Course Title: Clinical Immunology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Clinical Immunology

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

 

 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2560

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Thomas Angelovich

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6066

Course Coordinator Email: thomas.angelovich@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.2.21D

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This is a comprehensive introduction to the study of clinical immunology designed for postgraduate laboratory medicine students.

You will be introduced to basic immunological mechanisms including an overview of immunology, antigens and antibodies, cells of the immune system and soluble mediators of the immune system. Immune disorders including hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune disorders, transplantation and tumour immunology will then be addressed. Students will also be given online video presentations from experts from medical/research institutions and diagnostic laboratories reviewing current topics in Clinical Immunology such as allergy, autoimmunity, vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

Your subsequent study of Clinical Immunology will concentrate on the immunological methods used to evaluate human disease and include the theoretical basis for tests of immune function. You will develop basic skills necessary for clinical immunology testing in a diagnostic laboratory and apply critical thinking to solve clinical related questions.

You will develop a sound foundation for further study and professional practice in immunology and associated laboratories. The course requires you to integrate your knowledge of Immunology with other study areas including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics. It also provides a sound foundation for further study in Haematology, Blood Transfusion Science and Pathology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for: 

MC158 Master of Laboratory Medicine 

  • PLO 1. Have a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles underpinning laboratory medicine and have developed a systemic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease. Have advanced knowledge of two core clinical speciality disciplines of laboratory medicine and advanced management skills.
  • PLO 2. Technical capability: Ability to develop and perform a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine. To use logical and systemic thinking and high-level critical analysis skills to solve problems by utilising diagnostic techniques and methodologies in the chosen areas of clinical laboratory specialisation.
  • PLO 3. Professional work practices: Have a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity, ethical issues and legal framework that underpins the field of laboratory medicine.  Contribute to professional work settings through effective interpersonal and teamwork skills to support constructive interactions.


On successful completion of this course you should be able to: 

  1. Critique the normal structure, function and regulation of the immune system and evaluate how it may cause and prevent disease. 
  2. Critically evaluate the immunological basis of human disease and its diagnosis in a professional laboratory.
  3. Analyse and demonstrate effective skills in problem-solving through written and verbal communication to a professional and non-professional audience.
  4. Competently perform basic and specific laboratory techniques related to human disease relevant within a global context.
  5. Critical analysis of current local and international topics and examine their importance in a professional and research setting through critical analysis of current literature and practice.

 


Overview of Learning Activities

The course will include a wide range of blended learning activities designed to stimulate your interest in the topics being covered. The theoretical and practical components of this course are highly integrated. Online lectures, active learning workshops, self-directed online learning activities, class discussions and feedback from learning activities will facilitate both group and independent learning. This includes self-paced lectures delivered online.

Integrated active learning workshops will involve various activities to consolidate lecture concepts and introduce clinical cases relevant to course content. Review and analysis of content presented by experts in the field of Clinical Immunology will be covered and assessed in these workshops. You will participate in engaging and relevant practical laboratory sessions where you will learn the techniques used in a contemporary immunology laboratory. You will work both individually and also collaboratively with your peers and subject experts at the interface of theory, experimentation and application

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Mid-Semester Theory Assessment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 5 

Assessment Task 2:Practical Laboratory-Based Assessment
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 3:Applied Practical Concepts Assessment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 5 

Assessment Task 4:Final Theory Exam 
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2 & 5 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.