Immunology

Programme Structure & Content

First Year
In the first year, students take first year courses in Chemistry and Biology plus additional courses selected from the wide range available from science and other areas. A special course is available for those needing to strengthen their background in the essential skills required for study in science.

Second Year
Second year courses introduce Immunity, Infectious Diseases, the Biology of Pathogenic Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites and Cell Biology. Other courses introduce Fundamental Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Zoology. The second year curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Third Year
A Core course covers the fundamentals of Immunology, including Immune Regulation, Tolerance, and an introduction to new ideas and advances in our understanding of the immune system. Other courses cover Applied Immunology in human disease including Autoimmunity, asthma and allergies and Parasite Immunology, as well as the biology and control of infectious diseases. The latest technologies available for Immunological Analysis both in clinical and research settings will also be covered. A Core course in Molecular Biology offered by the School of Medical Sciences complement this degree programme.

Fourth Year (Honours)
The Honours year extends and explores molecular and cellular aspects of Immunology. Lecturers and tutors at this stage are all actively involved in internationally recognised research. All students begin their Honours year by attending a three-day reading party.

An important feature of the Honours course is a 10-week research project, carried out in research laboratories in the School of Medical Sciences or in local research institutes. This provides the opportunity to carry out original research, using state-of-the-art technology alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral staff. The fourth year curriculum is divided into a core course covering recent advances in Immunology and related sciences and two options courses covering Aberdeen based Immunological research in depth.

Teaching & Assessment

In the early years, teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years a rather greater proportion of the students' time is taken up in private study involving writing essays and reports, and also in laboratory or library work relating to specific projects and student symposia.