BIO 250 : Introduction to Immunology
This course describes the molecular and cellular interactions involved in immune responses. Topics include: development of the immune system, innate immunity, immunoglobulin structure and genetics, antigen-antibody reactions, the major histocompatibility complex and antigen presentation, T cell receptors (genetics, structure, selection), T cell activation and effector functions, immune responses to infections, organisms and tumors, autoimmune diseases, allergies, immune deficiencies and AIDS, activation and regulation of the immune response Antibody structure and function; applications of monoclonal antibodies in biotechnology and medicine; tolerance. Laboratory involves antibody purification, immunoprecipitation assays, immunoblotting, and ELISAs. Prerequisite: BIO 239 with a grade of C+ or better. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
Course Outcomes
1. Describe the components and organization of the immune system, including lymphoid organs, immune cells and humoral components.
2. Differentiate innate and adaptive immunity, their components (cellular and humoral) and identify expected immune responses to common pathogens
3. Explain primary vs. secondary immune responses and describe their relevance to immunizations and boosters.
4. Describe the events that result in antigen processing and identification, including the roles and interactions of antigen-presenting cells, phagocytes, lymphocytes, and effector cells in initiating and regulating immune responses.
5. Differentiate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses (outlining the activation, regulation and effector functions of B-cells and T-cells) and connect each to protection against different pathogen types.
6. Apply basic immunological principles to explain immune responses in clinical and applied science contexts including: vaccination, infection, allergy and autoimmune diseases.
7. Interpret basic immunology-related laboratory findings and immune response patterns (introductory level) to support clinical reasoning.