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A primary goal of the Immunology Council is to promote scientific exchange and interaction among students and faculty with an interest in immunology from various JHU programs and schools. As part of this effort, the Immunology Council maintains a list of available courses containing significant interest to immunology or immunologic applications.
The following are courses currently offered, listed by school and department. If you have a course that you would like included in this listing, please e-mail Vincenzo Casolaro at casolaro@jhmi.edu.
School of Medicine
the Graduate Program in Immunology/Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics
250.603 Principals of Immunology
Dr. Sadegh-Nasseri and faculty; Jan-Feb, 8a-1p MTuThF, 8a-11a W
This course, a required part of the first year medical school curriculum, provides an introduction to the genetics, biochemistry, and cellular and developmental biology of the immune system. Medical relevance is highlighted through clinical correlations, and basic principles are demonstrated in teaching labs. The course also includes small group discussions and a journal club. The lecture portion of this course is repeated as part of Graduate Immunology (250.703).
250.703 Graduate Immunology
Dr. Schneck and faculty; Feb-May, 11a-1230p TuTh
This is an introductory course designed to provide graduate student with a comprehensive survey of modern cellular and molecular immunology. The course consists predominantly of lectures but also includes discussion sessions focusing on important recent research papers. This course is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
250.703 From Recognition to Response: Physical and Biochemical Basis of Immune Activation
Drs. Sadegh-Nasseri and Desiderio; Mar-May, 930a-11a F
A graduate seminar that will examine current topics in immunologic recognition and lymphocyte activation, with an emphasis on molecular interactions. Discussion of each topic, to be led by individual students, will center on two to three critical papers that will be suggested by the instructors and read in advance by the group. Performance will be evaluated on the basis of individual presentations, participation in class discussion, and a four to five page paper in the form of a research proposal addressing an unresolved issue in the field.
250.709 Immunology Core Course
Dr. Ray; yearlong
The core discussion is a year-long course required of all first year Immunology Graduate Students. The goals of the course are to help students learn how to critically read and interpret scientific papers, and learn more about methods and the scientific process. It also gives a chance to interact with the faculty more closely than in lectures. The material will often enhance and/or complement lecture material, but is not an integral part of the core courses. The course has several components. The main component is a journal club; one paper will be assigned each week, and students will lead discussion. The goal of the journal club is to provoke discussion and to develop an understanding of how and why experiments were done.
the Bloomberg School of Public Health
Environmental Health Sciences
187.641 Environmental Immunology
Dr. Bressler; Third term, 3 units
Next offered 2005-06
Examines the interrelationships between the immune response and exposure to occupational hazards or environmental pollutants. Lectures focus on the concepts of immunology, immune assessment, toxicology and risk assessment. Case studies with student participation are used as paradigms of environment-related events that cause immunosuppression, autoimmunity and hypersensitivity. This is an introductory course and does not require previous courses in immunology or toxicology. Student evaluation based on a written examination, a paper and class participation.
Prerequisites: A background in biology and chemistry; consent of instructor.
188.670 Tutorial in Tissue Injury, Inflammation and Repair
Dr. Dannenberg and faculty; Fourth term, 3 units
Covers the biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammation, including immediate and delayed hypersensitivity and the response to physical, chemical, and microbial tissue damage. Discusses cell membrane function; capillary permeability; histamine, kinins, plasmin, complement, icosanoids; blood clotting; chemotaxis; and other inflammatory mediators produced by various blood cells. An optional tutorial is available for those with little background.
International Health
223.687 Vaccine Policy Issues
Dr. Burke; Third term, 2 units
Examines current international and national policy issues in vaccine research, development, manufacturing, supply, and utilization. Topics include development of orphan vaccines, ensuring an adequate supply of safe and effective vaccines, vaccine injury compensation, and disease eradication. Emphasizes the identification of important vaccine policy issues and the development and evaluation of policies to address these issues. Presents the roles, responsibilities, and policy positions of key immunization stakeholders via guest lectures by a wide array of experts who have worked for important vaccine groups (ie, FDA, GAVI, vaccine industry, US Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, consumer groups). Readings include relevant scientific papers and reviews, and publications of U.S. and international agencies. Student evaluation based on class participation, an Op-Ed piece, and a policy analysis paper.
Prerequisites: 223.662 recommended.
223.689 Biologic Basis of Vaccine Development
Drs. Bourgeois, Durbin & Schwartz; Fourth term, 3 units
Jointly offered with the Dept of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Provides an overview of the biologic basis for development and evaluation of new viral, bacteriologic, parasitic, and cancer vaccines. Lectures address the fundamental immunologic concepts of correlates of protective immunity underlying current and new strategies for immunization. Emphasizes the use of new technologies for expression of vaccine antigens, including recombinant DNA techniques and use of novel adjuvants and antigen-carrier systems to enhance the delivery/presentation of specific immunogens to effector sites. Student evaluation based on mid-term and final exams.
Prerequisites: 260.611-612, or equivalent knowledge of principles of modern immunology
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
260.611-612 Principles of Immunology I/II
Drs. Scott and Margolick; First and second terms, 4 units per term
Introduces biological concepts of immunology; molecular nature of antigens; molecular basis for antibody and T-cell receptor structure and diversity; complement; hypersensitivity reactions; cellular basis for the immune response; cell-mediated immunity; adhesion molecules and coreceptors cell activation; cytokines and other soluble mediators; major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens; tumor immunology; transplantation immunobiology; mechanisms of resistance to microorganisms; tolerance; autoimmunity; and immuno-deficiency. Student evaluation based on mid-course and final exams.
Prerequisites: 260.611: a course in advanced biology
260.612: 260.611
260.627 Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections
Drs. Markham & Ying; Second term, 4 units
Presents the mechanism employed by bacteria to establish and maintain infection in the human host and evolution of host resistance mechanisms. Covers host-parasite relationship, bacterial structure and metabolism, pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria, systemic and mucosal immunity, and gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Discussions generally cover gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria with specific lectures on pathogens of particular intererst, such as mycobacteria, Borrelia, rickettsia, and bacteria associated with sexually transmitted diseases. Student evaluation based on mid-term, final exam, and an optional research paper.
260.635 Biology of Parasitism
Drs. Graczyk, Kumar, Scott & Shiff; Third term, 6 units
Presents a biological basis of parasitic lifestyles including host responses and parasite evasion to host defense mechanisms, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, pathology, treatment, and control of the major helminthic and protozoan infections of man. Class discussions based on research papers and topics of fundamental importance to parasitology will involve student participation in a seminar format. Laboratory sessions examine living and preserved parasites, gross pathology, histopathology and vectors. Student evaluations based on mid-term and final exam.
260.656 Malariology
Drs. Kumar, Shiff & Sullivan; Third term, 4 units
Presents issues related to malaria as a major public health problem. Emphasizes the biology of malaria parasites and factors affecting their transmission to humans by anopheline vectors. Topics include host-parasite-vector relationships; diagnostics; parasite biology; vector biology; epidemiology; host immunity; risk factors associated with infection, human behavior, chemotherapy, and drug resistances; anti-vector measures; vaccine development; and management and policy issues. Student evaluation based on mid-term take-home and final exams.
260.663 Biological Response to Biomaterials
Dr. Frondoza; Fourth term, 3 units
Presents biomaterials used in clinical settings such as orthopaedics, cardiovascular, dental, and reconstructive surgery. Experts in these and other areas discuss biological responses (immune and non-immune) to biomaterials and provide state-of-the-art information on public health concerns with respect to the use of biomaterials in medicine. Student evaluation based on mid-term and final exams.
260.665 Biological Basis of Aging
Dr. Burek; Third term, 3 units
Not offered 2005-2006
Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the aging process, at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level and examines the principles of aging in other animal species which may apply to man. Presents the physiological aspects of the different organs/systems affected by the disease processes (e.g., skeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurobiological, and immunological.) Discusses the theoretical models of aging. Student evaluation based on class participation, an oral report, and a final exam.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
260.711 Principles of Neuroimmunology
Dr. Irani; First term, 3 units
Not offered 2005-2006
Covers the origin of specific cells of the central nervous system, immune functions of CNS cells, and trafficking of leukocytes into the CNS with mention of relevant anatomy (blood-brain barrier, etc.) Discusses monocytes, T cells, B cells, cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases, and prostaglandins. Explores how these mediators contribute to development, plasticity and pathology of the CNS. Presentations address multiple sclerosis, Creutzfeld/Jakob disease, HIV dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Student evaluation based on course participation and a final exam.
260.712 Clinical Immunology
Dr. Talor; Fourth term, 3 units
Lectures and student-led discussions survey methods for evaluating immune competence and immune function; the immunocompromised host, including congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies such as AIDS; applications of immunogenetics; human transplantation; cancer immunology; allergic and autoimmune disease processes; and prophylaxis of infectious disease, including vaccines and vaccine development. Student evaluation based on mid-term and final exams, a one-page precis, and an oral presentation.
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.
260.714 Immunogenetics
Drs. Leffell and Zachary; Fourth term, 3 units
Not offered 2005-2006; Alternates with 260.823
Presents the genetic basis of immune responsiveness. Reviews the genetic mechanisms responsible for generation of diversity in the genes for immunoglobulins, the T cell receptor molecules, the major histocompatibility molecules, KIR and NKC receptors, and other key molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Discusses mechanisms and statistical evaluation of immunogenetic associations with susceptibility or resistance to disease. Student evaluation based on a mid-term exam and a final exam, or paper and oral presentation.
Prerequisites: 260.611-612 or an introductory course in immunology; introductory course in genetics.
260.717 Graduate Immunology: the Immune Response
Drs. Rose & Zavala; Fourth term, 3 units
Presents advanced topics concerning the immunologic system; the cellular basis of the immune response; effector functions of antibody, lymphocytes, and macrophages; regulation of the immune response; and immunologic diseases. Lectures and readings develop a well-rounded view of the interrelated elements comprising the immune system. Student evaluation based on class participation and an essay.
Prerequisites: 260.611-612, ME 260.709, ME 240.703, or consent of instructor.
260.801 Topics in Immunology I/II
Dr. Scott; First and second terms, 1 unit
Employs a journal club presentation/discussion format to explore advanced topics in basic immunology, the tenants of experimental design in immunology and the theory and practice of immunological methods. This is the core discussion class for 260.611-612. Student evaluation based on a paper presentation and class participation.
Prerequisites: Restricted to ScM and PhD graduate students in MMI. Consent of instructor required.
260.821 Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Dr. Griffin; All terms, 1 unit
Departmental students organize and present research findings, resulting from laboratory investigations or literature review, to faculty and fellow students. These oral reports consist of rationale and background of the working hypothesis, experimental design, presentation of results, and analysis in the context of the hypothesis. Usually, each student presents twice a year and weekly attendance is required. Presentations are evaluated by two students and two faculty on the basis of content and mechanics of oral communication.
260.822 Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Dr. Griffin; All terms, 1 unit
Integrates academic training with current research in microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease. Researchers from JHU and other biomedical research institutions present results of state of the art investigations of microbial disease of public health significance, emphasizing experimental design and methodology for analysis and discussion.
260.823 Special Topics in Transplantation Immunology
Drs. Leffell and Zachary; Fourth term, 3 unit
Next offered 2005-2006; Enrollment minimum of 6, maximum of 30
Introductory lectures review current understanding of the major histocompatibility complex; the molecular basis of alloreactivity; and immunological mechanisms of allograft rejection, tolerance, and graft versus host disease. Current articles addressing important topics in transplantation are presented and discussed. Student evaluation based on class participation and a paper reviewing a current topic.
Prerequisites: Introductory course in immunology. Consent of instructor required.
the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
Department of Biology
020.346 Immunobiology
Dr. Edidin and Schildbach; Fall, 3 credits
A course for upper-level undergraduates that will introduce them to immunochemistry, immunobiology, and clinical immunology. Emphasis is placed on the language, concepts, and experimental methodology of modern immunology and the application of this information to specific human diseases.
Prerequisites: 020.305-306
Corequisite: 020.330
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