ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 2 Expository Class: 26 Interactive Classroom: 20 Total: 48
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary subject Master’s Degree RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Functional Biology
Areas: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology
Center Faculty of Sciences
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
This mandatory course is aimed at students with basic knowledge in Immunology, a biomedical science that, among other things, studies the normal functioning of the immune system under physiological conditions. Therefore, one of the objectives of this course will be to delve into the mechanisms used by the immune system to protect the individual from both external and internal aggressions. Additionally, Immunology is currently essential in global biomedical research. This is because many complex diseases have a significant immune component. Thus, a second objective of this course will be for students to acquire a series of integrative skills and knowledge (using concepts from Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology, etc.), which will be transversal and important for a better understanding of other subjects in the master's program. These concepts and analytical tools of Immunology are already applied in various fields, such as basic research and especially translational research, and are essential for understanding the mechanisms by which the immune system can contribute to various pathologies, for diagnosing diseases, designing drugs and new therapies based on the stimulation and suppression of the immune system, overcoming immune barriers in transplants, and generating more effective vaccines; especially for the treatment of immunodeficiencies or inflammatory/metabolic, allergic, infectious, autoimmune, or tumor diseases.
LECTURES (26 hours): 13 hours Cell Biology (Area 050), 13 hours Biochemistry (Area 060)
Area 050
TOPIC 1. Evolution of the Immune System (1 hour): An overview of immunity in invertebrates and non-mammalian vertebrates: aspects compared with mammals.
TOPIC 2. Advances in Innate Immune System Function (5 hours): Heterogeneity in innate myeloid and lymphoid cells and the role of non-leukocyte cells (erythrocytes, epithelial cells, etc.). Inflammation and inflammasome. Cells at the innate-adaptive interface and their functions (T cells and eosinophils with TCR γδ, MAIT cells, NK cells, NKT cells, etc.).
TOPIC 3. Frontiers in Acquired Immune System Knowledge (7 hours): Advances in the maturation and activation of T/B lymphocytes. Function of the immune synapse. T/B differentiation and heterogeneity. Plasticity. Role of non-coding RNAs, epigenetic modifications, and metabolism in the immune response.
Area 060
TOPIC 4. New Aspects of Immune Memory Function (6 hours): Innate system and "trained memory". Memory in the adaptive system: Heterogeneity in memory T/B cells. Differentiation and plasticity. Role of genetic recombination, cell communication (cytokines, chemokines, extracellular vesicles, non-coding RNAs, epigenetic modifications, etc.), metabolism, and microbiome.
TOPIC 5. Advances in Understanding Immune System Homeostasis (7 hours): Control of the immune response at the cellular and molecular levels. Role of cell communication (cytokines, chemokines, non-coding RNAs, extracellular vesicles), epigenetic modifications, metabolism, and microbiome. Immunology in transplants and pregnancy.
SEMINARS (10 hours): 5 hours Cell Biology (Area 050), 5 hours Biochemistry (Area 060)
Area 050
SEMINAR 1: Peculiarities of immune system function in the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary systems (2 hours). Interaction with the microbiome and immune-privileged organs.
SEMINAR 2: Advances in Neuroimmunology (1 hour). Interaction between the nervous and immune systems. Blood-brain barrier. Immune bases in neurological diseases.
SEMINAR 3: Cancer and immunity (1 hour).
SEMINAR 4: Computational models in Immunology (1 hour).
Area 060
SEMINAR 5: Frontiers in understanding immune system function in infectious and non-infectious diseases (4 hours). Immunity against pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites). Vaccines (composition and types), Hoskins paradox, and vaccine efficacy. Hypersensitivity reactions and allergic diseases. Autoimmune diseases. Primary and secondary (acquired) immunodeficiencies. Inflammation: pros and cons. Regulation (medications).
SEMINAR 6: Chronobiology and the immune system (1 hour).
LABORATORY PRACTICALS (10 hours): 5 hours Cell Biology (Area 050), 5 hours Biochemistry (Area 060)
Below are the contents of two interactive laboratory sessions corresponding to the subject "Frontiers in Immunology," which will be held at the Faculty of Biology of USC. These contents may be modified depending on the budget availability for purchasing laboratory reagents:
PRACTICAL 1: (5 hours, Area 060). Isolation of lymphocytes. Study of purity by flow cytometry. Polyclonal activation.
PRACTICAL 2: (5 hours, Area 050). Analysis of lymphocytes in mitosis (cell cycle).
TUTORIALS (2 hours)
These will be used to resolve any doubts that students may have. They will be conducted either in person or online through the MS-Teams platform.
Basic bibliography:
- Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., Pillai S. Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System (2023; 7ª edición). Editorial Elsevier.
- Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., Pillai S. Inmunología celular y molecular (2022, 10ª edición). Editorial Elsevier Saunders.
- Delves P. J., Martin S. J., Burton D. R., Roitt I. V. Essential Immunology (2017, 13ª edición). Editorial Wiley-Blackwell.
- Janeway´s and Murphy K. Immunobiology (2016, 9ª edición) Editorial: GS Garland Science.
- Punt J., Stranford S., Jones P., Owen J.A., Kuby Immunology (2019, 8ª edición). Editorial MacMillan.
- Peakman M., Vergani D. Inmunología básica y clínica (2014, 2ª edición). Editorial Elsevier.
- Rich R.R., Fleisher T.A., Shearer W.T., Schroeder H.W. (Jr.), Frew A. J., Weyand C.M. Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice (2019, 5ª edición). Editorial: Elsevier.
Complementary bibliography:
- American Association of Immunologists: http://www.aai.org
- European Federation of Immunological Societies: http://www.efis.org
- Spanish Society of Immunology: http://www.inmunologia.org
Knowledge:
Con03: Understand the fundamentals and applications of the main advanced experimental methods and cutting-edge analytical and molecular techniques used in the field of Molecular Biosciences.
Con06: Comprehend the molecular techniques employed in the diagnosis and therapeutic approach of various diseases, with an emphasis on all those molecular, genetic, and cellular techniques typical of so-called personalized medicine.
Competencies:
Comp03: Develop the ability to identify and correct inequalities based on gender, socioeconomic status, and act professionally guided by ethical principles, scientific rigor, and sustainable development.
Comp04: Ensure that students can apply theoretical-practical knowledge in a professional manner and are competent in problem-solving in both academic and professional contexts related to Molecular Biosciences.
Comp06: Develop the ability to learn autonomously with initiative and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Comp07: Ensure that students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues.
Skills:
H/D05: Apply knowledge from the field of Immunology to any study of Molecular Biosciences by designing experiments and using the most advanced techniques and tools.
H/D06: Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
H/D08: Apply the acquired knowledge in the planning and implementation of research projects.
H/D09: Adequately apply the acquired knowledge and techniques to analyze a complex situation or concept and find a way to solve it.
IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES
Both lecture-based and interactive classes will be used. In the latter, immunology concepts will be applied to different disease groups, and practical cases and research articles will be discussed. Student participation will be essential.
Lectures: The teaching methodology will follow a traditional lecture format. Attendance is mandatory and 100% in-person, either physically in the classroom or via synchronous online systems. The course syllabus will be covered during these sessions. Teaching materials used by the instructor will be made available to students through the virtual classroom, along with supplementary information.
Seminars: Seminars are mandatory and 100% in-person, either in the classroom or via synchronous online systems. A variety of teaching methods will be used, including seminar-style discussions, lectures, computer lab sessions, and problem-solving or case study activities. Their purpose is to organize and integrate the knowledge acquired in lectures, apply it to problem-solving, and enhance specific skills such as the use of applications and databases. Seminars will focus on more specific topics in Human Immunology and the application of theoretical knowledge. Active student participation will be encouraged.
Practical Sessions: Practical sessions are mandatory and 100% in-person, and will take place in the laboratories of the Faculty of Biology at USC. The teaching methodology will follow standard laboratory practice. After a brief theoretical introduction, students will follow various protocols to handle samples, procedures, and equipment in order to solve different problems, requiring the application of knowledge and interpretation of results. The lab manual may serve as a workbook, including a series of questions related to experimental data and conclusions, which students must answer and usually submit at the end of the session for evaluation.
Tutorials: Tutorials are voluntary and 100% in-person, either through synchronous virtual meetings (MS Teams) or in-person meetings in the instructors’ offices. They will be used to address questions related to the course.
STUDENT INDEPENDENT WORK
Short questions related to the theoretical content of the course will be periodically posted on the virtual classroom. These questions must be answered individually and submitted on time by all students (both first-time and repeating students). This is a mandatory and graded activity. Progress in these continuous assessment activities will be monitored through regular submissions and tutorials.
General Considerations Regarding Assessment
Assessment will be the same for both first-time and repeating students, and grades from previous years will not be retained. Additionally, the assessment criteria will remain the same for both examination opportunities.
Specific Aspects
Attendance at lectures, seminars, and practical sessions is mandatory in order to sit the exams and pass the course. Attendance will be monitored through sign-in sheets. Students who miss these activities without a justified reason will be penalized in their continuous assessment grade, depending on the number of absences. Students who are absent for a justified reason (as outlined in the USC REGULATIONS ON CLASS ATTENDANCE FOR OFFICIAL UNDERGRADUATE AND MASTER’S PROGRAMMES) and provide appropriate documentation will not be penalized.
As part of the continuous assessment, student attendance and engagement will be taken into account. Specifically, the number and quality of questions asked by students during lectures and seminars will be evaluated. This component will be worth up to 1 point (10% of the final grade).
Also as part of the continuous assessment, students will be graded on the questions posed during lectures and practical sessions, as well as on the case studies discussed in seminars. This will also include student presentations during seminars. This component will be worth up to 4 points (40% of the final grade).
Finally, a written multiple-choice exam will be administered, worth up to 5 points (50% of the final grade).
Competency Assessment
All learning outcomes—including knowledge (Con03, Con06), competencies (Comp03, Comp04, Comp06, Comp07), and skills (H/D05, H/D06, H/D08, H/D09)—will be assessed through individual assignments (continuous assessment). The exam will primarily evaluate knowledge (Con03 and Con06), the competency Comp07, and the skills H/D06 and H/D09.
- ECTS Credits: 6
- In-class/contact hours: 26 hours of lectures + 10 hours of seminars + 10 hours of practicals + 2 hours of tutorials = 48 hours
- Independent study and personal work: 102 hours
- Total hours: 6 ECTS × 25 hours/ECTS = 150 hours
- Participation in classes and continuous study of the subject are recommended.
- Review the course content before the seminars and make use of office hours to resolve any doubts that may arise.
- It is also recommended to use the bibliography, read the suggested books, articles, and documents, and submit all required assignments within the established deadlines.
- It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have a good level of English, as well as prior knowledge in Cell Biology, Histology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, and especially Human Immunology.
- The course will have a virtual classroom available on the Moodle platform.
- Communication with students will be conducted via email, a chat enabled on the Moodle platform, and through the MS Teams application.
- IMPORTANT: In cases of fraudulent completion of assignments or tests, the provisions outlined in the "Regulations on the assessment of students' academic performance and grade review" will apply.
- IMPORTANT: The distribution of any teaching material uploaded to the virtual classroom or provided by other means is strictly prohibited without the consent of the instructors, including through websites or other channels.
Jesus Lamas Fernandez
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Cellular Biology
- Phone
- 881816951
- jesus.lamas [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Francisco Javier Salgado Castro
Coordinador/a- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Area
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Phone
- 881816928
- franciscojavier.salgado [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
| Tuesday | |||
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| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | 1P CLASSROOM 1 FIRST FLOOR |
| Wednesday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | 1P CLASSROOM 1 FIRST FLOOR |
| Thursday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | 1P CLASSROOM 1 FIRST FLOOR |
| Friday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | 1P CLASSROOM 1 FIRST FLOOR |
| 01.20.2026 10:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | FAC. BIOLOXÍA |
| 06.23.2026 10:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | FAC. BIOLOXÍA |