Module manager: Dr Laura Matthews
Email: l.c.matthews@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
As per programme entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module focuses on advancing knowledge of the immune system relevant to our understanding and treatment of human disease. The aim is to provide an in-depth view of immune function with reference to infection, autoimmunity and cancer and how the immune system is exploited in prevention and treatment of major human diseases.
To enable the exploration of the relationship between knowledge of the immune system at a mechanistic level and its application into clinical research and practice.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
LO1: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the immune system at the molecular, cellular and patient level
LO2: Evaluate current trends in immunological research and how these are applied to the understanding of human disease;
LO3 Relate how knowledge of the immune system at a mechanistic level is translated into clinical research and practice;
LO4 Critically appraise recent scientific literature and experiments in the field of immunology and form independent views on areas of uncertainty or conflicting evidence.
Skills Learning Outcomes
SLO1 Demonstrate proficient use on a range of digital tools including bibliographic databases to retrieve literature and software to analyse and present data. (working, academic, digital skills)
SLO2 Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data in biomedical research. (academic skills)
SLO3 Demonstrate efficient time management skills in preparing and presenting academic work. (working, academic skills)
SLO4 Demonstrate the ability to disseminate scientific information clearly, both in a verbal and written form. (working, enterprise and academic skills)
SLO5 Demonstrate the ability to use the correct scientific language and good academic practice, including referencing. (academic skills)
The module will cover the following areas of immunology:
- The cells and molecules of immunity
- Immunity to infection, cancer and autoimmunity
- Vaccines and future challenges
- Immune evasion by pathogens and tumours
- Strategies for the immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Supervision | 4 | 0.5 | 2 |
| Group learning | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Tutorial | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 111 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 39 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
After choosing their lit review topic (semester 1, week 3 or 4), students are each assigned a tutor from the academic staff who is specialist in that area. Students meet regularly with tutors over semester 1 for discussion of topic and guidance for written lit review and presentation (e.g. focussing on key information/issues/questions in field). Formative feedback is provided during these tutorial sessions.
Tutor guidance/formative feedback on lit review and presentation is key to developing student skills for other assessments across the two programmes, e.g. research project literature review and final presentation of research findings.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Literature review 2000 words. | 60 |
| Coursework | Oral Presentation 15 min + questions | 40 |
| Coursework | Literature review Formative draft - Discussion of draft version. | 0 |
| Coursework | Oral Presentation Formative Draft - Presentation draft | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
There is no compensation between assessments for this module, students must pass each individual assessment in order to pass the module.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/05/2026
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