Course description
Programme description
- this programme includes a six month research-based laboratory project.
- the programme benefits from the input of over 45 lecturers that come from King’s, other colleges of the University of London and further afield.
- central London location.
Distinctive features of the course include the emphasis on group study and problem-directed learning and developing core skills required for further career progression, such as the ability to read and understand research data, presentational skills and experimental design skills.
This programme will give you an understanding of the structure and functioning of the immune system at the cell, molecular and genetic level and its relation to health and disease. It consists of three taught modules: Cellular interactions in the immune system; Molecular immunology; Immune disorders and infection;
and a six month experimental research project.
Programme format and assessment
Laboratory-based research project; lectures; small group tutorials; compulsory group study workshops in core transferable and technical skills, plus optional workshops in specialist technical skills; attendance at national immunology conference. Assessment approximately 30 per cent coursework, 70 per cent examination for taught modules and project report, research proposal and seminar presentation used for assessment of experimental project.
Programme modules for MSc Immunology
Cellular Interactions in the Immune System (Core Module)
This module is designed to acquaint students with fundamental cellular processes involved in the generation of an immune response. It will provide students with detailed knowledge of the cells and organs of the immune system, their organisation and diversity, and their specialised functions at different anatomical locations. The importance of immune cell receptors and cytokines in cellular interactions and co-ordination of immunological mechanisms is also emphasised. The lectures will be supported by study groups and problem-based formative exercises which students will be asked to complete in class, or through individual study. Assessment is by written examination, poster and journal preparation.
Experimental Research Project (Core Module)
The aim of the experimental project is enable students to work independently in a laboratory to an advanced level on an immunology research project. Students will undertake a six month lab based research project. In order to develop their research skills they will also attend generic research core skills training sessions and instruction in important immunological techniques. They will gain experience of attending a national Immunology Conference. They will write a research proposal and a formal scientific project report based on their laboratory work, and prepare two short seminar presentations to be given to their class on their projects. Assessment is by seminar presentation, research proposal, dissertation
Immune Disorders and Infection (Core Module)
This 30 credit modules aims to review selected areas of immunology that relate to protective immunity against infection. This will be achieved by a series of core lectures that will deal with general mechanisms and the nature of functional immunity against selected diseases including; viral bacterial and parasite diseases. It also aims to cover immunological aspects of selected diseases that affect humans; describe in outline the clinical aspects of the conditions or diseases; deal in detail with their immunological aspects with a view to explaining how immune disorders and conditions arise, progress and may be treated. Key reading material for student private study will be identified in most lectures. Experts from outside the DIIID will deliver some of the lectures and students are urged to talk to these visitors while here, and should feel free to contact them by e-mail for further guidance if required. Assessment is by examination and coursework.
Molecular Immunology (Core Module)
This module is designed to acquaint students with structure and functional relationships of immune cell receptors. Students will acquire knowledge of structural properties of immune receptors and how these are important in receptor functions such as antigen interaction and signal transduction. In addition, the module explores how immune regulatory molecules can be designed and manipulated for use in immunotherapy of disease and novel approaches to vaccine design. The lectures will be supported by study groups and problem-based formative exercises (mainly data-interpretation) which students will be asked to complete in class, or through individual study. In addition, students will attend a Minitab statistics package instruction course. Assessment is by examination and a data interpretation exercise.
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
