Viruses & How to Beat Them II: Immunology Fundamentals & Applications from edX

With the emergence of COVID–19, we have all been subject to a massive global pandemic that has turned our lives upside down. We have also witnessed a vaccine revolution, where billions of people around the world have been immunized with a novel mRNA vaccine.

Together, we will review the principles of how our immune system wards off the threat of viruses and other infectious agents, establishes immunological memory and how these afford a platform for the development and implementation of targeted protective vaccines.

Once we’ve established a clearer understanding of how science has been applied to produce effective diagnostic tests, better medicines, and protective vaccines, we will direct our attention to the family of the most recent threat to public health: SARS Coronavirus 2. Surprisingly, it turns out that Coronaviruses are not new - some even cause the common cold. Through a systematic analysis of coronaviruses in humans, livestock and pets we will better understand how these viruses function and how effective, or not, are the vaccines raised against them.

This course was produced at Tel Aviv University - Innovation in Teaching and Learning.

What you'll learn

Principles of innate immunity
How our immune system adapts and targets infectious agents
What vaccines are all about: pros and concerns
The biology of Coronaviruses in man and animals
COVID-19 pandemic is the 3rd Coronavirus pandemic this century
Some practical considerations about COVID-19 the disease
The mRNA vaccine revolution
The lessons learned about how to deal with emerging pandemics

What's inside

Learning objectives

Principles of innate immunity
How our immune system adapts and targets infectious agents
What vaccines are all about: pros and concerns
The biology of coronaviruses in man and animals

Covid-19 pandemic is the 3rd coronavirus pandemic this century
Some practical considerations about covid-19 the disease
The mrna vaccine revolution
The lessons learned about how to deal with emerging pandemics

Principles of innate immunity
How our immune system adapts and targets infectious agents
What vaccines are all about: pros and concerns
The biology of coronaviruses in man and animals
Covid-19 pandemic is the 3rd coronavirus pandemic this century
Some practical considerations about covid-19 the disease
The mrna vaccine revolution
The lessons learned about how to deal with emerging pandemics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops principles of innate immunity, which is foundational to immunology

Examines how our immune system adapts and targets infectious agents, which is essential for understanding immunology

Critically analyzes pros and concerns of using vaccines, which is integral for informed decision-making

Unveils the biology and diversity of Coronaviruses in man and animals, which is important for a comprehensive understanding of emerging viruses

Helps contextualize COVID-19 pandemic as the third Coronavirus pandemic this century

Discusses practical considerations about COVID-19, which is useful during an infectious disease outbreak

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 Viruses & How to Beat Them II: Immunology Fundamentals & Applications with these activities:

Introductory immunology texts

Show steps

Review one of the introductory immunology textbooks. This will help you build a strong foundation in the basic principles of immunology.

View Roitt's Essential Immunology (Essentials) on Amazon

Show steps

Choose a textbook that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
Read the chapters that cover the topics that will be covered in the course.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.

Course notes and resources

Show steps

Organize your course notes and resources. This will help you find the information you need quickly and easily.

Browse courses on Resources

Show steps

Review your lecture notes and identify the key concepts.
Create a system for organizing your notes, such as a binder, folder, or digital file.
Scan or copy any relevant articles or other resources.
Organize your resources in a way that makes sense to you.

Antibody-Antigen interactions flashcards

Show steps

Practice identifying and describing the different types of antibody-antigen interactions. This will help you understand how antibodies recognize and bind to antigens.

Browse courses on Immunology

Show steps

Create a set of flashcards with the different types of antibody-antigen interactions.
Write the name of the interaction on one side of the flashcard and the description on the other side.
Study the flashcards until you can identify and describe each interaction.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Vaccines and Vaccination

Show steps

Review a comprehensive textbook on vaccines and vaccination. This will help you understand the different types of vaccines, how they work, and how they are used to prevent disease.

View Plotkin's Vaccines (Vaccines (Plotkin)) on Amazon

Show steps

Choose a textbook that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
Read the chapters that cover the topics that will be covered in the course.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.

Immune system discussion group

Show steps

Join a discussion group with other students to discuss the immune system. This will help you learn from others and clarify your understanding of the material.

Browse courses on Immune System

Show steps

Find a discussion group that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
Participate in the discussions and ask questions.
Share your knowledge and insights with others.

Immune system infographic

Show steps

Create an infographic that explains the function of the immune system. This will help you summarize what you have learned and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Immune System

Show steps

Choose a design tool.
Gather information about the immune system.
Create a visual representation of the information.
Share your infographic with others.

Immune system presentation

Show steps

Create a presentation on the immune system. This will help you synthesize what you have learned and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Immune System

Show steps

Choose a topic for your presentation.
Gather information about the topic.
Create a visual representation of the information.
Practice your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to others.

Career center

Learners who complete Viruses & How to Beat Them II: Immunology Fundamentals & Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Immunologist

Immunologists play a critical role at the forefront of medical research, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases. They study the immune system, including its components, functions, and dysfunctions, to understand how it protects the body from pathogens. The knowledge gained from this course in immunology fundamentals and applications would provide a strong foundation for aspiring immunologists to delve into the complexities of the immune system and its role in combating viruses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Virologist

Virologists specialize in studying viruses, including their structure, replication, and pathogenesis. With the emergence of novel viruses and the threat of pandemics, virologists are in high demand to develop diagnostic tests, antiviral therapies, and vaccines. This course offers a comprehensive overview of viruses, particularly Coronaviruses, and their impact on human health, providing a valuable foundation for aspiring virologists to contribute to the fight against viral infections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virologist

Vaccine Scientist

Vaccine scientists are responsible for developing, evaluating, and implementing vaccines to prevent and control infectious diseases. They work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and public health organizations. This course provides a solid understanding of vaccine principles, including the immune response to vaccines and the challenges in vaccine development. It is highly relevant for individuals seeking a career as a vaccine scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vaccine Scientist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in populations. They play a crucial role in outbreak response, disease surveillance, and public health policy development. The course's focus on the principles of immunology and the biology of Coronaviruses provides a strong foundation for aspiring epidemiologists to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases and contribute to disease prevention and control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Officer

Public health officers are responsible for protecting and improving the health of communities. They work in various settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare systems. This course provides insights into the immune system and the development of vaccines, equipping aspiring public health officers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and implement effective public health measures to combat viral threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Officer

Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course provides a comprehensive overview of immunology and the science behind vaccines, enabling aspiring science writers to accurately and engagingly inform the public about viral threats and the importance of vaccination.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Educator

Science educators teach science at various levels, from elementary schools to universities. They play a vital role in shaping the next generation of scientists and health professionals. This course provides a solid foundation in immunology and vaccine development, equipping aspiring science educators with the knowledge to effectively teach these concepts to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Medical Doctor

Medical doctors diagnose and treat patients with various illnesses and diseases. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. While this course may not directly qualify individuals to practice medicine, it provides a valuable foundation in immunology and vaccine science, which is essential for understanding and managing viral infections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical sales representatives promote and sell pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, to healthcare professionals. This course provides an understanding of the immune system and the role of vaccines in disease prevention, equipping aspiring sales representatives with the knowledge to effectively market vaccines and educate healthcare providers about their benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians conduct experiments and analyze data in laboratories. They work in various settings, including hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. This course provides a foundation in immunology techniques and the principles of vaccine development, which could be beneficial for aspiring laboratory technicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Medical Researcher

Medical researchers conduct research on various aspects of health and disease. They work in universities, hospitals, and research institutions. This course may be useful for aspiring medical researchers interested in immunology or vaccine development, providing a foundation in the principles of immunology and the biology of viruses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators manage and oversee healthcare facilities and organizations. They ensure the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services. This course may be useful for aspiring healthcare administrators who seek to gain a better understanding of immunology and vaccine development, which are critical aspects of public health management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research, analyze, and develop public policies. They work in government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for aspiring policy analysts who focus on healthcare policy, providing an understanding of immunology and vaccine development, which are key considerations in public health policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Health Educator

Health educators promote health and wellness in communities. They work in schools, community centers, and other settings. This course may be useful for aspiring health educators who seek to enhance their knowledge of immunology and vaccine development, which are important topics for public health education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Non-profit Manager

Non-profit managers oversee and manage non-profit organizations. They work in various fields, including healthcare, education, and social services. This course may be useful for aspiring non-profit managers who seek to gain a better understanding of immunology and vaccine development, which are relevant to public health initiatives and community outreach programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Non-profit Manager