The immune response is our key defence against disease. In this course you will delve deep into the intricate workings of the immune system and discover how it protects us from infectious disease and cancer, underpins the development of vaccines and can be used as a tool or a target in modern therapeutics. You will also investigate how imbalances in the immune system can lead to the development of diseases such as autoimmunity, allergy and immunodeficiency. The course provides an advanced understanding of the immune system for future practice in the biological sciences including medicine (where the foundation principles in this course will be invaluable) or as a prelude to applied research into human disease, including animal models.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the immune system components and how they normally respond to infection.
- Apply knowledge and incorporate principles to evaluate how aberrations in immunoregulation underlie autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, allergy and cancer.
- Consider how immune aberrations can be measured in the laboratory and potentially corrected by directed therapeutics.
- Acquire, analyse, interpret and critique experimental data on research in immunology.
- Critically evaluate the current literature to assimilate views on the latest findings and discuss the broader implications for health and disease.
- Effectively communicate immunological knowledge in written and oral formats.
Other Information
In order to enrol in this course you will need to obtain a permission code. Please see https://students.science.anu.edu.au/program-admin/requesting-permission-enrol for more information.
Indicative Assessment
- Topic presentation (10) [LO 1,2,5,6]
- Practical report
(15) [LO 1,3,4,5,6] - Presentation of journal article (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- News and Views article (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- On-line quizzes (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Written examination (30) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components which will consist of approximately 36 x 1 hour lectures per semester (3 per week; 36 hours total) and approximately 34 hours of workshops/labs (2-3 hours per week) throughout the semester.
- Approximately 60 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the John Curtin School of Medical Research to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Janeway - Immunobiology (latest edition)
Assumed Knowledge
A solid foundation in cellular function and biology, including structures of human cells and tissues. A firm understanding of molecular genetics as it applies to cellular function.
A basic understanding of microbiology, particularly with regard to human pathogens.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $7440 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7664 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |