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Immunology
Syllabus
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Assessment & Grading
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Course Objectives
There are many different reasons that students enroll in
Immunology. Some want units and a good grade. Others need to
fill a requirement, either for the degree or as part of
prerequisites for some postgraduate programs. Some are
curious and willing to try new challenges. Among these
groups of students, some are truly interested in immunology.
This course attempts to satisfy the diverse needs of
students, while focusing on a fascinating subject.
A well designed course should prepare students to meet
the expected outcomes of having taken that course. As a
minimum at the end of this course, there should be a solid
understanding of how the immune system functions and how it
responds in a variety of ways. It is expected that the basic
knowledge can be applied in many different fields of
interest.
The fields of study in molecular and cell biology
continue to grow rapidly. The field of immunology changes so
rapidly that it is nearly impossible to keep up with all the
different areas of progress. It is therefore necessary to
learn how to access new information and how to assimilate it
into the whole, in order to continue to learn beyond the
limits of this course. It is also necessary to become aware
of the tools and techniques used in research and in
applications. Therefore, while learning the essentials of
immunology, you will also begin to learn to use some of
these tools. In doing so, you should find that they help you
in the learning process and move you closer to becoming a
lifelong learner.
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Assessment & Grading
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Bioinformatics
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40
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Journal presentation
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20
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Discussion
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40
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2 midterms (100 pt each)*
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200
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1 final(100 pt)*
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1 paper chase**
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100
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Total
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400
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* One midterm or the final may be dropped. [This makes
the final "optional".] No make-ups on exams. If you have
a problem, see me well in advance.
** See below for description. Do pay attention to the
deadline schedule.
Note on final grade calculation: The top score of the
class earned by an undergraduate will be essentially valued
as a perfect 100%. This score will be averaged with the top
scores from the past four years. This average will be
divided into the total possible points. This creates a
"fudge factor". All other scores will be computed on that
basis. This will compensate for possible exam questions
which may be too difficult or unclear. Letter grades will be
assigned as follows:
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A
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B
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C
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D
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F
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100-90%
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89 - 80%
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79 - 70%
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69 - 60%
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59-0%
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Cheating and plagiarism: This will result in
dismissal from class and a failing grade.
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Course Requirements
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Bioinformatics:
Bioinformatics is the descriptive term now used for
computer searches and analysis of protein, nucleic acid, and
genomic databases, much of which can be done using Web-based
resources. Powerful search engines and analysis software are
now available which allow us to consider questions which
once, not very long ago, were beyond our reach to answer.
These exercises are posted on this web site under
"Computing". Points will be earned for completing the
exercises.
- 10 pt- Computer exercise 1: Introduction
- 10 pt- Computer exercise 2: Bioinformatics 1-
molecular modeling
- 20 pt- Computer exercise 3: Bioinformatics 2-
sequence databases and analysis
Grading on these is lenient; the key point is to learn
something in the process of doing them. You will be able to
explore while you gain some familiarity of how to find
sequences, to make comparisons of sequences, and to locate
original literature related to the sequences. You will be
shown where and how to continue learning more about
bioinformatics beyond the brief introduction given during
this course. You will also gain experience which should help
you in completing the Great Paper Chase. You may find that
learning immunology just got a lot more interesting!
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Journal Presentation:
Each student will select one paper on a topic related to
immunology. This paper will be discussed in your discussion
section. Check the Journal
topics schedule and the description
for details. Full points are earned, provided that the
presentation is given and that the paper presented was both
reasonably current and relevant to the topic.
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Discussion Sections:
To facilitate information flow and to establish two-way
communication, there will be short forms to return in each
section meeting. These will have space for input and
questions. The activities planned for discussion sections
are integral to the course and are expected to add interest
as well as enhance the learning process.
Grading for discussion will be based on participation. It
is a fairly easy way to earn points while doing some things
which will make learning immunology easier, and maybe even
fun. If you need to miss a section meeting, it may be
possible to meet at the other section time. Otherwise, do
check in to find out what you missed.
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Midterms:
Two one hour exams will be primarily short essay format,
covering major principles and concepts. Thought and analysis
will be stressed. Memorized material will be restricted as
much as possible to short questions and diagrams. A
representative example of a midterm will be posted in the
case outside D234. Use of Study Guide 1, Study Guide 2, and
the timely use of the self-quizzes will help in keeping up
with the material and reviewing for the exams.
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Final:
A choice of questions will be offered. The focus of the
exam will be on material covered after the last midterm.
Although not strictly comprehensive, information covered all
semester will be utilized in applications and so forth. See
Study Guide 3 for aid in preparation.
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The Great Paper Chase:
This is a library search of current literature to answer
questions on current topics. Detailed information and the
questions will available by 10/5. Due date: 11/11. There is
a 10 point/day (including the weekend) penalty for late
submissions. Grading is based on the quality and
completeness of the answers; following directions regarding
format, length, and reference citations; and on basic
spelling and grammar. Do plan ahead on this. This is not
something that can be put off until the weekend before it is
due. Just ask anyone who has done one!
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