Outline

Overview

In this unit students will learn how to apply their knowledge of fundamental immunology to understanding the clinical diagnosis and management of a broad range of immune-mediated human disease. Taught across six disease themes, namely autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, cancer, infectious disease, transplant rejection and allergy, the unit will explore topics relevant to clinical practice. Within each theme, students will explore the underlying immunopathology of disease and learn how laboratory assays are used to inform clinical decision making about diagnosis and disease management. Students will learn how immunotherapies, including therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapies and therapeutic vaccines, are changing the treatment landscape for many conditions. Instruction will comprise of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. The lectures will be given by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their respective fields. Tutorials will reinforce material covered in lectures, with an emphasis on understanding concepts through clinical cases and appreciating how laboratory investigations contribute to the diagnostic pathway. Laboratory classes will focus on techniques central to the diagnostic lab and taught with the perspective of real-world situations.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	INIM5112
Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Understanding of basic biochemistry and cell biology
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kylie Shaddock, kylie.shaddock@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kylie Shaddock, kylie.shaddock@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam: MCQ and SAQ	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Post-practical quizzes Quizzes on practical content	12.5%	Multiple weeks	10 min
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Grand Rounds presentation Oral presentation on a case study in the style of hospital 'Grand Rounds'	15%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Aug 2023 at 10:00	15 min
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In semester quiz Quiz on weeks 1-5 unit content	10%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Sep 2023 at 14:00	45 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Commentary article Commentary style article and figure on immunotherapy	15%	Week 12 Due date: 23 Oct 2023 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Lecture quizzes Formative quizzes on lecture content. Mark awarded for completion.	2.5%	Weekly	5 min
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Lecture quizzes: MCQ quizzes to help students gauge their understanding of lecture content. Marks awarded for completion of quizzes.
Post-practical quizzes: MCQ quizzes to test student knowledge on theory of laboratory practicals and skills in data interpretation.
Grand Rounds presentation: Oral presentation of a case study.
In-semester quiz: Quiz on Weeks 1-5 unit content.
Commentary article: Written report in the format of a journal commentary article. Commentary to be written on an assigned journal article about an immunotherapy approach for disease. Article is to also include a summary figure.
Final exam: Final exam on unit content from lectures, tutorials and practicals.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction (HD)	85-100	- Demonstrate breadth and depth of understanding as well as an insight and awareness of many of the deeper more subtle aspects about the immune system. - Have highly developed analytical skills and consistently demonstrate high levels of critical analysis. - Deliver outstanding work (on time) that showcases original ideas, concepts and/or thoughts - Present clear & concise work in a scientific manner appropriate to the study of immunology - Demonstrate higher order conceptualisation and integration of material from various sources (lectures, tutorials, practicals, journal articles, text books as well as online) - Discuss and/or express original opinions that are articulate, strong and persuasive. - Be able to support their opinions with solid, scientifically sound, peer reviewed evidence from reputable sources - Demonstrate a high level capacity to solve complex problems in a variety of circumstances - Be able to communicate difficult immunological concepts to a wide variety of audiences using a diverse range of delivery systems. - Meet all deadlines and strictly adhere to any formatting instructions - Attend all timetabled teaching activities (lectures, tutorials and practicals) - Show leadership and initiative in group activities - Provide inspiration and direction to their peers with regards to their participation in all teaching activities (e.g. Asking many insightful questions, offering constructive feedback)
Distinction (D)	75-84	- Demonstrate breadth and depth of understanding as well as an insight and awareness of more subtle aspects about the immune system. - Deliver work (on time) that is of a very high standard that demonstrates some original ideas, concepts and/or thoughts - Have good analytical skills and is capable of good levels of critical analysis. - Present clear & concise work in a scientific manner appropriate to the study of immunology - Demonstrate some evidence of higher order conceptualisation and integration of material from a number of different sources - Argue and/or express opinions that are articulate, strong and mostly persuasive. - Be able to support their opinions with solid, scientific evidence. - Demonstrate a capacity to solve complex problems in a variety of circumstances - Be able to communicate immunological concepts to a wide variety of audiences using a diverse range of delivery systems. - Meet all deadlines and adhere to any formatting instructions - Attend the timetabled teaching activities (lectures, tutorials and practicals) - Show some leadership in group activities - Participate in teaching activities (e.g. Asking many questions and offering constructive feedback)
Credit (C)	65-74	- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of material presented in the lectures, tutorials, practicals, textbook and other recommended readings. - Deliver work that is of a high standard demonstrating the ability to present some original ideas, concepts and/or thoughts - Present work in a scientific manner appropriate to the study of immunology - Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise immunology concepts and integrate this with material from more than one source - Present well reasoned arguments and/or express opinions about the immune system as it relates to medical science - Be able to back up their opinions with scientific evidence. - Demonstrate a capacity to recognise and potentially solve complex problems in a variety of circumstances - Be able to communicate immunological concepts using a diverse range of delivery systems. - Meet deadlines and adhere to the formatting instructions - Attend the timetabled teaching activities (lectures, tutorials and practicals) - Participate in teaching activities (e.g. Asking some questions and offering feedback)
Pass (P)	50-64	- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the material presented in lectures, tutorials, practicals and the textbook. - Deliver work that demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills - Present work in a professional manner appropriate to a unit of study in the sciences - Have limited ability to conceptualise difficult concepts and often fails to integrate this with material from more than one source - Present arguments that either are not supported by evidence or are unscientific - Either not express original ideas or arguments or often will fail to support their opinions with scientific evidence. - Demonstrate basic skills for solving simple problems and addressing key assessment tasks. - Be able to communicate some immunological concepts but not in a way that is easily understood by different audiences. - Not meet all deadlines and often not adhere to the formatting instructions - Fail to attend all the timetabled teaching activities (lectures, tutorials and practicals) - Demonstrate limited leadership skills and or show little participation in teaching activities.
Fail (F)	0-49	- Are unable to demonstrate a basic understanding of the material presented in lectures, tutorials, practicals and the textbook. - Deliver work that does not demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills - Present unprofessional work inappropriate to a unit of study in the sciences - Cannot conceptualise immunological concepts or do not integrate this with material from at least one source - Present incoherent, unscientific arguments that are not supported by evidence - Are unable to demonstrate basic skills for solving simple problems or fail to address key assessment tasks. - Are unable to communicate effectively (written and/or oral) - Do not submit assessment tasks within the time frame outlined for each assessment task - Attend less than 80% of the timetabled teaching activities (lectures, tutorials and practicals) - Do not participate in teaching activities.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% of the maximum awardable mark per day.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview of clinical immunology and immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical immunology laboratory techniques	Lecture (1 hr)
	Quality control and troubleshooting in the diagnostic laboratory	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Laboratory induction and flow cytometry	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 02	Flow cytometry	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Flow cytometry data analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Primary immunodeficiency	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Autoimmune disease: organ-specific	Lecture (1 hr)
	Autoimmune disease: systemic	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of flow cytometry	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Coeliac disease and IBDs	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Grand Rounds presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Vasculitis	Online class (0.5 hr)
	HLH	Online class (0.5 hr)
	ITP	Online class (0.5 hr)
	Inflammatory eye diseases	Online class (0.5 hr)
	Principles and applications of immunofluorescence	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Neurological conditions and immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunotherapy in autoimmune disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Cancer and the immune system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunotherapy for melanoma	Lecture (1 hr)
	Principles and applications of enzyme immunoassays	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Tumour immunotherapy using CAR-T cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	CAR-T cell production 'virtual laboratory'	Independent study (2 hr)
	B cell malignancies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Transplantation immunology and HLA typing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Serum electrophoresis for multiple myeloma	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Immunotherapy against infectious diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunology and cancer	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Allergy and allergic diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Allergen immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Emerging strategies in immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Emerging strategies in immune cell characterisation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Revision lecture	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is expected for all learning activities, including lectures, tutorials and practicals. The only exceptions are those designated as online, self-guided learning activities in Canvas. If a student cannot attend a class due to illness or misadventure they are required to inform the unit coordinator.
Practical documentations: Students must keep notes, observations, records of raw data and calculations in their online lab manual in Kuracloud.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Unit textbook: Clinical Immunology & Serology a Laboratory Perspective. Christine Dorresteyn Stevens and Linda E. Miller. 4th Edition, 2017.

For revision of concepts taught in 'INIM5111 - Principles in Immunology', refer to: Basic Immunology: Functions and disorders of the immune system. Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. 6th Edition, Elsevier, 2020.

These textbooks will be available through Reading List.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Compare and contrast the immunological mechanisms that underpin immune-mediated conditions including primary and secondary immunodeficiency, autoimmune and inflammatory disease, transplant rejection, allergy and cancer.
LO2. Describe how knowledge of the immunological basis of disease has been specifically exploited in the design of diagnostic laboratory tools and evaluate these techniques for their strengths and limitations.
LO3. Determine the utility and justify the choice of different laboratory assays in the diagnosis of specific immune-mediated diseases, perform assays covered in practical classes and analyse and critically evaluate experimentally generated data.
LO4. Describe the different types of immunotherapy and explain how they modulate the immune system and treat disease.
LO5. Critically evaluate the successes and failures of immunotherapy and assess how different approaches may solve the challenges faced by immunotherapy in the future.
LO6. Develop skills in communication and self-directed learning

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The focus of the written assignment has changed from a 'Comment' style article to a 'Commentary' style article. The final exam is now an on-campus, supervised exam.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

INIM5112: Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapy

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect