INIM5112: Semester 2, 2025

Units INIM5112 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

INIM5112: Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapy

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Final exam: MCQ and SAQ	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Post-practical quizzes Quizzes on practical content	12.5%	Multiple weeks	12 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Grand Rounds presentation Oral presentation on a case study in the style of hospital 'Grand Rounds'	15%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2025 at 09:00	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In semester quiz Quiz on weeks 1-4 unit content	10%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2025 at 15:00	45 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Commentary article Commentary style article and figure on immunotherapy	15%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Lecture quizzes Formative quizzes on lecture content. Mark awarded for completion.	2.5%	Weekly	5 min	AI allowed
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

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

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)
Week 02	Laboratory induction	Independent study (1 hr)
	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	Grand Rounds presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Vasculitis	Online class (0.5 hr)
	HLH	Online class (0.5 hr)
	ITP	Online class (0.5 hr)
Week 06	Coeliac disease and IBDs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurological conditions and immunotherapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Principles and applications of immunofluorescence	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Immunotherapy in autoimmune disease	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Principles and applications of enzyme immunoassays	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Immune control of tumours	Lecture (1 hr)
	Personalised medicine in cancer	Lecture (1 hr)
	Tumour immunology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Tumour immunotherapy using CAR-T cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	CAR-T cell production 'virtual laboratory'	Independent study (1 hr)
	Immunotherapy for melanoma	Lecture (1 hr)
	Serum electrophoresis for multiple myeloma	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Transplantation immunology and HLA typing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunotherapy against infectious diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Allergy and allergic diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Transplant immunology	Tutorial (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 weighting applied to the Commentary article summary figure has increased from 10 to 55% of the mark to recognise student effort to this part of the assignment.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

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

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