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Rice University

Fundamentals of Immunology: Inflammation, Tolerance, Autoimmunity

Course 3 of a four-course specialization called Fundamentals of Immunology. Each course in the specialization presents material that builds on the previous course's material. This is the third leg of the journey through the defenses your body uses to keep you healthy. We learned about innate immunity and B cell function in the first course. In the second course, we studied T cell function and coordination of the immune response. Fundamentals of Immunology: Inflammation, Tolerance, and Autoimmunity introduces students to the basic functions of the adaptive and innate immune systems. The early lectures survey cells, tissues, and organs using metaphors, cartoons, and models to improve understanding and retention. After describing the form, function, origin, and varieties of antibodies, subsequent lectures provide details on the mechanism of the generation of variation. The course provides animations of gene rearrangement and class switching and descriptions of affinity maturation correlated with detailed physical models of antibody structure. The final lecture reviews these concepts in an anatomical context. Testing employs multiple choice questions testing facts, concepts, and application of principles. Questions may refer to diagrams, drawings, and photographs used in the lecture and reproduced in the outline. What You’ll Learn: A survey of immune cells and how they attack pathogens, emphasizing the mechanism of inducing apoptosis and details of Antibody Directed Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity. The inflammatory response and mechanisms of generating tolerance are presented sequentially to emphasize the decision-making in controlling attacks. A survey of autoimmune disease, its characteristics, cause, and treatment. Survey of hypersensitivity reactions, including allergy, anaphylaxis, anemias, granulomas, and various skin responses. This is accompanied by identification, prevention, and treatment. The final discussion of preventing transplant rejection is preceded by a detailed unit on antibody technology and the testing methods for incompatibility.

Status: Physiology
Status: Chronic Diseases
IntermediateCourse52 hours

Featured reviews

RA

5.0Reviewed Nov 28, 2020

Had an amazing experience learning with this course

SS

5.0Reviewed May 17, 2020

The best and concise course on the important fundamental immunological process.

GS

5.0Reviewed Jul 21, 2020

Very useful go me and I had gain more knowledge from u

DS

5.0Reviewed Jan 3, 2020

the course demands the application of the other two courses. the material was sufficient. Prof. Novotny was really good and funny.

P

5.0Reviewed Oct 27, 2020

Very interesting course with great insights into the field of immunology

RJ

5.0Reviewed Dec 6, 2023

Excellent course. Dr. Novotny is an excellent teacher who uses well designed models...learnt so much!

IS

5.0Reviewed Apr 22, 2020

Amazing course, brilliant lecturer, entertaining and fascinating presentation of complex material that contributes to quick memorization.

SI

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2020

Excellent lecture and a very good content and a brilliant and funny lecturer.

HK

5.0Reviewed Apr 16, 2022

​such an amazing course thank you for your effort

SN

4.0Reviewed Sep 10, 2020

Great course! Very well organized lectures. However, there are a few issues in the quizzes where some questions and options seem to be mixed up.

MA

5.0Reviewed Oct 26, 2023

a comprehensive and useful course for familiar with immunology methods.

ZF

5.0Reviewed Sep 9, 2020

Highly recommended to Biology and Life Science students.I liked the enthusiastic way of teaching from Dr. AlmaIf you have a small interest, go ahead.

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