Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Molecular and Cellular Immunology
School	School of Bioscience
Department	School of Biosciences
Module Code	03 22940
Module Lead	Klaus Fütterer
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	LI Cell and Developmental Biology - (03 24985)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-21 hours Practical Classes and workshops-3 hours Guided independent study-176 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The emphasis of this module is on how the immune system works, with a focus on molecular and cellular aspects. The main areas covered include (but are not limited to): (i) the evolution of the immune system, (ii) innate immunity and the role of phagocytes, inflammatory responses and intracellular killing mechanisms, (iii) adaptive immunity and the role of B cells, T cell subsets, antigen presenting cells, interleukins and cell surface receptors, (iv) immunity and infection killer cells and killing mechanisms, (iv) the structures, signalling pathways, cell biology and interactions involved in antigen recognition, T and B cell responses, antibody-antigen complexes, (v) immunological disorders, including hypersensitivity, and autoimmune diseases and transplantation, (vi) vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. The aim of the module is to develop a knowledge in immunology and the methods used to investigate the subject. This will be achieved by a combination of (i) lectures, (ii) data interpretation sessions, (iii) practicals on leukocyte identification using microscopy and (v) student reading material available on e-journals and in the library.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: demonstrate a body of knowledge of physiological, cellular and molecular features of the immune systems in humans and other organisms; link molecular and cellular components of the immune system to physiological outcomes in protection against infection, and autoimmune conditions; Interpret data based on experiments in molecular and cellular immunology in terms of cellular and molecular features of the immune system; Present a topic in molecular and cellular immunology in the form of a critical evaluation of a controversy in immunology understand through practical training how cell staining and microscopy can be used to identify cells of the immune system in blood smears.
Assessment	22940-03 : Controversies Assignment with Data Interpretation : Coursework (50%) 22940-04 : Examination : Exam (Centrally timetabled) - Computer based (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Examination: 3h Examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%): Summer assessment period Reassessment: Reassessment is not available for modules taken in the final year of an undergraduate programme. Students who miss their examinations due to mitigating circumstances will be required to sit them at the next opportunity.
Other
Reading List