Overview
In this unit you will study the structure and function of the immune system and be introduced to foundational concepts that underpin how the immune system works. You will explore the mechanisms that control the human body’s ability to detect, contain and remove or destroy harmful pathogens whilst retaining tolerance to its own cells. You will also put this into practice at the Residential School where you will conduct laboratory tests that demonstrate the immune response.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1 OR BMSC11007 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 1 OR BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUITE feedback
Students found the weekly worksheets and associated weekly tutorial helpful in assisting with the assessment quizzes.
Tutorials incorporating test-like questions will be retained.
Feedback from SUITE feedback
Students enjoyed the residential school and found the handouts assisted with their preparation for the invigilated in-class test.
Residential school format and handouts will be retained.
Feedback from SUITE feedback
Earlier assessment feedback may be beneficial.
Assessment timing will be examined to see if earlier assessment feedback is possible.
- Outline the role of the major cells and tissues in the induction of an immune response
- Explain the processes of self/non-self-discrimination
- Describe how the non-specific and specific arms of the immune system work together to effect an immune response
- Explain how the structure and function of antigen recognition molecules facilitate interaction with antigens
- Outline the typical mammalian immune system responses to various challenges such as proteins, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, fungi and other representative multi-cellular organisms.
- Demonstrate competence in the performance of basic laboratory tests in the assessment of the immune response.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | ||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System
7th Edition (2024)
Authors: Abbas, Lichtmann & Pillai
Elsevier
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , USA
ISBN: 9780443105197
Both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
Both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.vanwaveren@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to the Immune System
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Innate Immunity
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Antigen Capture and Presentation to Lymphocytes
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Antigen Recognition in the Adaptive Immune System
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
T Cell–Mediated Immunity
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Effector Mechanisms of T Cell–Mediated Immunity
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Humoral Immune Responses
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
In-class test: FOR ROCKHAMPTON AND BUNDABERG Students
Module/Topic
Effector Mechanisms of Humoral Immunity
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Residential School
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In-class test: FOR MIX MODE Students
Module/Topic
Immunological Tolerance and Autoimmunity
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Teaching Team:
The teaching team for this unit consists of Dr. Alannah van Waveren (Unit coordinator). Alannah is based on the Rockhampton campus and will be delivering the tutorial sessions and facilitating the Rockhampton practical sessions and residential school. There will be another staff member assigned to the Bundaberg campus. Please direct all communications regarding the unit to the Unit Coordinator.
Practical Classes/ Residential School:
Students enrolled in CM17 are required to attend on-campus practical sessions scheduled during the term. Please review the scheduled time on your timetable. Attendance is compulsory. You must attend each practical session in order to complete the competencies associated with each session.
All other students are required to attend the residential school that will be held on the Rockhampton campus. Please review your timetable for the scheduled dates. Attendance is compulsory as all competencies will be assessed during these sessions.
All students are required to wear appropriate attire to all practical sessions during practical classes and residential school, as professionalism will be continually assessed. Please ensure that you have the appropriate footwear (ie: closed-in shoes).
Study Load:
As per Australian education standards, you are expected to commit 150 hours of engagement to your study of this unit.
For example, this can be broken as:
3-4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying
2-3 hours per week completing the weekly study questions and attending tutorials
1-2 hours per week for completing assigned reading
2-3 hours per week attending lectures and revising content through study notes
3-4 hours per week preparing your assessments and studying for the final online test
1 Laboratory/Practical
The on campus/residential laboratory classes are an opportunity to learn and perform clinical diagnostic procedures in immunology. They will provide valuable practical experience in techniques performed in diagnostic clinical laboratories. This portion of the assessment will comprise of laboratory based exercises which will be completed during the Residential School, or during the on campus classes. You are required to complete a series of practical experiments as outlined in the laboratory manual. The laboratory manual will be available on the unit Moodle site.
Practical Assessment will either be in the form of a Residential School for online or mixed mode students and as practical classes during term (weeks 3, 5 & 7) for students enrolled on campus in ROK or BDG
Students will be assessed during practical classes, with their mark (Pass or Fail) will be entered into moodle upon completion.
You will be assessed on your competency while carrying out practical tasks during the residential school/or on campus classes. This assessment is pass/fail.
- Demonstrate competence in the performance of basic laboratory tests in the assessment of the immune response.
2 In-class Test(s)
The in-class test will be an invigilated test (similar to an invigilated exam). It will be a closed book test. You will not have access to your notes/lab manual/lab questions/lecture material/etc. You will not be allowed the use of any electronic devices, this includes phones and smart watches.
It will be an individual assessment.
It will be conducted in the afternoon either on the third fortnightly practical or on the last day of the residential school.
This will be based on the material covered in lectures, practical classes, quizzes, and any assigned homework from weeks 1-6.
There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 10 marks and contains 10 Multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 10 marks and consists of 5 short answer questions; Section C is worth 5 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).
You have 1 hour to complete this assessment.
This quiz tests knowledge and understanding of class content from 1-6.
During your final practical class or on the final day of the residential school you will be required to sit an invigilated written test
This tests will test your knowledge of the unit material in an online test. Test 1 covers week 1-6.
There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 20 marks and contains 20 Multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 20 marks and consists of 10 short answer questions; Section C is worth 10 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).
You have 1 hour to complete this assessment.
- Explain the processes of self/non-self-discrimination
- Explain how the structure and function of antigen recognition molecules facilitate interaction with antigens
- Outline the typical mammalian immune system responses to various challenges such as proteins, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, fungi and other representative multi-cellular organisms.
3 Written Assessment
Scenario
In early 2030, a new severe acute respiratory syndrome global pandemic was declared. The etiology of this new disease was identified as a novel Henipavirus, a negative-strand RNA virus. Epidemiologists tracing the virus identified Ascot, a suburb of Brisbane to be the “ground zero” for this outbreak. It is believed that the virus originated in flying foxes and was transmitted to horses and then to people. Genetic screening of the virus shows it to be similar to Hendra virus but with several key genetic changes that allows high levels of person-to-person transmission. Transmission of the virus is through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Viral entry into the body has been shown to be through the Human ephrin-A1 receptor which is abundantly found in the epithelium of the lungs.
Task
You are to prepare a 2000 word outline that “Explains the 'innate' and 'adaptive' immune responses to a novel Henipavirus and outline how the non-specific and specific arms of the immune system cooperate to effect an immune response”.
- Start with the premise of someone sneezing or coughing on you and work your way through the immune responses, ending with viral clearance and the formation of immunological memory. Hint: the first part of the immune response are your barriers (skin an mucus layers). Most of the virus will get trapped by these before they get into your lungs.
- You can use diagrams and flow charts if they make it easier for you to explain the topic, but remember if you are using a diagram from a journal or textbook etc. you have to reference where it came from.
- References are needed for this assignment. DO NOT reference my lectures or lecture notes. Much of the information in them is from your textbook or other readily available source.
- Remember that this assessment is worth 50% of your final grade. It will require a significant amount of work to complete, so please do not leave this to the end of the term. Work through it as you learn each part of your immune system WEEK TO WEEK.
Formatting:
Your response should be submitted in essay format.
- A cover page is required. Student name and student number are to be included in the footer.
- Double line spacing must be used.
- Either Arial or Times New Roman (12-point) should be used.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Students are permitted to use Generative AI for the assessment in the following ways
- Developing literature search strategies
- Guidance on developing arguments
- Assistance in formatting and grammar
If Generative AI is used in any way, it must be cited as per the CQU Guidelines (Academic Learning Centre). The following statement must be completed and included on the front page of the uploaded assessment: "I have used (insert technology) to (insert how you used this) in accordance with the requirements of this unit. The reason I used this was to (explain why you used it). The details of how I used it as (insert how). I hereby declare that the submission is an appropriate representation of my individual skills and abilities to meet the requirements of the task/s." As per academic writing requirements and assessment criteria; citations of information should be of the primary source (i.e statistics returned by AI must be fact-checked and referenced from their original source as well as the AI source). Failure to cite primary sources as well as AI sources could be considered a breach of academic integrity. Your use of Generative AI must be clearly outlined in an appendix including the prompt used and Generative AI response. Failure to include an appendix may result in academic integrity investigation.
Week 10 Friday (20 Sept 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Assessment to be submitted via the assessment dropbox in Moodle
The marking rubric will be available on the unit's Moodle site.
Assessment criteria will be based on:
- Knowledge of theory
- Application of foundational concepts
- Correct use of terminology
- Presentation of information
- Referencing
If your assessment item is submitted after the due date/time without an approved extension, it will be penalised 5% per calendar day that it is overdue.
- Outline the role of the major cells and tissues in the induction of an immune response
- Describe how the non-specific and specific arms of the immune system work together to effect an immune response
4 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment accounts for 20% of your grade in this unit.
This will be based on the material covered in lectures, practical classes, quizzes, and any assigned homework from weeks 7-10. There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 10 marks and contains 10 multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 10 marks and consists of 5 short answer questions; Section C is worth 5 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).
You have 1 hour to complete this assessment. The quiz will be open for 12hrs from 9am-9pm Friday morning week 12.
This quiz tests knowledge and understanding of class content from 7-10.
1
Other
Week 12 Friday (4 Oct 2024) 9:00 pm AEST
The quiz will be open for 12hrs from 9am-9pm Friday morning week 12.
Return to students will be via moodle within 14 days of submission.
This tests will test your knowledge of the unit material in an online test. Test 1 covers week 7-10.
- There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 20 marks and contains 20 Multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 20 marks and consists of 10 short answer questions; Section C is worth 10 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).
- You have 1 hour to complete this assessment. The quiz will be open for 12hrs from 9am-9pm Friday morning week 12.
- Outline the role of the major cells and tissues in the induction of an immune response
- Explain the processes of self/non-self-discrimination
- Describe how the non-specific and specific arms of the immune system work together to effect an immune response
- Explain how the structure and function of antigen recognition molecules facilitate interaction with antigens
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
