1. Gained an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the pathogenesis and control of infections, and the interaction of pathogens with the immune system.
2. Gained a body of experimental skills and techniques frequently used in research in immunology and virology, which are fundamental to understanding how research in these disciplines is conducted.
3. Developed essential skills in experimental design, techniques and execution, which are relevant to immunology & virology and many other areas of scientific research.
4. Developed organisational and time management skills and the capacity for multi-tasking.
5. Developed the ability to work in small teams and to communicate and coordinate outcomes with a larger group of colleagues.

The course content will include the following:

 Lecture topics to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples.

 Tutorials:

Each student will participate in the presentation of research paper tutorials. Research paper tutorials are compulsory and assessable - all students will be expected to attend and contribute in every session scheduled for their group. In each session, two to three students will present the paper and lead the discussion. Each student will be involved in the presentation of a single paper, but will be expected to participate in the discussion of all other papers.

 Practicals will utilise a number of specific experimental protocols to demonstrate important aspects of immunology and virology, including experiments that reinforce the theory aspects of the course, relevant basic and advanced experimental techniques and technologies and basic understanding of the experimental basis of scientific knowledge, including experimental design. The practical course will also instil skills required to address scientific problems in a team environment.

 A 2000 word essay that will by written publication and develop skills in scientific inquiry through reading and written interpretation of primary and secondary research literature.

Final Exam 
(45% of course grade). One exam will be given to test the capacity to comprehend and integrate knowledge from a broad range of topics relevant to the disciplines of immunology & virology. 1/3 of the marks will be longer essay format 2/3rd of the marks will be short answer or similar questions.

Tutorials
(10% of course grade) Small groups of students will analyse and reflect on key primary research papers relevant to the lecture course, The tutorials assess knowledge of scientific concepts, techniques and technologies, cognitive skills, critical thinking and presentation skills. Assessment will be based on individual performance and participation

Practicals 
(25% of course) Assessment will be by a combination of activities that include one or more of the following:
1) Practical Exam
A series of questions are used to promote reading of the manual and the theory behind the methods and reagents used.

2) Daybook
marked twice. This is used to record all experimental work and results. It is used to write the experimental reports.

Essay
(15%) Students submit an essay of 2,000 words (maximum) on an allocated topic of relevance to the disciplines of immunology and virology. Students are expected to read widely on the topic and to cover the most up-to-date primary literature.

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.