The biology of immune system provides a window to the beauty of nature within us. Understanding how this intricate entity works helps us answer important and interesting questions. Why do we get sick? Are antibiotics good or bad? Can parasites control our minds? Why do some people oppose vaccination? The research in immunology and medicine constantly produces new information on diseases and treatments. Conveying this information efficiently in an understandable format brings the cutting edge science to the end user – people from all walks of life. Because what is the use of working alone in the dark and hiding all the results?
We will lead our investigation of diseases in current world with the help of basic immunology principles and available research data. Classes will include short lectures on the material you read prior to each class. The information from your readings will be connected to real and fictional situations during class time. The class discussions will arise from the student questions, media, and history of medicine. Case studies will provide the opportunity to apply the material covered to real-life situations. The group activities allow us to learn from each other and make this an interesting experience. Ideas and information will spread like infectious disease…
Reading research articles will provide you a view into today’s scientific efforts to understand and treat diseases. We need to evaluate if that research is something we can implement and support. The skills to interpret modern research, to ask important questions, and to communicate your views and findings, will help you make health decisions for yourself, your animals, your family, and others in professional settings. Assignments will help your communication skills, and prepare you to interact with the surrounding society in a variety of careers you might choose from journalism or nursing to teaching and research.
Problem based learning project for the class involving a Measles outbreak
Assignment options for the class
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I am interested in the topic from a personal embedded perspective. For 40 years, I hosted Hepatitis C virus, which is as much a immune disorder as hepatic; now that a clinical trial has evicted the virus from my body, I’m curious to learn if/now the immune system might regenerate (as livers can). (I believe the study of immunology is fairly recent?)
In my studies, I’ve come across a very interesting paper you might like if you don’t already know:
Varela FJ & Anspach, M: Immu—knowledge: the process of somatic individuation.
It’s been published in various places.
I’d be curious to hear if your course might be taught incorporating connected learning.
And good luck