IMM2011 Basic immunology: The body's defence system
Faculty of Science
IMM2011 Basic immunology: The body's defence system is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 6 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before IMM2011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After IMM2011
6 units list IMM2011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- HUP3022Human pathology 2: Pathology of human diseasesNo reviews yet
- IMM2022Immunology in health and diseaseNo reviews yet
- IMM3031Molecular and cellular immunologyNo reviews yet
- IMM3042Clinical immunopathologyNo reviews yet
- IMM3051Principles of applied immunologyNo reviews yet
- IMM3062Clinical and research laboratory immunologyNo reviews yet
Overview
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.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Tutorial portfolioPortfolioCompetency hurdle25%
- Laboratory activitiesDemonstration25%
- In-semester tests (multiple choice or similar format)Quiz / Test10%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Define the key structural and cellular components of the immune system;
- 2
Define the key features associated with the development of the immune system;
- 3
Generate, evaluate practical laboratory-based data and compile into defined structured written reports;
- 4
Generate and deliver an oral presentation on a defined area of immunology;
- 5
Draw upon learnt knowledge of immunology to explain how the immune system is associated with protection against pathogens.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials15 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories15 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- One 2-hour lecture;
- One hour pre-laboratory or pre-tutorial preparation;
- One 3-hour laboratory or tutorial class and
- Six hours of independent study per week.
Lectures:
This is our main form of imparting the key concepts and features associated with understanding Immunology and is delivered as key themes associated with understanding the immune system. This is delivered by immunology academics with many years experience in the field. Lecture recordings and notes will be available from your IMM2011 Moodle site.
Pre-class online activity:
For each major theme, pre-class reading together with an online self-gauging quiz have been generate to assist students as each theme is addressed. The reading for these is based on designated chapters from the prescribed text for IMM2011.
Tutorials: Smaller group activities that allow greater interaction between students, reinforce key concepts, and allow students to gauge understanding through assessment tasks. Additionally, tutorial-based tasks also enable the development of important skills such as teamwork, writing, literature research, and oral presentations. Tutorials are not replacements for lectures. Tutorials are held every second week and alternate with the practical sessions.
Practical laboratory-based classes: Hands on approach to reinforce or demonstrate key concepts introduced through lectures or that are important in immunology. Enables laboratory skills and report writing to be developed through mentoring and feedback from demonstrators. Practicals are held every second week and alternate with the tutorial sessions.
Learning resources
Required resources
You are required to provide a laboratory gown and safety glasses. Additionally, fully enclosed footwear must be worn in laboratories. Failure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment may result in exclusion from the laboratory class.
Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, and Pillai S. Basic Immunology (7th edition). Elsevier Saunders Publishers, 2024.
Recommended resources
If you wish to read further, the following textbooks may be useful:
- Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, and Pillai, S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology (10th edition). Elsevier Saunders Publishers, 2021.
- Murphy K, Weaver C, and Berg L. Janeway’s Immunobiology (10th International Student Edition). Norton Publishers, 2022.
Where it fits
IMM2011 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Kim Murphy
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Timothy Gottschalk
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for IMM2011?
IMM2011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after IMM2011?
IMM2011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including HUP3022, IMM2022, IMM3031, IMM3042, IMM3051 and IMM3062.
When is IMM2011 offered?
In 2026, IMM2011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does IMM2011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include IMM2011?
IMM2011 is part of Human pathology and Immunology.