Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course covers advanced topics in immunology and is suited to students with some background knowledge of immunology. Topics covered include the molecular basis of immune recognition, regulation of the immune response, mechanisms of host response against infectious pathogenic agents, transplantation, vaccine design, immunodeficiency and other immune disorders. Oral and poster presentation tasks are designed to reinforce the lecture material.
The course covers the main aspects of Immunology at an advanced level.
The first part of the course gives an introduction to Cellular Immunology: the cell types involved in immune responses, the interactions between these cells during immune and inflammatory responses, and the mechanisms of host response against infectious pathogens. This is then extended into Molecular Immunology, which covers in detail the molecular events responsible for the regulation of T cells, B cells, and other immune cells. This also extends into the mechanisms underlying T and B cell recognition of antigens and antigen processing, viral immunity and in various immune diseases. The understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response is then developed to cover Clinical Immunology. The role of the immune system in human health and disease is described in detail, with examples showing how the immune dysfunction leads to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, cancer immunology, immunogenetics and immune deficiency. Throughout the course students will also learn about Applied Immunology, with lectures on vaccine technology and immunotherapeutics. Problem-based learning exercises will be used to demonstrate these topics.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is expected students have completed a second level course in basic immunology and/or microbiology so they are familiar with fundamental concepts in immunology and can understand relevant scientific jargon and acronyms.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MICR2000 or BIOM2011
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOC2000 + BIOL2200
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly
Aims and outcomes
The aim of BIOL3003 is to develop an advanced understanding of Immunology and build on knowledge attained in MICR2000.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Differentiate inflammatory processes, humoral and cell-mediated responses
LO2.
Critique the immune system and its relevance to human health and disease
LO3.
Examine the fundamentals of immune cell biology and immunogenetics
LO4.
Differentiate the molecular basis of antigen processing, presentation and recognition
LO5.
Differentiate different mechanisms of signal transduction in immune cell activation
LO6.
Appraise the unique nature of mucosal immunity
LO7.
Critique the principles of applied immunology (vaccine technology, immunotherapeutics)
LO8.
Distinguish different elements of essential clinical immunology (immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, immunopathology)
LO9.
Demonstrate skills in appropriate information technologies and scientific communication
LO10.
Develop skills in basic immunohistochemistry on tissue sections and flow cytometry with cell suspensions
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Presentation |
PBL1
|
10% |
18/03/2025 - 20/03/2025
Presentations will occur in your allocated session. |
Poster |
PBL2
|
10% |
29/04/2025 - 1/05/2025
Presentations will occur in your allocated session. |
Examination |
In-semester exam
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
Examination |
End of semester exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
PBL1
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
18/03/2025 - 20/03/2025
Presentations will occur in your allocated session.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L09
Task description
Oral presentations (7 minutes) on a nominated topic. A detailed description of the oral presentation task will be posted on the BIOL3003 Blackboard site and discussed by the PBL tutors. Presentations will be marked out of 10.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Oral presentation to tutorial group
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide approved documentation to support your application by the due date and time, you must still submit your application by the deadline but with an attached Word document that outlines why you cannot provide the approved documentation by the deadline. You will then need to acquire and upload the approved documentation to your request within 24 hours. Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting by the requested due date and time.
Prolonged Absence
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
PBL2
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
29/04/2025 - 1/05/2025
Presentations will occur in your allocated session.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Poster. A detailed description of the poster task will be provided on the BIOL3003 Blackboard site and discussed by the PBL tutors. Posters will be marked out of 10.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Poster display on Chemistry podium
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide approved documentation to support your application by the due date and time, you must still submit your application by the deadline but with an attached Word document that outlines why you cannot provide the approved documentation by the deadline. You will then need to acquire and upload the approved documentation to your request within 24 hours. Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting by the requested due date and time.
Prolonged Absence
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
In-semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Short answer/paragraph style questions worth both 5 and 2 marks/question. The exam will be an in-person, invigilated, timed exam. More details will be provided on Blackboard and by the lecturers. The examination samples knowledge from Modules 1 and 2. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 90 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L10
Task description
The exam will consist of short essay/paragraph questions (worth 10 and 5 marks) plus short answer questions (worth 2 marks). The exam will be an in-person, invigilated, timed exam. The examination samples knowledge from lectures not tested in the in-semester exam. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
- You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items; and
- You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Lecturers will provide students with access to source literature and relevant web sites.
Blackboard
Additional material (including the Turnitin portal) may be found on the Blackboard site for BIOL3003 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Module 1 - Innate Immunity A series of lectures centred on innate immunity. Lecture detail available on Blackboard Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL1 Preparation and delivery of an oral presentation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Module 2 - Adaptive Immunity Part 1 A series of lectures centred around adaptive immunity. Lecture detail available on Blackboard Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Module 3 - Adaptive immunity Part 2 A series of lectures on adaptive immunity. Lecture detail available on Blackboard Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 9 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL2 Preparation and presentation of a poster. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 4 - Clinical and Applied Immunology A series of lectures covering clinical and applied aspects of immunology. Lecture detail available on Blackboard Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Laboratory practical Understanding of the lab practicals is tested in the End of Semester exam Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.