2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDM5121M Immunity and Disease

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Laura Matthews
Email: l.c.matthews@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

As per programme entry requirements

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module focuses on advancing knowledge of the immune system relevant to our understanding and treatment of human disease. The aim is to provide an in-depth view of immune function with reference to infection, autoimmunity and cancer and how the immune system is exploited in prevention and treatment of major human diseases.

Objectives

To enable the exploration of the relationship between knowledge of the immune system at a mechanistic level and its application into clinical research and practice.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the immune system at the molecular, cellular and patient level
LO2: Evaluate current trends in immunological research and how these are applied to the understanding of human disease;
LO3 Relate how knowledge of the immune system at a mechanistic level is translated into clinical research and practice;
LO4 Critically appraise recent scientific literature and experiments in the field of immunology and form independent views on areas of uncertainty or conflicting evidence.

Skills Learning Outcomes

SLO1 Demonstrate proficiency using various search engines to gather relevant data and information related to biomedical research, as well as using software to analyse data and produce diagrams illustrating concepts for inclusion in written reports and oral presentations. (working, academic, digital skills)
SLO2 Demonstrate critical evaluation of literature relevant to biomedical research and the ability appraise key concepts related to experimental approaches in biomedical research. (academic skills)
SLO4 Demonstrate efficient time management in the preparation for tutorials, reading and critique of primary research papers, analysis of data, synthesising written work, generating digital presentations, and adhering to deadlines to submit the assessments.  (working, academic skills)
SLO5 Demonstrate the ability to present information in a clear, concise, and structured manner, both in a verbal and written form, and the ability to use visual aids appropriately to support written work and oral presentations.  (working, enterprise and academic skills)
SLO6 Demonstrate the ability to use the correct scientific language appropriate to their level of studies and good academic practice, including referencing and using their own language instead of plagiarizing. (academic skills)

Syllabus

The module will cover the following areas of immunology:

- The cells and molecules of immunity
- Immunity to infection, cancer and autoimmunity
- Vaccines and future challenges
- Immune evasion by pathogens and tumours
- Strategies for the immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Presentation	1	5.00	5.00
Supervision	4	0.50	2.00
Group learning	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Practical	1	3.00	3.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Tutorial	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			111.00
Total Contact hours			39.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

After choosing their lit review topic (semester 1, week 3 or 4), students are each assigned a tutor from the academic staff who is specialist in that area. Students meet regularly with tutors over semester 1 for discussion of topic and guidance for written lit review and presentation (e.g. focussing on key information/issues/questions in field). Formative feedback is provided during these tutorial sessions.

Tutor guidance/formative feedback on lit review and presentation is key to developing student skills for other assessments across the two programmes, e.g. research project literature review and final presentation of research findings.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Coursework	Literature review 2000 words.	60.00
Coursework	Oral Presentation 15 min + questions	40.00
Coursework	Literature review Formative draft - Discussion of draft version.	0.00
Coursework	Oral Presentation Formative Draft - Presentation draft	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

There is no compensation between assessments for this module, students must pass each individual assessment in order to pass the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/01/2025

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