Biology 432

Biology 432:  Introduction to Immunology
 

Meeting Time: Tues/Thur 6:30-7:45pm

 

Course Location: Hixson-Lied Science Building RM 408

 

Instructor: Annemarie Shibata, Ph.D

 

Office: Hixson-Lied Science Building RM 423

 

Office Phone: 280-3393

 

Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00-11:00am and by appointment

 

Email: ash33271@creighton.edu

 

Course Website: http://biology.creighton.edu/courses/BIO432

 

Course Objectives

 

This lecture course is designed to present the basic principles and concepts of immunology. Topics such as organization of the immune system, evolution of the immune system, and cellular and molecular mechanisms used by the immune system to protect organisms from disease are discussed in detail.  Additionally, course material examines the practical application of immunological experimental advances in basic and medical science.

 

Course Description

 

Introduction to Immunology is designed to present a complete overview of the processes regulating the immune response.  Lecture material begins with an overview of the immune system organization, cellular and organ components and general function.  The evolution of the immune system is emphasized as students are presented with the major scientific discoveries that have contributed to our current understanding of the immune system.  Students are introduced to the mechanisms of innate immunity followed by a discussion of antibodies and antibody diversity, antigens, and antigen-antibody interactions.  Following this introductory material, students are presented with a discussion of adaptive immunity covering such topics as major histocompatibility complex function, B and T cell development and differentiation, antigen recognition by B and T cell receptors, generation of lymphocyte antigen receptors, antigen presentation to T lymphocytes, and the development and survival of lymphocytes. Students are presented with an introduction to cytokines and their role in regulation of immune responses.  The role of the complement system and cell-mediated effector response conclude the middle section of this course.  The final component of the course examines some of the roles of the immune system in disease prevention with a focus on adaptive immunity to infection, vaccination, and cancer immunology.  The course is ended with a discussion of consequences of abnormal immune responses.  Students are introduced to such concepts as the mechanisms for rejection of transplanted tissue and autoimmunity.

Course Prerequisite

 

Biology 211 and 212, and one of the following courses, BIO 317, BIO 419, BIO 362, BIO 351, BIO 467

 

 

Text

 

The required textbook for this course is Kuby Immunology, 5th Edition, Goldsby, Kindt, Osborne, Kuby (2002). W.H.Freeman publisher.

 

Optional Text:  Immunobiology, 5th Edition. Janeway, Travers, Walport and Shlomchik (2001). Churchill Livingstone publisher.

 

Attendance

 

I will not take formal class attendance.   However, it is important for students to attend lecture since the required text does not contain all material presented during lecture.  It will be the student’s responsibility to obtain any class notes missed due to an absence. Additionally, unannounced quizzes will be given throughout the semester (please see below).  For this reason, it is the student’s advantage to attend lecture and ask to questions.  While this is a traditional lecture course, student participation is welcomed and encouraged.

 

 

Examinations and Quizzes

 

All examinations are designed to assess the students’ understanding of material as presented in the text, lecture, and any additional readings. Examinations arecomprised of a combination of problem solving short answer, fill-in-the blank,  and modified K type multiple choice.  Accommodations can be made for students with disabilities if scheduled with the faculty member prior to the first examination.

 

In order to encourage students to keep up with lecture and scheduled reading material, a total of 50 points can be earned through short quizzes designed to assess a basic understanding of recently covered course material.  Six unannounced quizzes (10 points each) will be given during the course.  The lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the semester.  There are no make-up opportunities for missed quizzes.

 

Make-Up Exams

You are expected to take examinations at the scheduled time.  If you must miss an examination, please contact me before the day of the exam.  Students who do not give prior notice will be required to provide written documentation verifying the reason for absence.  The make-up will be cumulative with emphasis placed on material covered on missed exam.  Make-up exams may be taken during Finals Week.

 

 

    90 and above          A

                89.9 to 85               B+

                84.9 to 80               B

                79.9 to 75               C+

                74.9 to 70               C

                69.9 to 60               D

                59.9 and below       F

 
Grading

           

 Exams 1-3             100 points ea.           

           Quizzes                   50 points

             (5 X 10 points)

            Final Exam          150 points

            Total                     500 points

                                                 

 

 

 

 

Ethics in Class

 

Unethical behavior in this class will not be tolerated.  The university policy as described in the Creighton University Undergraduate Student Bulletin (2003-2004) directly applies to this course.  Academic dishonesty in the form of cheating on examinations and/or plagerism on written work will result in a total loss of points for that assignment or exam.  Such loss of points may result in failure of the course. A second offence, regardless of the number of points lost, will result in automatic failure of the entire course.  In the event of an incident of academic dishonesty, the procedures of investigation and punishment that will be followed can be found on the college web site at http:// puffin.creigton.edu/ccas/facstaff/polManual/polManual.htm.