Bachelor of Science in Immunology

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Immunology is the study of the immune system which protects humans from infection through various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. Immune responses in some cases also contribute to the development of some common disorders which previously were not regarded as immunologic including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Immunology is important because it is involved in understanding the basis of vaccines, safe organ transplantation, identification of blood groups, and of autoimmune diseases. Advancing our understanding of basic immunology is essential for clinical and commercial application and has facilitated the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments to manage a wide array of diseases. Furthermore, immunological research has provided critically important research techniques and tools, such as flow cytometry and antibody technology that have enabled immunologist learn more about the immune system.

The immune system is a complex system of structures and processes, composed of molecular and cellular components, which has evolved to protect human beings from disease. The function of these components is divided up into mechanisms, those which are innate to an organism, and responsive mechanisms, which are adaptive to specific pathogens.

Fundamental or classical immunology involves studying the components that make up the innate and adaptive immune system. Innate immunity is the first line of defence and is non-specific. This means that the responses are the same for all potential pathogens, no matter how different they may be. Innate immunity includes physical barriers (e.g. skin, saliva etc.) and cells (e.g. macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, mast cells etc.). These components ‘are ready to go’ and protect an organism for the first few days of infection. In some cases, this is enough to clear the pathogen, but in other instances the first defence becomes overwhelmed and a second line of defence kicks in. Adaptive immunity is the second line of defence which involves building up memory of encountered infections so can mount an enhanced response specific to the pathogen or foreign substance. Adaptive immunity involves antibodies, which generally target foreign pathogens roaming free in the bloodstream. Also involved are T cells, which are directed especially towards pathogens that have colonized cells and can directly kill infected cells or help control the antibody response.

Career Prospects
An immunologist is a scientist and/or clinician who specializes in immunology. Many immunologists work in a laboratory focusing on research, either in academia or private industry such as in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical immunologists are clinicians who, having done some medical degree modules or successfully completed a medical degree programme, opt to focus on the diagnosis and management of diseases of the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases and allergies. As such, Individuals who successfully complete this programme can proceed and join the research world in either immunology or purely infectious diseases. They can also work in pharmaceutical industry, biomedical industry, government laboratories, academic research institutions and private research organisations.

Other areas are in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, biomedical industry, government laboratories, academic research and education, and private research organizations. Students should recognize, however, that professional advancement in research-oriented careers is less realistic without an advanced degree. Therefore, students who graduate with excellent grades will be encouraged to get experience for a few years in entry-level positions, and then return to master’s and/or doctoral studies.

DURATION