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Programme summary for B.Sc (Hons) Immunology (Combined Honours)

About the programme

Immunology is the study of the mechanisms that exist within living things to protect them against invasion by infectious agents, toxins and the development of cancers. Increasing knowledge helps determine new strategies for the treatment and prevention of diseases and leads to a better understanding of disorders of the immune system and how they can be controlled.
The specific nature of many immune reactions has also led to wide exploitation of immune reactions in the laboratory, for example in diagnostics. This is one of the many bioscience courses based in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

2-subject degrees

You can combine this programme with another subject as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Immunology with Medical Microbiology, and Clinical Science and Immunology.

Programme structure

  • Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree programme or a 3-year full-time programme. The programme can also be followed part-time.
  • At Level 1, immunology is introduced in the core modules of Microbiology and Cellular Biology . Other supporting modules which may be taken include Cellular Processes, Human Physiology, Skills for Biosciences (core for student majoring in this subject) and Human Health and Disease.
  • At Level 2, students continue to build on the options elected at level 1, the core module is Medical Microbiology, which is an introduction to infectious disease and laboratory diagnosis of infections. Depending on the optional modules studied at level 1 the option choices at this level include further study of biochemistry with modules of Molecular Biology (which is highly recommended to support level3 of the programme) or Metabolism. Modern molecular biology methods and their medical applications are introduced in Molecular Genetics, and Practical and Employability Skills investigates the major methods of laboratory investigation. The study of human physiology is continued in Physiological Function and Dysfunction, which also includes an introduction to the histology of normal and pathological tissues, and Physiological Regulation.
  • The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement. (see below).
  • The final year (Level 3) contains core modules of Immunology, which looks in more detail at the various components of the immune response and their interactions, and Applied Immunology which looks at how knowledge of immune mechanisms and modern technology can be combined in the development of new and improved investigative reagents, diagnostic reagents, therapies and vaccines. Level 3 also contains an individual research project involving original self directed work. This may be laboratory based, or it may involve a library investigation.

Career opportunities

This qualification opens many opportunities within and outside immunology. Destinations of recent graduates include laboratory-based work in medical and industrial research and/or sales in pharmaceutical industries, working for government agencies such as the Medical Control Agency, further study, and teaching. This programme does not qualify you for IBMS registration and would require further modules to be taken if you are considering a career in a hospital diagnostic laboratory.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

  • In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module leaders and programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
  • The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
  • Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
  • Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL UELPlus Online Programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Admission

  • 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience. Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.

If you want to study Immunology but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme?

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