Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Immunology and Therapeutics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2714

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Durga Dharmadana

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0040

Course Coordinator Email: durga.dharmadana@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

In this course you will explore foundational concepts in immunology, including both the innate and adaptive immune systems, and the key molecules and cells of these immune systems. You will examine diseases where there is dysfunction of the immune system, including autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and cancer. You will learn about the treatment of disease by therapies that target the immune system, including immunomodulators and protein- and cell-based biologic therapies and vaccines, and explore some of the broader issues associated with the production and use of biologic therapies.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s): 

BP311P23 - Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of pharmaceutical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach
PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems related to pharmaceutical science
PLO 4 Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats on topics related to pharmaceutical science employing integrity, inclusivity, and culturally safe practices

BH102P24 - Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

PLO 8 Demonstrate an ability to formulate, prepare, and deliver medications, therapeutic products, and services according to ethical codes and practice guidelines

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the normal structure and function of the immune system.
  2. Discuss the key molecules and cells of the immune system, their function and regulation.
  3. Explain how dysfunction of the immune system can cause and contribute to disease.
  4. Discuss the different ways in which immunotherapies can treat disease by modifying the immune response.
  5. Explain and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of biologic therapies compared to chemical drugs, including their production, regulation and therapeutic use.
  6. Communicate how protein- and cell-based biologic agents can be used to treat and prevent disease.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 

Assessment Task 2: Audiovisual Presentation 
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4 & 6

Assessment Task 3: Written Assignment
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 4: End of semester timed test
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.