Immunology: Adaptive Immune System from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

B cell effector functions and tolerance

In module one, learners will discover who B lymphocytes are and how they contribute to our immune response against pathogens. Together, we will explore how they develop, commit to becoming functional effector cells and what their effector mechanisms are. We will also investigate how the immune system prevents them from over-reacting against health cells.

T cell activation, T helper subsets and receptors

In module two, learners will discover how T lymphocytes develop, differentiate into two main sub-types and how these contribute to the orchestration of the adaptive immune response and the direct destruction of infected cells. We will also discuss the mechanism that our body has put in place to prevent these very powerful cells from turning against the host’s healthy cells.

Cytotoxic killing

In module three, we will explore the ability of some T lymphocytes to directly kill infected and tumour cells. We will learn about the mechanisms that activate them, contrast this with other complementary immune mechanisms of direct killing, and understand how their activation is kept under tight control to avoid the destruction of healthy cells.

Regulatory T cells

In module four, we will explore the development and function of a particular type of T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, whose main role is to regulate the overall immune response to avoid serious detrimental outcome for the host. We will look at their mechanisms of action in more details and discuss their therapeutic application for human health.

Lymphocyte recirculation and homing

In module five, learners will be taken on a travel journey into our body to understand how the correct immune cells get to the correct site of infection. This will involve understanding the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate from the blood stream to infected tissues and sites of activation. Importantly, together with our expert here at Imperial, we will also explore the importance for this ability to be tightly regulated.

The effect of age on the function of the immune system

In module six, we will explore the impact ageing has on the immune system. We will identify what inflammaging is, its causes and its consequences on the immune system. We will reflect on what this means in terms of therapeutical approaches for human health.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores adaptive immune responses, a topic of general relevance to medicine and immunology

Suitable for those with a minimum background in immunology and a willingness to learn about lymphocyte development and mechanisms

Taught by established researchers in the field, ensuring the currency and accuracy of the material

The course is comprehensive, covering lymphocyte subsets, mechanisms, and age-related effects, providing a well-rounded foundation

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Immunology: Adaptive Immune System with these activities:

Review basic biology concepts

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Revisiting basic biology concepts will provide a strong foundation for understanding the complex mechanisms of the adaptive immune system.

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Review textbooks or online resources on basic biology concepts.
Focus on topics such as cell structure, function, and genetics.
Identify areas where you need further clarification.

Practice scientific writing

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Refreshing your scientific writing skills will help you effectively communicate your understanding of the immune system and its mechanisms.

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Review the principles of scientific writing.
Practice writing summaries, reports, or short essays on immune system topics.
Seek feedback from peers or instructors to improve your writing clarity and accuracy.

Explore interactive simulations on immune responses

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Interactive simulations provide a dynamic and engaging way to observe and understand the complex processes of the immune responses.

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Identify reputable websites or platforms that offer interactive simulations on immune responses.
Select simulations that align with the topics you are studying in the course.
Follow the instructions and explore the simulations to observe how different immune cells interact and respond to pathogens.

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Create a mind map of the immune system

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Creating a mind map of the immune system will help you visualize and understand the complex interactions between different immune cells and components.

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Start by identifying the main categories of the immune system.
Add branches to the main categories and include the different immune cells and components that belong to each category.
Use arrows and annotations to show the interactions and relationships between different immune cells and components.
Review and refine your mind map as you learn more throughout the course.

Engage in peer discussions on immune system topics

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Engaging in peer discussions will expose you to diverse perspectives and facilitate a deeper understanding of complex immune system concepts.

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Form study groups or join online forums dedicated to the course.
Choose topics for discussion related to the course material.
Share your knowledge, ask questions, and engage in constructive discussions with your peers.
Reflect on the discussions and identify areas where you have gained new insights or clarified misunderstandings.

Practice problem sets

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Practice problem sets will help you solidify your understanding of the various lymphocyte subsets and their functions, which is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the adaptive immune system.

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Review the lecture notes and textbook chapters on immune cell subsets and their functions.
Attempt the practice problems provided in the course materials.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Seek assistance from the instructor or teaching assistants if needed.

Design an educational infographic on a specific immune response

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Creating an educational infographic will help you synthesize and present information about a specific immune response in a concise and visually engaging manner.

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Choose a specific immune response to focus on.
Research and gather information about the immune response.
Design an infographic using appropriate visuals, text, and layout to effectively convey the information.
Share your infographic with others for feedback and improvement.

Develop a research proposal for a study on the adaptive immune system

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Developing a research proposal will allow you to apply your knowledge of the adaptive immune system to design a study and investigate a specific question.

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Identify a specific research question you want to explore.
Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify existing gaps in knowledge.
Design a study protocol that outlines your methods, procedures, and expected outcomes.
Write a research proposal that includes your research question, hypothesis, methodology, and potential impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Immunology: Adaptive Immune System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health and disease in populations. They investigate the causes of disease outbreaks, and they develop strategies to prevent and control them. This course would be beneficial for an epidemiologist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for epidemiologists who are working to develop new strategies to prevent and control diseases that affect the elderly.

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Public Health Physician

Public health physicians work to protect and improve the health of communities. They investigate the causes of disease outbreaks, and they develop and implement strategies to prevent and control them. This course would be beneficial for a public health physician, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for public health physicians who are working to develop and implement new strategies to prevent and control diseases that affect the elderly.

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Immunologist

Immunologists study the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. They investigate how the immune system works, how it responds to different pathogens, and how it can be manipulated to treat diseases. This course would provide a strong foundation for a career as an immunologist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, including the role of B cells, T cells, and other immune cells. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for immunologists who are working to develop new treatments for diseases that affect the elderly.

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Virologist

Virologists study viruses, which are the cause of many diseases, including the common cold, influenza, and HIV. They investigate how viruses replicate, how they spread, and how they can be prevented and treated. This course would be beneficial for a virologist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from viral infections. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for virologists who are working to develop new treatments for viral diseases that affect the elderly.

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Bacteriologist

Bacteriologists study bacteria, which are the cause of many diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and food poisoning. They investigate how bacteria grow, how they spread, and how they can be prevented and treated. This course would be beneficial for a bacteriologist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from bacterial infections. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for bacteriologists who are working to develop new treatments for bacterial diseases that affect the elderly.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They also work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement medication plans for patients. This course would be beneficial for a pharmacist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for pharmacists who are working to develop and implement medication plans for elderly patients.

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Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical laboratory scientists perform tests on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to help diagnose and treat diseases. This course would be beneficial for a medical laboratory scientist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for medical laboratory scientists who are working to develop new tests to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the elderly.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They use their knowledge of science to help solve crimes. This course would be beneficial for a forensic scientist, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for forensic scientists who are working to solve crimes involving elderly victims.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants help healthcare organizations improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They also work with patients and families to help them navigate the healthcare system. This course would be beneficial for a healthcare consultant, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infection. The course also discusses the effect of age on the immune system, which is an important consideration for healthcare consultants who are working with elderly patients and families.

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Science Teacher

Science teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They help students to understand the basic principles of science and how it applies to the world around them. This course would be beneficial for a science teacher, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is a complex and fascinating topic. The course would also help science teachers to teach their students about the importance of the immune system.

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Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that help people understand the latest advances in science and technology. This course would be beneficial for a science writer, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is a complex and fascinating topic. The course would also help science writers to communicate the importance of the immune system to the public.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data from medical studies and clinical trials. They help researchers to design studies, analyze data, and interpret results. This course may be beneficial for a biostatistician who works on studies of the immune system, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is a complex and rapidly changing field. The course may also help biostatisticians to understand the arguments of medical experts and to design and analyze studies that provide accurate and meaningful results.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They investigate and analyze current events, and they interview experts to get their perspectives. This course may be beneficial for a journalist who covers health or science news, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is a complex and rapidly changing field. The course may also help journalists to understand the arguments of medical experts and to write accurate and informative stories about the immune system.

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Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys help inventors to obtain patents for their inventions. They also advise clients on patent law and help them to enforce their patents. This course may be beneficial for a patent attorney who specializes in biotechnology or medical devices, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which is a complex and rapidly changing field. The course may also help patent attorneys to understand the arguments of medical experts and to write accurate and informative patent applications.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in court and help them to resolve legal disputes. They also advise clients on their legal rights and obligations. This course may be beneficial for a lawyer who specializes in health law or medical malpractice cases, as it covers the basics of the adaptive immune system, which can be a complex and confusing topic. The course may also help lawyers to understand the arguments of medical experts in cases involving the immune system.

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