The course is organized into the following sections:

• Basic pathology and immunity
• An introduction to bacteriology, virology and parasitology
• Infectious immunology, immune pathology and pathophysiology, chronic inflammation and regeneration
• Medical genetics
• Tumor Biology
• Courses in histopathology
• Courses in Immunology

Aim and learning outcomes

Principles of Immunity and disease is an integration of the disciplines; immunology, general pathology, basic pathophysiology and medical genetics, as well as an introduction to the science of bacteriology, virology and parasitology. This is the veterinary students first systematic approach to infection defense and development of disease. Principles of Immunity and disease is essential for understanding infection biology, clinical and pathological diagnosis, therapy, immunoprophylaxis and breeding strategies against disease.

Principles of Immunity and Disease in relation to past and future courses:

Immunology is first introduced in the anatomy / physiology block when the immune system's organs are taught. To ensure continuity, it is the Block Leader who teaches immunology in this block. A general introduction to genetics is provided in the cell biology block. In the course Principles of Immunity and Disease is then immunology, general pathology, disease, genetics and also some pathophysiology taught in an integrated form. Emphasis is placed on drawing lines to previous lessons and using examples from cell biology and anatomy / physiology classes. Principles of Immunity and Disease also provide an introduction to the infection subjects which in turn is taught in the next block.

The pathology course and to some extent pathophysiology is taught in the special pathology while immunology is to some extent taught in the clinical subjects to return to the current problems after the students have acquired more clinical knowledge. Pathophysiology, but also pathology and immunology will also be key subjects in multidisciplinary case presentations intended for clinical students.

The block forms the basis so that the student after completing the course will master the following «Day one skills» by EAEVE: 1.3, 1.4, 1.10, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 2.9, 3.6

After completion of the courses, the students should:

• Have acquired a basic understanding of disease development and disease manifestation and the basis for a deeper understanding of the clinical courses.

• Have good knowledge within the field of immunology, general pathology and medical genetics.

• Clarify how immunological and pathogenetic mechanisms and the genetic background influence the individual's response to pathogenic stimuli.

• Clarify how the immune system¿s cells function in defense against disease.

• Describe which morphological manifestations and functional changes that various disease processes can provide, and explain the underlying mechanisms.

• Understand the background of vaccination and vaccine response.

• Clarify the genetic basis of immune responses, disease resistance and diseases with hereditary nature / disposal.

• Observe and describe changes that are characteristic of central disease processes in histological sections and make morphological diagnosis.

• Prepare, store and send samples to analytical laboratories and also perform some diagnostic tests themselves.

• Have developed an awareness of ethical issues within the disciplines of immunology, general pathology and medical genetics.

• Have learned to collaborate through colloquiums and group work, and be able to present the academic material both in writing and oral.

Learning objectives

At the end of the block, students should understand key issues within fields like immunology, general pathology and medical genetics. They should describe how immunological and pathogenic mechanisms and the genetic background influence the individual response to pathogenic stimuli. They must understand how the immune system¿s cells function in defense against disease. They should be able to describe which morphological manifestations and functional changes that various disease processes can provide and explain the underlying mechanisms. Students should understand the background of vaccination and vaccine response. Students shall understand the genetic basis of immune responses, disease resistance and diseases with hereditary nature / disposal.

Skills objectives

Students should be able to describe the changes that are characteristic of central disease processes in histological sections and make morphological diagnosis. They should be able to prepare, store and send samples to analytical laboratories and shall be able to perform some diagnostic tests.

Courses in general pathology and immunology are mandatory, a total of 12 teaching days. It is allowed with up to 10 % absence if valid reason. In case of absence beyond this, the student must attend next year's courses.

Integrated study groups with a presentation of the group work are mandatory, totaling 3 days. In case of a single day absence, the student must perform the task to the teacher. In case of absence of more than one day without valid reason (illness), the student must attend next year's study groups and presentation.  

Students will normally be allowed to take the exam even though not all mandatory teaching has been approved. The grade will not be valid until the programme requirements are approved. The student is responsible for ensuring that the requirements are met the following year. 

6 hour written final exam  consisting of pathology (ca. 40%), immunology (ca. 40%) and genetics (ca. 20%). The exam is assessed as a whole, and by the lack of knowledge in key areas, the student will be able to fail even though the knowledge in other areas are good.

Examination support material: None

Grading scale: A-F

Requirements for personal equipment

Lab coats are required during the course teaching in the laboratories (Microbiology Hall). The institute will ensure that coats are available.

HMS

It is considered that there is no risk activity in the block.

Laboratory (Microbiology Hall): Please see the instructions for the laboratory. It is mandatory with lab coats. Individual lab coats are available for students and those are not used by students who have lessons in infection courses. There is a clean and unclean zone by the entrance to the laboratory. Hand wash and coat change is required at entry and exit. The gas is turned off.