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) |
ONPS2559 |
Bundoora Campus |
Undergraduate |
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 1 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Kylie Quinn
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9086
Course Coordinator Email: kylie.quinn@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 223.2A.015
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None.
Course Description
This is a comprehensive introduction to the study of clinical immunology designed for undergraduate biomedical science students.
You will be introduced to basic principles and mechanisms of immunity, with key cells, tissues and processes of the immune system explored. You will learn the fundamentals of innate, B cell- and T cell-based immune responses, immune kinetics and immune regulation. You will then apply these basic principles to the real world, exploring infection, vaccination, autoimmunity, tumour immunology, transplantation and immunodeficiency.
You will identify basic principles of immunity that impact on diagnosis of case studies in workshops.
Your practical work will concentrate on methods that utilise basic immune principles to diagnose human disease or test immune function. You will develop the 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, Transfusion Science and Pathology.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP147P21 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine):
- PLO 1. Knowledge capability: Understand appropriate and relevant, theoretical concepts of scientific knowledge with the ability to use and apply the knowledge in a wide range of problem solving, challenging and interpretative situations within the professional laboratory medicine discipline.
- PLO 2. Technical capability: Ability to apply a range of diagnostic technologies and methodologies relevant to the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Histopathology, Cytopathology or Microbiology. These methodologies will identify pathological changes which deviate from the normal physiological range. Students will use logical and systematic thinking to solve problems with diagnostic techniques and procedures, and apply high level analytical skills to the chosen area of clinical laboratory specialisation.
- PLO 3. Professional practices: Contribute to academic and professional work settings through responsible, self-managed, independent work, interpersonal skills which support constructive interactions with individuals and teams, and understand the ethical and legal framework that underpins the field of diagnostic pathology.
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP231P10 Bachelor of Biomedical Science:
- PLO 2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by: Demonstrating knowledge across disciplines contributing to biotechnology and biomedical science.
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BH129 Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours):
- PLO 1. Apply coherent and advanced of laboratory medicine theories, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.
- PLO 2. Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems
- PLO 4. Demonstrate the ability to generate and evaluate solutions to all aspects of interdisciplinary professional practice while complying with ethical, legal and regulatory standards that underpins the field of laboratory medicine.
- PLO 5. Communicate and collaborate to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats related to laboratory medicine employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices.
- PLO 6. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team.
On successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- Explain the normal structure, function and regulation of the immune system and describe how it may cause and prevent disease.
- Evaluate the immunological basis of human disease and its diagnosis in a professional laboratory.
- Analyse and demonstrate effective skills in problem-solving through written and verbal communication to a professional and non-professional audience.
- Competently perform basic and specific laboratory techniques related to human disease relevant within a global context.
Overview of Learning Activities
The course will include a wide range of activities designed to stimulate your interest in the topics being covered. The theoretical and practical components of this course are highly integrated. Lectures, active learning workshops, and practicals will facilitate both group and independent learning.
Active learning workshops will involve evaluation of cases studies to consolidate lecture concepts and introduce real-world scenarios relevant to course content.
You will participate in practical laboratory sessions where you will learn the techniques used in a contemporary immunology laboratory. You will work both individually and 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
Assessment Task 2: Practical Lab-Based Assessment
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3: Individual Written Assignment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, & 3
Assessment Task 4: Final Theory Examination
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3
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.