Download VMB 673 Comparative Immunology Syllabus 2013 Revised Cat 2

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Course Syllabus
Name of Course: Comparative Immunology
Course Number: VMB 673
Catalog Description of Course:
This course will examine immune system function in animals other than mice and men with
a focus on adapting cutting edge technologies to further these studies.
Prerequisites, Co-requisites and Enforced Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree or permission of the instructor
Instructors:
Brian Dolan and Natalia Shulzhenko
Number of term credits: 3 Weeks duration: Full Term
Lecture hours: 30 Clinic hours: N/A Discussion hours, rounds: 0 /term
Learning Objectives:
This course is designed for graduate students whose research could benefit from enhanced
knowledge of immune functions in non-classical animal models. Students need not have a
detailed knowledge of the immune system.
 Students will be expected to identify similarities and differences in immune system
function between well studied systems (laboratory mice and human patients) to lesswell understood systems.
 Students will be able to comprehend common techniques used to study immune
function and determine how techniques could be used in non-model animals.
 Students will be expected to propose new techniques and or methodologies that
would benefit their chosen field of study.
Evaluation of student performance:
Students understanding of immune system functions:
35% - Written literature review on known elements of immunity in a chosen area of
study
50% - Written grant proposal (in NSF format) to advance understanding of immunity
in their area of expertise
15% - Discussion and evaluation of literature to be reviewed in class
-Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities
"Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access
Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for
contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the
term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but
who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately at 737-4098."
Link to Statement of Expectations for Student Conduct, i.e., cheating policies
http://oregonstate.edu/studentconduct/offenses
Textbooks: Required:
None
Methods, learning resources:
Lectures: PowerPoint, notes, illustrations, short videos, journal articles
More detailed syllabus or course notes available on Web in more detail: yes
no
Course Content: (Subjects covered in outline form if known or appropriate)
Limit 1 page per 2 credit hours, list individually any topic given over 1hour of contact time.
NOTE: Each topic below will be explored in two ways:
1. A brief introduction into the topic similar to an introductory immunology lecture to ensure
students are familiarized with the appropriate immune principles
2. A study of how the topic is studied in non-traditional immunology models and how these
discoveries inform immunological principles
Topic
Number of Hours
Lecture
Total
I. Introduction
2
2
A. Overview of the immune system and immune response
B. History of immune study and vaccinations
II. Antibody function and use
8
A. Organization of antibody genes in mice and comparison to 2
other species?
B. Effector functions of antibodies (including complement)
2
C. Soluble antigen receptors in other organisms
1
D. Using antibodies in immunological assays
2
E. Quantifying antibody responses
1
III. Immune Cell Types
3
A. Basic white blood cell types and function in different classes 2
B. Identification by cell-surface markers and cross-reactivity
1
IV. Innate Immune Responses
4
A. Enzymatic reactions and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) 1
B. Phagocytosis and mucus
1
C. Fever and the inflammatory response
2
V. Cytokines
2
A. Table of cytokines and functions
1
B. Comparing cytokine genes and gene expression
1
VI. Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)
2
A. TLR expression and gene conservation
1
B. Conserved PRR signaling molecules
1
VII. MHC and antigen presentation
3
A. MHC class I and II antigen presentation
1
B. How the MHC is studied
1
C. MHC gene organization in different species
1
VIII. Immunity in invertebrates
1
IX. Immunity in student areas of interest
5
5
- Discussion of what is known, what can be adapted, and what
needs to be created for each specie