MBV4250 – Basic immunology and immunological techniques

Course content

The course gives an understanding of the basic principles of immunology and an introduction to methods used in immunological research. It is taught over a period of 3 weeks. During the first week a series of lectures give an introduction to the immune system. Structure, function and regulation of the different molecules of the immune system are described. Furthermore, B cells, T cells, NK cells as well as antigen presenting cells will be presented. Finally, lymphoid organs, cell collaboration and immunological tolerance are discussed. The second and third week are dedicated to practical laboratory work, demonstrations and seminars where groups of students present results from relevant research papers.

Learning outcome

After completing the course you will:

  • have a good knowledge of the basis for the diversity of the adaptive immune system as well as the structure and binding properties of antibodies and the T cell receptor
  • know the innate immune system and how the innate and adaptive immun system collaborate to fight infections
  • have a good understanding of antigen presentation
  • know how B and T cells develop and exert their function
  • can independently design, plan and carry out different ELISA and Western blots and have a good theoretical knowledge of methods like FLOW cytometry, surface plasmon resonance, monoclonal antibody technology, phage display, generation and use of transgenic mice as well as V sequence analysis using the IMGT database
  • gain in depth knowlegde of a relevant reaserch article and present this for the group.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

PhD students must apply for the course MBV9250 - Basic immunology and immunological techniques

The courses MBV4250 and MBV9250 have common admission. Applicants are ranked by the following criteria:
1. PhD students and master students at the MN faculty who have the course as part of the approved curriculum.
2. Other PhD students and visiting PhD students.
3. Students with admission to single courses on master’s level and exchange students
4. Applicants are ranked by credits in each group; all applicants within 1st rank before applicants in 2nd etc. If admission is limited to a fixed number of participants, admission will be decided by drawing lots for students who are ranked equally

Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor degree in molecular biology/biochemistry and/or admission to Master degree in m