| Course Title | Fundamentals of Immunology | ||
| Course Code | BS3109 | ||
| Offered | Study Year 3, Semester 2 | ||
| Course Coordinator | Su I-Hsin (Assoc Prof) | IHSu@ntu.edu.sg | 6513 8687 |
| Pre-requisites | BS1007 | ||
| Mutually exclusive | BS2007 | ||
| AU | 3 | ||
| Contact hours | Lectures: 22, Tutorials: 17 | ||
| Approved for delivery from | AY 2020/21 semester 2 | ||
| Last revised | 9 Apr 2021, 14:01 | ||
This course aims to introduce basic concepts in immunology and engage students to work on open questions/ unresolved problems in immunology. You will learn fundamentals of the immune system including immune cells, their functions and distributions as well as molecular and cellular components of innate immunity and adaptive immunity. In order to properly understand immunological data, you will also learn how to analyze flow cytometry example data files using appropriate software. To further develop your critical thinking skills in the context of immunological research, you are expected to read and interpret original research publications and perform extensive literature search on selected topics in immunology. Upon completing the course, you are required to submit an individual final report discussing current health issues and solutions. In this way, you are encouraged to utilize the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies, instead of just memorizing facts. This course should help you to understand immunological concepts and identify open questions, then develop some of the problem solving skills required for a career in research and other types of creative jobs.
Upon successfully completing this course, you should be able to:
Basic immunology-overview
FACS analysis of developing lymphoid and myeloid cells
Innate immunity
V(D)J recombination, B and T cell development and selection
T cell development and activation (self vs non-self)
MHC (HLA human aspect)
Dynamics of adaptive immunity Immune
Transcriptional regulation of lymphocyte development
Cancer immunology, immunotherapy & vaccine
| Component | Course ILOs tested | SBS Graduate Attributes tested | Weighting | Team / Individual | Assessment Rubrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | |||||
| Lectures | |||||
| Assignment | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 1. a, b, c, d 2. a, b, d, e, f 3. a, b, c, e, f, g 4. a 5. a, b, c, d, e 6. c 7. a, b, c, d | 40 | individual | See Appendix for rubric |
| Flipped Classroom | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 1. a, b, c, d 2. a, f 3. a, b, c, e 5. a, b, c, d, e 7. a, b, d | 0 | both | See Appendix for rubric |
| Technology-enhanced Learning | |||||
| Multiple Choice Questions | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1. a, b, c, d 2. a, f 3. a, b, c 5. a, b, c, d, e 7. a, b, c, d | 10 | individual | |
| Tutorials | |||||
| Final-term Quiz | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1. a, b, c, d 2. a, b, d, e, f 3. a, b, c, e, f, g 4. a 5. a, b, c, d, e 6. c 7. a, b, c, d | 30 | individual | See Appendix for rubric |
| Written Report | 1, 2, 3 | 1. a, b, c, d 2. e, f 3. a, b, c 4. a 5. a, b, c, d, e 6. c 7. a, b, c, d | 20 | individual | See Appendix for rubric |
| Total | 100% | ||||
These are the relevant SBS Graduate Attributes.
1. Recognize the relationship and complexity between structure and function of all forms of life, resulting from an academically rigorous in-depth understanding of biological concepts
a. Possess a conceptual framework that identifies the relationships between the major domains in the field of biology.
b. Explain the relationship between structure and function of all forms of life at the molecular level
c. Explain the relationship between structure and function of all forms of life at the cellular level
d. Explain the relationship between structure and function of all forms of life at the organism level
2. Critically evaluate and analyze biological information by applying the knowledge, scientific methods and technical skills associated with the discipline
a. Identify the assumptions behind scientific problems and issues
b. Create and evaluate hypotheses
d. Design experiments relevant to authentic problems and their models
e. Analyze the validity of qualitative and quantitative scientific data
f. Evaluate results in primary biological literature
3. Develop and communicate biological ideas and concepts relevant in everyday life for the benefit of society
a. Simplify and explain scientific concepts and results of experiments to a non-biologist (avoiding jargon)
b. Display and explain scientific results clearly and persuasively to peers both verbally and in writing (includes the ability to graph data appropriately and accurately).
c. Demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of science, where new results continually modify previous knowledge
e. Discuss current critical questions in the field of biology
f. Demonstrate an understanding of the social and natural context of knowledge (role of science in society, influence of society on science)
g. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of ideas and development of the major fields of biology
4. Acquire transferable and entrepreneurial skills for career development
a. Demonstrate innovative approaches to solving problems in biological science, leading to new approaches or techniques
5. Develop communication, creative and critical thinking skills for life-long learning
a. Learn independently and then share that knowledge with others
b. Learn collaboratively and be willing to share expertise with peers
c. Demonstrate critical thinking skills such as analysis, discrimination, logical reasoning, prediction and transforming knowledge
d. Question the assumptions, sources, and contexts of scientific investigation
e. Demonstrate good observation skills and a curiosity about the world
6. Develop codes of social responsibility and scientific ethics, particularly in relation to biological advancement and applications
c. Respect regulations involving plagiarism and copyright
7. Demonstrate information literacy and technological fluency
a. Locate and evaluate information needed to make decisions, solve problems, design experiments, and understand scientific data
b. Work effectively with common technologies in biology
c. Evaluate and use biological databases (literature and public datasets)
d. Complete online learning independently
During lecture hours, we will conduct iCloud survey to evaluate the overall understanding of students about the specific topics. Any issues will be addressed immediately in class. Online MCQ questions will test your understanding of basic knowledge. Any problems identified during these exercises can be addressed immediately.
| Lectures (22 hours) | Lecturer will provide background information about specific topic and use experimental examples to explain how knowledge is generated. Citations are also provided, if students are interested, they can check on the original publications. This addresses Intended Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4 |
| Tutorials (17 hours) | You are required to gather online information about each topics before class and actively involved in the discussion. In data analysis sessions, you will learn how to analyze and interpret research data. This addresses Intended Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
1. Relevant recent research papers (updated each year)
2. Online resources:
NCBI PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Journal publications;
Review articles
Nature reviews, annual review of immunology, Current Opinion in Immunology, Frontier in immunologyOriginal research data
Nature, Cell, Science, Nature immunology, Immunity, Journal of Experimental medicine, Journal of Clinical Investigation, National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Journal of immunology, blood, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Frontier in immunology3. Relevant paragraphs from any of the following Text books:
The Immune System (adapted from Immunology by Charles A Janeway)
Peter Parham, Garland ScienceThe Immune response: Basic and Clinical Principles
Tak W. Mak and Mary E. SaudersKuby- Immunology
Kindt, Goldsby and OsborneCellular and Molecular Immunology
Abul K. Abbas and Andrew H. Lichtman
You are expected to complete online assignment and quiz on time. You are encouraged to be innovative and self-motivated in problem solving.
Good academic work depends on honesty and ethical behaviour. The quality of your work as a student relies on adhering to the principles of academic integrity and to the NTU Honour Code, a set of values shared by the whole university community. Truth, Trust and Justice are at the core of NTU’s shared values.
As a student, it is important that you recognize your responsibilities in understanding and applying the principles of academic integrity in all the work you do at NTU. Not knowing what is involved in maintaining academic integrity does not excuse academic dishonesty. You need to actively equip yourself with strategies to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, academic fraud, collusion and cheating. If you are uncertain of the definitions of any of these terms, you should go to the Academic Integrity website for more information. Consult your instructor(s) if you need any clarification about the requirements of academic integrity in the course.
| Instructor | Office Location | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Su I-Hsin (Assoc Prof) | 02n-46 | 6513 8687 | IHSu@ntu.edu.sg |
| Week | Topic | Course ILO | Readings/ Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recorded basic immunology-overview 1 (discussion in class) | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 | Watch recording before lecture |
| 2 | Recorded basic immunology-overview 2 (discussion in class) | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Watch recording before lecture |
| 3 | FACS analysis of developing lymphocytes and myeloid cells | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Revisit the previous lecture content and prepare for the following lecture |
| 4 | Innate immunity-introduction | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Revisit the previous lecture content and prepare for the following lecture |
| 5 | Innate immunity-advanced | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Revisit the previous lecture content and prepare for the following lecture |
| 6 | V(D)J recombination, B cell development and activation | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | FACS data analysis computer lab |
| 7 | Effector function of B cells | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | FACS data analysis computer lab |
| 8 | MHC (HLA human aspect) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Submit Data analysis report |
| 9 | Dynamics of adaptive immunity | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Revisit the previous lecture content and prepare for the following lecture |
| 10 | Transcriptional regulation of lymphocyte development and activation | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Revisit the previous lecture content and prepare for the following lecture |
| 11 | Cancer immunology, immunotherapy & vaccine | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Prepare for final -Term quiz |
| 12 | Final-Term Quiz | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 | Finalize report for submission |
During the semester, you should identify important health issues that require further studies and compose a final individual report about "Current health issues and solutions- immunological aspects".
Graphics and charts can be used to enhance the clarity of your report. The report should contain following sections;
A. Title (80 characters with spaces)
B. Abstract (up to 150 words)
C. Introduction to the selected field and issues to be resolved– Literature Review
(up to 700 words)
In this section, provide an overview of the relevant research on the topic of your report. The literature review section should provide a summary of key findings/problems that are relevant to the selected topic. Explain the issues to be resolved and why it is important to solve these problems.
D. Proposed solutions (up to 500 words)
In this section, provide description of proposed solutions. If experimental approaches are needed, specify the suitable methods and models.
E. Conclusion (up to 150 words)
F. References
The report will be evaluated based on the following criteria;
| Advanced | Proficient | Developing | Beginning | |
| Title | 5 pts
Student presents a concise, clear and informative title | 3 pts
Student presents a clear, understandable title | 1.5 pts
Student presents a title longer than 80 characters and not clear |
|
| Abstract | 15 pts | 10 pts | 5 pts | 1 pt |
| Student presents information in logical, interesting, and informative manner which audience can follow. All parts of the abstract (intro, background, general problem, main result, context, broader perspective) are thoroughly addressed with insightful “value-add” perspective. | Student presents information in a logical and factual manner which audience can follow. All parts of the abstract (intro, background, general problem, main result, context, broader perspective) are adequately addressed. | Student presents an abstract that is missing some components and/or is not factually accurate. | Student presents an abstract that is missing most components and/or is not factually accurate. | |
| Explanation and analysis of problems, proposed solutions and discussion | 20 pts | 15 pts | 10 pts | 1 pts |
| Student identifies key health issues. Student clearly states the existing problems, interpret existing data and propose solutions to the identified problems or outstanding research gap. The report is clear, precise, and actionable by any trained immunologists or health care professionals. | Student identifies key health issues. Student clearly states the existing problems, interpret existing data and propose solutions to the identified problems or outstanding research gap. The report is clear, but require modifications to be actionable by any trained immunologists or health care professionals. | Student is unable to identify key health issues. Student does not adequately address problems, interpret existing data and propose solutions to the identified problems or outstanding research gap. The report is not logical and not actionable. | Student does not have grasp of information; cannot identify outstanding questions; cannot formulate cogent or actionable proposal. |
You are expected to watch the two recorded lectures before the first two actual lecture hour. The recorded lectures will provide an overview about basic immunology. During the lecture hours, we will discuss selected topics related to the lecture contents but not explained in the recorded lectures. During the process you are required to use the existing knowledge to identify problems and search for answers.
In order to properly understand immunological data, you will learn how to analyze flow cytometry example data files using appropriate software. In this report, you will have to present analyzed data with your own interpretation of the data. You also need to answer several embedded questions.
The report will be evaluated based on the following criteria;| Criteria | Requirements for full marks | Marks |
| Analyze data | Analyze all sample data files and presented in understandable dot plots or histogram and indicate gating strategies. All diagrams are professionally presented and labeled fully. | 5 |
| Data interpretation | Show clear understanding of the analyzed data, provide educated interpretation of the data and able to elaborate the results with background knowledge. | 10 |
| Answer question | Provide correct answers to the embedded questions. | 5 |
| Total | 20 |
As a result of this course, it is expected you will develop the following "big picture" attributes:
Develop scientific curiosity
Appreciate the necessity for broad-spectrum immunotherapeutic interventions
Develop confidence in analysing new threats from diseases
Develop a desire to identify problems and figure out solutions by yourselve
Be willing to contribute to team outcomes
Be willing to and able to complete online learning tasks on time