NEUR40010 Molecular Neuroimmunology (UG)

Academic Year 2020/2021

The course focuses on the interaction between the immune and nervous systems at a molecular, cellular and systems level. It provides an overview of current and developing concepts in neuroimmunology from both neuroscience and immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarise students with the endogenous immune mechanisms of the brain, including microglial and astrocyte function, and the cellular intercommunication between the immune and nervous systems. This course will also address the impact of neuroinflammation on physiological processes in the brain and its role in disease pathogenesis.
The course will comprise hour-long sessions, twice weekly. These will be structured in blocks of three; with every two lectures followed by a tutorial. Lecturers will recommend relevant literature to students, which will be discussed during the tutorials, in a format designed to encourage interaction and discussion between lecturers and students. The work carried out during the tutorials will greatly support preparation for the final exam.
The module is particularly suitable for final year Neuroscience students, but also any final year student in a relevant discipline, who has a strong interest in Neuroscience, Immunology or Neuropathology.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
- Describe the principles of neuro-immune interactions
- Outline the basis of glial cell activation and their role in neuroinflammation
- Explain current theories into the mechanisms underlying certain neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases
- Critically discuss recent advances in neuroimmunology research, including the potential of immunomodulation as a therapeutic intervention
- Appreciate how recent developments in neuroimmunology are changing established concepts in both immunology and neuroscience

Indicative Module Content:

Module content will address the following primary concepts:
- Introduction to Neuroimmunology
- The fundamental elements of neuroimmune regulation
- Neuroinflammation, modulation of neuroinflammation and neuroinflammatory disease
- Neuroinflammation and behaviour: cognitive function and sickness behaviour

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

13
Specified Learning Activities

27
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module delivery is comprised of a blend of lecture-based content teaching, student self-directed learning and in-class discussion.
Students will be encouraged to engage with current research literature in the area of Neuroimmunology. Regular, focussed in-class discussion based on current literature will provide opportunities for formative assessment, self-directed learning, peer feedback and exam preparation. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Basic background of principles and concepts of neuroscience, basic understanding of the immune system, e.g. BMOL20080 (Metabolism, Immunity & Infection) or equivalent


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CNWY40110 - Neuroimmunology, NEUR40040 - Molecular Neuroimmunology (PG)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Three essay-style questions will be provided following completion of the module. Students will be required to answer two questions, which must be prepared and submitted within a 2-day period. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

100
Attendance: Engagement with in-class discussion on relevant research papers. Throughout the Trimester n/a Other No

0

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided via in-class, tutorial-style discussion, during and following module activities.

Name Role
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Derek Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jana Haase Lecturer / Co-Lecturer