Course catalogue doctoral education - VT24

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Title Clinical Immunology in Infectious Diseases
Course number 5745
Programme Infektionsbiologi och global hälsa (BIGH)
Language English
Credits 1.5
Date 2024-04-22 -- 2024-04-26
Responsible KI department Institutionen för medicin, Huddinge
Specific entry requirements Basic knowledge in immunology corresponding to the course 2302/3139/3187 (Basic immunology) is required.
Purpose of the course This course will introduce the students into the field of clinical immunology in the context of infections. This includes a focus on immunological responses to specific pathogens and therapeutic approaches in the clinic. The combination of lectures by experts in the field as well as a site visit of a clinical immunology-focused company/division will expose the students to a wide range of practical applications and real-world scenarios in clinical immunology. Through engaging lectures, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the immune system's response to various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They will explore the intricate mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, immune evasion strategies employed by pathogens, and the development of immune memory.
Moreover, the course will delve into the diagnostic tools and techniques used in clinical immunology, such as serological assays, flow cytometry, and molecular biology methods. Students will learn how these tools aid in the identification and characterization of infectious agents, as well as in monitoring the progression and treatment of infectious diseases. Overall, this course will equip students with a solid foundation in clinical immunology, enabling them to comprehend the complexities of immune responses to infections and appreciate the significance of immunological research in developing effective therapeutic interventions. Finally, this course will increase the students’ skills to communicate research projects.
Intended learning outcomes By completing this course the students will be able to account for different immunological processes in the host defence against pathogens. In particular, the students will be able to explain the concepts of innate and adaptive immunity and their important roles at different stages in the host defence against pathogens. Student will also be able to describe differences in acute and chronic infections with respect to immunological processes.
Contents of the course Examples of topics that will be covered during the course: Immunological processes important in the host defense against pathogens; Innate and adaptive immunity; Different acute and Chronic infections; Emerging infections; Infections and the link to autoimmune disease; Immune responses to various pathogens; The latest therapies used in the clinics to fight infections. The course also involves site visits to a biotech company or the Division of Clinical Immunology, KI. The students will be asked to study one specific topic of a relevant clinical immunological topic in a group project work, the topic will be provided by the course leaders at the beginning of the course. An oral presentation is expected from all students at the end of the course.
Teaching and learning activities The course will be given over one week (full time). At the first course day, the course organizers will provide a basic introduction to the course followed by student presentations. Each student is expected to give a brief presentation (10-15min) of their own (doctoral/post-doc) research project(s), which should indicate relevance for the course.
During the other course days, invited lecturers will present an overview over a specific topic in conjunction to their own research advances concerning clinical immunology. Each student is expected to ask questions to the lecturers every course day in order to ensure active participation by all participants throughout the course.
At the end of each course day, there will be an interactive Question & Answer session to summarize the main points and to provide feedback both from the course leaders and from the course participants. These sessions may also include quizzes and group discussions.
Finally, the students will be asked to study one specific topic of clinical immunology in a group project work. The topic will be provided by the course leaders at the beginning of the course. An oral presentation is expected from all students at the end of the course.
Compulsory elements Students are required to attend all course days, to actively participate during the course and in the group work, and to present 1) their own research project that indicates relevance for the course, and 2) a given topic in an oral presentation in order to pass the course. Absence can be compensated with an individually written report (topic to be decided by the course organizers).
Examination The course examination will be in the form of a group assignment that is presented orally on the last course day, with each student presenting. Every student will be evaluated and assessed individually. The group presentations are peer-reviewed by the course leaders and the other students. Each student has to show that all intended learning outcomes have been reached.
Literature and other teaching material Janeway‘s Immunobiology edition 8 or 9 or equivalent is recommended but not required. For the group work, suggestions for relevant scientific articles will be provided by the course leaders.
Number of students 8 - 20
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 take place at Flemingsberg campus. Additionally, the course will include usage of the online-platform Canvas, where the course leaders will provide material relevant for the course, e.g. literature, slides, or additional information.
Additional course leader Marcus Buggert, Marcus.Buggert@ki.se
Latest course evaluation Not available
Course responsible Nicole Marquardt
Institutionen för medicin, Huddinge

nicole.marquardt@ki.se
Contact person Marcus Buggert
Institutionen för medicin, Huddinge

marcus.buggert@ki.se