe the different types of antibodies and how these can be produced in the laboratory
3. Discuss how antibodies can be used for biochemical analysis
4. Explain the principles behind immunosensors and how these can be applied to immunoassay development
5. Outline the critical components of antibody-based arrays and biochips and how these can be utilised for point-of-care analysis
6. Discuss the ethical considerations that need to be applied for assay development and validation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Tutorial	6	No Description
Assignment Completion	30	No Description
Independent Study	53	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
Introduction to the innate and adaptive immune systems with particular focus of antibody-based immunity and vaccination

Antibodies
Detailed look at the structure and functions of antibodies, types, formats and methods of production

Immunoanalysis
Applications of antibody-based methods of analysis including immunohistochemistry,immunoaffinity, chromatography, tumour diagnosis and imaging; ELISA, EMIT and FACS; immunosensors (including Biacore systems), immunoblotting and associated electrophoretic techniques; agglutination and bead systems

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Kenneth M. Murphy, Paul Travers, Mark Walport: 2008, Janeway's immunobiology, Seventh Edition, Garland Science, New York, 978-0-8153-4123-9
David Wild: 2005, Immunoassay handbook, Pergamon, Oxford, 978-0080445267

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BMED	B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering
PBM	BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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