CNWY40110 Molecular Neuroimmunology

Academic Year 2023/2024

The course focuses on the interaction between the immune and nervous systems at a molecular, cellular and systems level. It provides an overview of current and developing concepts in neuroimmunology from both neuroscience and immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarise students with the endogenous immune mechanisms of the brain, including microglial and astrocyte function, and the cellular intercommunication between the immune and nervous systems. This course will also address the impact of neuroinflammation on physiological processes in the brain and its role in disease pathogenesis.
The course will comprise of hour-long sessions, twice weekly. Relevant literature will be recommended and discussed during these sessions. The sessions are designed to encourage interaction and discussion between lecturers and students. Module delivery is shared with the final year undergraduate module NEUR40010, however the learning outcomes and assessments differ from those of the undergraduate students.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
- Understand the importance of the interplay between the nervous and immune systems in physiological homeostasis, and the pathological consequences of altering this relationship
- Appreciate how recent developments in neuroimmunology are changing established concepts in both immunology and neuroscience
- Apply neuroimmunological concepts to their own research

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

13
Specified Learning Activities

50
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

103
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module delivery will be provided via a blended learning format.
- Face-to-face lectures will be provided to deliver core module content, interspersed with discussion/tutorial-style sessions.
- Current research literature will be utilised as a learning tool, providing the opportunity for student-directed learning.
- Students will participate in in-class discussion of literature to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and formative feedback, and submit written reports based on their learning for summative assessment.
- A learning journal will be maintained and assessed to support student-centred reflection and progression of their own learning throughout the module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
NEUR40010 - Molecular Neuroimmunology (UG), NEUR40040 - Molecular Neuroimmunology (PG)

Equivalents:
Neuroimmunology (CNWY40030)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Learning Journal Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Assignment: Research Proposal Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50
Attendance: Scientific literature summary reports Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The module assessment is carried out based on engagement with in-class activities, assignment submissions throughout the semester, along with an oral presentation and written submission at the end of the module. Feedback will be provided formatively via in-class discussions of relevant literature, in a tutorial-style format. Formal feedback will be provided in response to each submitted literature report, and following the end of module oral presentation.

Name Role
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jana Haase Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 25, 29 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 23 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
Spring