This course will investigate host responses to microbial infections: innate reactions including the complement system, and phagocytic cells; adaptive immunity including clonal selection theory, antibodies, roles of B and T lymphocytes, antigens and antigen presentation, and molecular genetics of antigen receptors. Bacterial diseases, focussing on molecular explanations of pathogenesis and virulence of selected pathogens and toxins. Viruses and viral infections with an emphasis on replication strategies, host and tissue specificity, effects of viruses on cells (cell death, transformation, latency), and determinants of viral virulence. 

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Entry to the HPO will be subject to a quota, and will be determined based on grades obtained in the prerequisite subject, BIOL2142.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:

Assessment will be based on:

• Laboratory reports demonstrating: an understanding of concepts; analysis and interpretation of results; relation to published literture; and an ability to write clearly and concisely (40%; LO 2,3,4,5).
• Written examination (60%; LO 1,2)

Honours Pathway Option (HPO) Assessment:

Written (and/or) Oral Reports (40%) using self-generated data sets for all of the practical based reports. Final exam 60%. A practical exercise will replace demonstrations of advanced viral immunology techniques. This will provide experience of additional laboratory skills, an opportunity to develop more complex interpretive skills and an extension of the theory taught in the course.

BIOL2142 (or BIOL2042)

BIOL3041