Basic immunology: The body's defence system

The immune system is central to many aspects of health such as recovering from viral and bacterial infections, vaccination against common diseases, fighting cancers and accepting organ transplants. The immune system is also responsible for many common conditions such as allergy and autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This unit introduces you to the fundamental concepts of the immune system. It describes the structure of the immune system and how it can develop specificity and diversity for combating microbes and pathogens. Key concepts surrounding the function of the immune system in how it communicates and makes decisions when generating specific immune responses will be learnt. This unit is designed to give you a basic but fundamental knowledge of the immune system useful to many areas of biomedical science. It can lead into further studies in second semester (IMM2022) and more advanced studies at level three and beyond. Together with formal lectures and tutorials, laboratory classes reinforce key concepts to which you have been introduced. In addition, flexible learning options including on-line material, audio-taped lectures, quizzes and interactive tutorials provide you with a wide variety of experiences and skill development.