Call For Abstracts - First PG Symposium and International One Health Research Dissemination Conference
Learn More

Programmes

Bsc in Immunology

Program Code

BSC IM

Level

undergraduate

Duration

4 years

Offered as

Generic
Bsc 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.

Structure of the program

Sem
1

-General Biology

-General Chemistry I

-Mechanics & Thermal Properties of Matter

-Algebra & Trigonometry

-Language and Communication

-Introduction to Computer Application

Sem
2

-Human Anatomy and Physiology I

-Chemistry II

-Electricity and Magnetism, Vibration and Waves

-Calculus I

-Technical and Business Communication

-Computer Programming

Sem
3

-Introduction to Immunology

-Molecular Biology I

-Introduction to Biochemistry

-Introduction to Biostatisctics

-Introduction to Microbiology

-Practical I (Molecular Biology)

 

Sem
4

-Cell Biology & Biotechnology

-Human Anatomy & Physiology II

-Innate and Adaptive Immunity

-Tropical Health & Epidemiology

-Human and Microbial Genetics

-Practical III (Physiology)

Sem
5

-Ontogeny & Architecture of the Immune System

-T Cell: Differentiation, Priming, Effector Functions

-B Cell Differentiation. B-to-T Interaction/Cooperation

-Antibodies: Types, Sources and Roles

-Practical V (The Basis of ELISA tests)

-Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry

 

Sem
6

-Practical VI (Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry): Flow Cytometry Analysis of Blood Samples

-Introduction to Pathology

-Immune Response to bacterial Infections

-Viral Immunology

-Immunity to Protozoa Helminth and Fungal Infections

-Research Methods and Data Analysis (Bioethics and Project Development)

 

Sem
7

-Role of Complement in Immunity

-Regulation of the Immune System

-Cytokines and Chemokines

-Autoimmunity Allergy and Atopy

-Introduction to Bioinformatics

-Bioethics and Research Ethics

 

Sem
8

-Vaccinology: Basis and Application

-Research Projects

-Immunology of NCDs

-Cancer Immunology

-Diagnostic Methods in Immunology

-Business Management and Entrepreneurship

Malawians

Government Sponsored
650,000 MWK per year
Self Sponsored
1,250,000 MWK per year

SADC Citizen

Total Fees
450,000 USD per year

Non-SADC Citizen

Total Fees
500,000 USD per year

Eligibility

Criteria for Admission

Entry in Year 1:        MSCE, “O” Level, IGCSE, and GCE at least six credits including;
Biology, Physics, Chemistry (or Physical Science), Mathematics and English.

Entry in Year 2:        A-level with at least C grade in the following subject Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with Biology at O level. But must take and pass Drawing 1 and Drawing 2.

Entry in Year 3:        A degree in MBBS, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or any Biomedical Sciences with a credit and above.

OR

Any other related qualification from a recognized institution of higher learning may be assessed by the Admissions Office.