Immunobiology

Course goals

Learning goals
At the end of the course, you will have/be able to:

• Insight into the function of the immune system, at the level of the book The Immune System (Parham).
• Knowledge of selecting and processing immunological literature,
• Master an immunological subject/problem and explore it in depth based on primary literature.
• Knowledge of the use of mathematical models and bioinformatics in immunological research.
• A glimpse of the current situation and developments in current immunological research.

 

Skills	Part of the course	Tested Explicitly?
Schrijven
Mondeling presenteren	Paper presentaties	Ja
Omgaan met data	Computer practica	ja
Praktische onderzoeksvaardigheden	Computer practica en project opdracht	Ja
Onderzoeksvaardigheden	Computer practica en project	Ja
Samenwerken	Article presentaties en project opdracht	Nee
Kritisch denken	Hele cursus	Ja
Loopbaanoriëntatie	Gast colleges	Nee
Interdisciplinariteit	Hele cursus	Ja

                

Content

Entry requirements
One of the following N2 courses of the Bachelor's degree in Biology or knowledge comparable to: The Cell, Metabolism and Biochemistry or Developmental Biology. In addition, it is highly recommended to take one of the following N2 courses of the bachelor's degree in Biology (or otherwise obtained comparable knowledge in programming): Data Science and Biology or Advanced Statistics and R. For MBLS students it is highly recommended to follow Bioinformatics and Dynamical Modelling course (second year).

Study path
This is a core course of the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics study path. The course is recommended for the study paths Cell Biology, Microbiology, Developmental Biology and Toxicology.

Language
The course is taught entirely in English as many MBLS students follow this course. All lecturers and student assistants master the Dutch language. That is why it is always possible to ask questions in Dutch. The exam is in English but you can answer in Dutch.


Skills learned

• The independent interpretation of primary research literature in immunology,
• Being able to summarize and present complex components of immune systems and their functioning and regulation,
• The use of basic bioinformatics and mathematical models within immunobiology,
• Being able to use databases to find data on genes and genomes for immunological research,
• Collaborate and arrive at a joint product (presentations and computer exercises),
• Writing scientific text (for the project assignment) and giving presentations.

Work formats
Lectures and computer exercises, article presentations and discussion sessions and a project based on one of the computer exercises. Brightspace page of the course is an important resource during the course. This contains all the information necessary for the course, and the assignments.

Content
The immune system includes innate and acquired defense mechanisms against (pathogenic) microorganisms. In the form of lectures, article presentations and computer exercises, you will gain step-by-step insight into the structure and functioning of the mammalian immune system.

The immune system is characterized by its great diversity. This aspect is the central theme of the course. The immunological processes and mechanisms that lead to an adequate defense against bacteria and viruses receive the most attention. For example, you will learn the structure of antibodies and the basis of antibody variability, effector functions of antibodies, functions of lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, and the function of proteins of the major histocompatibility complex, and immunological tolerance.

During the course you will also learn to understand and analyze mathematical models and to predict with basic bioinformatics methods which parts of a virus or bacteria are the most immunogenic.

Grading & assessment
To pass this course, a minimum of 5,5 is mandatory. Your grade is calculated by the following components:

• Exams 1&2:                                         70%
• Article presentations and discussion:          10%
• Project report:                                       20%

Active participation in the computer assignments is mandatory. This is tested in the form of a lab book, which must be handed in at the end of the course. The average mark for the two tests cannot be less than 5.5.

Study material


Textbook: The immune system, by Peter Parham, sixth edition, 2026, W.W. Norton & Company. The book is recommended for the course, feel free to buy the digital version if you prefer to (ISBN: 978-1-324-10482-7). There might be problems with the delivery of the books, so make sure to order on time.
Primary literature (provided during the course)