Forensic immunology 2600-IMSA-3-S1

The course is conducted in the form of lectures and laboratory exercises.
During the lectures, the following topics will be covered:
- Biological foundations of immunology, scope of concepts, definitions, and terminology.
- Immunogens and antigens: primary and secondary (anamnestic) immune response.
- Elements of innate immunity: the role of the innate system in self vs. non-self recognition.
- Structure and function of antibodies and B lymphocyte biology.
- T lymphocyte biology and the major histocompatibility complex.
- Cytokines: hormones of the immune system.
- Mechanisms controlling defense responses: neuro-endocrine-immune modulation.
- Physiology of the inflammatory process: key molecular cascades of inflammation.
- Immunological hypersensitivity: types of allergies.

The laboratory exercises focus on the following topics:
- Types and mechanisms of human immunity.
- Functioning of the lymphatic system, structure, and significance of lymphoid organs.
- Antigen-antibody reactions and their use in forensic diagnostics and scientific research.
- Blood group determination in the ABO and Rh systems, Coombs test, precipitation reactions (tube test, single diffusion).
- Detection of antigens in biological material using the ELISA immunoenzymatic test.
- Experiments using immune system cells, including methods for isolation, counting, freezing, thawing, and viability assessment of cells.
- Principles of conducting cell cultures under sterile conditions, passaging of adherent and non-adherent cells.
- Student presentations on the application of immunology advancements in medicine, forensic science, and diagnostics.

Total student workload

Hours completed with the participation of teachers (50 hours): - Participation in laboratory exercises – 20 - Participation in lectures – 30 - Participation in consultations – 0 Time dedicated to individual student work (25 hours): - Preparation for the final lecture assessment – 15 - Preparation for quizzes – 10 Total number of hours 75 (3 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

-(K_W01) – Describes and explains biological phenomena occurring during the immune response in living organisms. - (K_W03) – Understands the principles of conducting observations and documenting the results of immunological research. - (K_W04) – Describes practical applications of the most important immunology achievements in forensic procedures. - (K_W16) – Defines the basic principles of safety, hygiene, and ergonomics in an immunology laboratory.

Learning outcomes - skills

- (K_U07) – Is able to use available scientific information sources to verify collected biological material. - (K_U10) – Interprets observations and measurements and draws correct conclusions based on them.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

- (K_K01) – Is ready to deepen knowledge in forensic immunology. - (K_K02) – Is cautious and critical when accepting information from scientific literature, the internet, and especially mass media regarding immunological issues. - (K_K04) – Is aware of the necessity to act by scientific ethics. - (K_K07) – Is responsible for the safety of their work and others. - (K_K08) – Is responsible for the entrusted equipment. - (K_K09) – Is willing to work as a team member.

Teaching methods

Expository Teaching Methods: - Informative and problem-based lectures with multimedia presentations. Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: - Laboratory exercises will include a theoretical introduction (in the form of a multimedia presentation) and a discussion of specific research techniques. - Students will then conduct experiments in teams of 2-3, following the exercise instructions and under the instructor's supervision. - The class delivery mode (remote or in-person) will depend on the epidemiological situation.

Expository teaching methods

- informative (conventional) lecture
- narration
- participatory lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- laboratory
- practical
- experimental

Type of course

compulsory course

Prerequisites

Knowledge of human biology, biochemistry, and cell biology

Course coordinators

Justyna Sobocińska
Paulina Spisz
Sylwia Wrotek

Assessment criteria

Lecture Assessment:
The exam is a written test in the form of a fill-in-the-blank test (conducted either remotely or in person). The required threshold for a passing grade is:
- 55-60% – Sufficient (3.0)
- 61-70% – Sufficient Plus (3.5)
- 71-80% – Good (4.0)
- 81-90% – Good Plus (4.5)
- 91-100% – Very Good (5.0)
A single retake of the exam is allowed, either in oral or written form.
Laboratory Exercises Assessment:
In terms of knowledge and skills, students must pass two mid-term quizzes (conducted remotely or in person), covering the topics of the laboratory sessions. The final grade is calculated as the average of the obtained grades:
- Up to 3.39 – Sufficient (3.0)
- 3.40-3.74 – Sufficient Plus (3.5)
- 3.75-4.19 – Good (4.0)
- 4.20-4.50 – Good Plus (4.5)
- Above 4.50 – Very Good (5.0)
A single retake of the quiz is allowed, either in oral or written form.

Practical placement

N/A

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-IMSA-3-S1 in USOSweb