Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - MBB 727 G100

Immune Responses in Health and Disease (3)

Class Number: 4380

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of MBB 326, HSCI 326, MBB 426 or HSCI 426, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Defects in the immunologic response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The mechanisms of action of vaccines. The causes of immune-mediated diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions (including asthma and allergy) and organ transplant rejection. The reaction of the immune system to cancer and immunotherapy for cancer. Students with credit for MBB 427, HSCI 427, or HSCI 727 may not complete MBB 727 for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Updated prerequisites: MBB/HSCI 426, or MBB/HSCI 326, or permission of the instructor

Many diseases are caused by inadequacy or dysregulation of the immune system.  This course will examine the immunological mechanisms underlying vaccination, primary human immunodeficiencies, HIV/AIDS, asthma and allergy, autoimmunity, and organ transplantation.  Immune responses to cancer and cancer immunotherapy will also be discussed. 

Lecture Topics

  1. Evasion and subversion of host defenses by pathogens
  2. Vaccines
  3. Primary human immunodeficiencies
  4. HIV/AIDS
  5. Allergy and hypersensitivity
  6. Induction and maintenance of tolerance
  7. Autoimmunity
  8. Transplantation
  9. Tumor immunology and immunotherapy

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Understand the physiological, cellular, molecular and genetic bases of a range of immunopathologies. Develop insights into immunosurveillance and how cancer and organ transplantation overcome immune responses. Gain depth in the use of current technologies, including immunotherapies. Improve skills developed in MBB/HSCI 426/726 to review and critique papers in the primary literature, in both oral and written formats.
 

Grading

  • 2 non-cumulative exams (20% each) 40%
  • One individual in-class presentation with written summary 50%
  • Class participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Original research articles and review articles

The Immune System, 5th Ed., Peter Parham, 2021. Norton.
ISBN: 978-0-393-53334-7

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.