Immunology is the study of the mechanisms which exist within living things to protect them against invasion by infectious agents, toxins and against the development of cancers. Increasing knowledge in this field is helping to determine new strategies for the treatment and prevention of diseases and also leading 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 instance in the field of diagnostics.

• The programme at UEL aims to provide students with a broad overview of the field with a focus on applied aspects.
• Emphasis is placed on the ways in which knowledge of immunology can be applied for the benefit of mankind e.g. in the development of vaccines and cancer therapies
• There is extensive laboratory training and an option for students majoring in this subject to undertake sandwich placement training.

• 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.

Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, external visits, distance learning, web-based learning etc. You study 3 modules per semester. Each module has 5 to 6 hours contact per week, and may need up to 10 hours further individual study per week. Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, CAL, handouts and web-based study activities. The first year has a Skills module which is compulsory for students following the major route. This helps you make the major shift to independent learning needed at university, compared to schools and FE colleges, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life.

Students are assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules 50% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and 50% from unseen written theory examination at the end of the semester.

• Level 1 (Year 1) modules introduce you to the standards and types of assessment used at university. Some have theory exams staged at intervals through the semester. Although they do not contribute to your final Honours grade, you are expected to achieve at least 40% in all Level 1 modules.
• Your final Honours grade uses marks from Level 2 and Level 3 modules only. Your Level 1 modules prepare you to do your best in these later years.
• If a module is not passed at the first opportunity, marks from later opportunities are capped.

• The third year of the programme can be spent in a Sandwich Placement. This is optional but it is strongly recommended for students majoring on this programme, for whom it will provide significant advantages in terms of employability.
• During the placement year there is an option to complete a work-based learning module.

• Project work is an essential component of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision in a laboratory, using appropriate immunological techniques to generate and interpret new data.
• Most projects continue investigating areas of interest to researchers in the School such as study of interleukins, immunomodulatory drugs or parasite immunology.
• Projects may be library or laboratory based.

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
• Sound practical as well as academic training.
• Excellent job prospects for all students at the end of the programme both in the NHS and elsewhere.
• Effective careers advice and support available.

• Finding out more about how the world works.
• Developing your knowledge of medical and industrial oriented areas of immunology.
• Studying practical methods relevant to immunology and medical microbiology.
• Understanding how current knowledge in immunobiology depends on study at many levels: humans, cells, molecules, other organisms etc.
• Improving your scientific skills of logical argument and analysis

• Reading or hearing about research and/ or medicine (do you already enjoy TV documentaries like Horizon or Equinox, radio science programmes, New Scientist articles?)
• The challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science contributes to the search for new solutions to problems in immunology.
• Doing scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision
• Working in groups in laboratories using standard and new techniques to solve problems
• Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions

• To focus on medical immunology but still keep your career options open.
• The chance of reviewing your degree programme at the end of the first year and possibly changing to Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology, and other Biosciences degrees.
• The option of a year's work experience in a laboratory away from the University.
• To be able to spend up to one third of your final year on your own individual research project at the university (usually developing laboratory skills, but IT, survey or library projects also negotiable).

The qualification opens many opportunities within and outside Immunology. Destinations of recent graduates include:

• Laboratory based work in medical and industrial research.
• Health Service research laboratories e.g. St Thomas’ Hospital , London.
• The Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale.
• Research and /or sales in Pharmaceutical industries, e.g. Glaxo Smith Kline
• Government agencies e.g. the Medicines Control Agency
• Higher degrees in Immunology (M.Sc., Ph.D.).
• Further study in other disciplines, e.g. M.Sc. (e.g. IT ; Business), MBA, Nursing, Physiotherapy.
• Training as a teacher. (e.g. enrol on PGCE courses at UEL)

This programme does not qualify students for IBMS registration and would require further modules to be taken for anyone considering a career in a hospital diagnostic laboratory.

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:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
• Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
• Careers advice and information
• Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A School of Health and Bioscience with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.