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Fundamentals of Immunology

Dueling with the Dark Side

Alma Moon Novotny, Ph.D.

Fundamentals of Immunology, Course 4: Dueling with the Dark Side, covers the constant battle between your immune system and threats to your health. The first two lectures discuss viral and cellular pathogens, focusing on specific tactics they use to deflect immune attack. Next, a cheerier lecture describes other immune-based therapies, beginning with the use of engineered antibodies to treat specific diseases. This lecture continues with vaccine development (viral-engineered, killed, RNA-component vaccines and more) and adjuvant function and ends with vaccination strategies, including herd immunity and resisting the anti-vaccination movement. The last two lectures cover immune deficiencies and how cancer evades the immune system, concluding with advances in using immune therapies (antibodies and CAR T cells) to cure cancer.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Viral Strategies

Pathogenic Organisms

Immune Counterattack

Immune Deficiency

Cancer

Final Exam and Farewell

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamentals of immunology, focusing on threats to health

Investigates viral and cellular pathogens and how immune systems respond to them

Discusses other immune-based therapies, including engineered antibodies and vaccines

Examines how cancer evades the immune system and discusses advances in cancer treatment using immune therapies

Explores immune deficiencies and the challenges they present

This course is well-suited for individuals interested in immunology or related fields such as medicine, biology, or healthcare

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Reviews summary

Immunology journey: comprehensive and engaging

Learners say that Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with the Dark Side is a wonderful course that provides up-to-date and high-quality content in a dynamic and engaging format. With excellent lecturers, the course is well-delivered and serves as a great addition to the specialization. Learners appreciate how the course highlights the importance of vaccination and addresses current challenges and technologies. Overall, this course is highly recommended for learners interested in immunology and related topics.

Emphasizes the importance of vaccination

"This course is a great addition to the three courses in Fundamentals of immunology specialization. The course highlights that vaccination is critical not only for the individual but for the benefit of public health."

"Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with the Dark Side led to a better understanding of cancer, cancer vaccines, and treatments."

"Knowledge of the newer technologies in developing treatments and vaccines increased my confidence in discussing vaccines we are using right now for the present COVID-19 pandemic."

Covers all aspects of immunology

"The coursera was wonderfull, the teacher is very didact and nice. Thanks Cousera and Tanks RIce Uniersity"

"It was an amazing course, it really helped me to get a better understanding about the immune system."

Expertly delivered lectures

"Great course delivered by a great tutor."

"Mrs. Novotny and team deliver all topics amazingly and lively."

"High quality contents. The techer, Alma Moon Novotny is a fantastic communicator who conducts the course dinamically and precisely"

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with the Dark Side. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with the Dark Side will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Immunologist

Immunologists are scientists who study the immune system. They investigate how the immune system protects the body from infection and disease, and how it can be manipulated to treat or prevent disease. This course would be very helpful for someone who wants to become an immunologist. It would provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field.

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Medical Doctor

Medical doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. They must have a strong understanding of the human body and how it works, as well as the various diseases and conditions that can affect it. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a medical doctor. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for diagnosing and treating patients with immune system disorders.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medications. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a physician assistant. It would provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for providing care to patients with immune system disorders.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They must have a strong understanding of the human body and how it works, as well as the various diseases and conditions that can affect it. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a nurse. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for providing care to patients with immune system disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Medical Researcher

Medical researchers conduct studies to investigate the causes and treatments of diseases. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a medical researcher. It would provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for conducting research on immune system disorders.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications to patients and provide information about their use. They must have a strong understanding of the various drugs that are available, as well as their side effects and interactions. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a pharmacist. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for providing patients with safe and effective medications.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They must have a strong understanding of the healthcare system, as well as the financial and legal aspects of running a healthcare facility. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a healthcare administrator. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the challenges facing the healthcare system, and for developing policies to address those challenges.

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Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may write for magazines, newspapers, or websites. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a science writer. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex scientific concepts that are involved in immunology, and for writing about them in a clear and concise way.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts conduct research and analyze data to inform policy decisions about healthcare. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a health policy analyst. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex issues facing the healthcare system, and for developing policies to address those issues.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data in the field of medicine. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or government agencies. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a biostatistician. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex statistical methods that are used in immunology, and for designing studies that are valid and reliable.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. They must have a strong understanding of the human body, as well as the various engineering principles that are involved in the design of medical devices. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a biomedical engineer. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex scientific concepts that are involved in immunology, and for designing medical devices that are safe and effective.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies to prevent and control it. They may work for government agencies, universities, or non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an epidemiologist. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex factors that contribute to disease, and for developing strategies to prevent and control it.

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Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys help clients obtain patents for their inventions. They must have a strong understanding of the patent process, as well as the various areas of technology that are covered by patents. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a patent attorney. It would provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be helpful for understanding the complex scientific concepts that are involved in immunology, and for writing patent applications that are clear and concise.

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Vaccine Developer

Vaccine developers design and develop vaccines to prevent and control infectious diseases. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. This course would be very helpful for someone who wants to become a vaccine developer. It would provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for designing and developing vaccines that are safe and effective.

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Immunoassay Scientist

Immunoassay scientists develop and perform tests to measure the levels of antibodies and other immune system components in the blood. They may work for hospitals, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies. This course would be very helpful for someone who wants to become an immunoassay scientist. It would provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology, and it would also cover some of the latest advances in the field. This knowledge would be essential for developing and performing immunoassays.

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Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with the Dark Side.

Microbiology