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Title Translational Medicine in the Field of Autoimmunity - an Overview
Course number 2760
Programme Allergi, immunologi och inflammation (Aii)
Language English
Credits 3.0
Date 2021-11-17 -- 2021-12-03
Responsible KI department Institutionen för medicin, Solna
Specific entry requirements Basic knowledge in immunology is required.
Purpose of the course The purpose of the course is for the student to be able to put her/his immunology knowledge into the context of human autoimmune disease and treatment. The student should get a deeper understanding of the immunological similarities and differences in different autoimmune diseases and how clinical and translational research is conducted. The student should also be able to get a patient perspective on autoimmune disease and research.
Intended learning outcomes The students should be able to:
-Understand and explain how basic immunology concepts such as molecular pathways, cytokine expression, and cellular interactions are important in the context of human autoimmune disease.
-Formulate research questions in relation to a clinical and patient perspective.
-Discuss differences and similarities between different autoimmune diseases as well as patient heterogeneity and different clinical phases of diseases.
-Summarize and present research findings in the field of autoimmunity in a clear and concise manner.
Contents of the course The course will cover basic immunology with focus on aspects of central importance in autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), skin autoimmunity, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and diabetes. The students will get introduced to a number of chronic autoimmune diseases which will be described from bedside to laboratory. A descriptive overview of the clinical and molecular basics will be followed by a face to face patient-interaction where the patients will give their pictures of how it is to live with an autoimmune disorder, and describe into what extent their daily life has been affected since diagnosis. In addition, other perspective of autoimmune diseases will be covered, eg genetic- and environmental factors and aspects of how clinical trials and registries may be utilized to extend the knowledge regarding these chronic disorders.
Teaching and learning activities The course is a full-time three plus three days course with compulsory reading of articles, and individual and group assignments during the additional days of the course. The course seminars and lectures will be given during the two blocks of three days each. The poster presentations take place on the last day of the second block.The course will feature multiple lectures, interactive discussions with patients, tutorial-style discussions in groups and student oral presentations related to the course subject.
Compulsory elements Attendance during two blocks of three is mandatory, including the pre-work of discussing scientific journal articles with the assigned mentor and preparing the presentation. Absence can be compensated by an individually written report in agreement with the course leader.

Examination The course examination will include group assignments and poster presentations of selected topics regarding cellular or molecular aspects related to autoimmune diseases. The presentations will be in groups of two to four students, and both insights to the disease area as well as the presentation skills will be subjected to critical review, in-person feedback and individual assessment. To pass the course all intended learning outcomes must be achieved.

Literature and other teaching material Compulsory reading: relevant scientific publications.
Recommended reading: relevant chapters from Janeway's Immunobiology latest edition, edited by Kenneth Murphy and Casey Weaver, Garland Publishing Inc.
Number of students 8 - 30
Selection of students Selection will be based on 1) the relevance of the course syllabus for the applicant's doctoral project (according to written motivation), 2) start date of doctoral studies (priority given to earlier start date)
More information The course will be given in two blocks with lectures and seminars November 17-19th (Wednesday to Friday) and December 1-3 (Wednesday to Friday). Time between the block will need to be dedicated to individual and group learning assignments equivalent to four days work.
Additional course leader
Latest course evaluation Course evaluation report
Course responsible Karin Lundberg
Institutionen för medicin, Solna

Karin.Lundberg@ki.se
Contact person Caroline Grönwall
Institutionen för medicin, Solna

caroline.gronwall@ki.se