Program Overview

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Cellular Pathology (INIM0010)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Teaching department: Division of Infection and Immunity
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: This module is restricted to students on the Division of Infection and Immunity programmes.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Cellular Pathology (i.e., dysregulation of cell biology) is important in autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. Key to understanding disease pathology mechanisms is a comprehensive knowledge of the molecular biology of normal cells and how this is altered in different diseases.

For this module, you will explore the fundamental aspects of cell biology required for normal immune cell function and homeostasis (e.g., intracellular signalling and trafficking pathways, cell differentiation, and cell death pathways). You will then learn how these are affected in a number of diseases and how this understanding can lead to the development of new therapies. The course will involve research-themed talks by lecturers at the forefront of their fields that will present the experimental basis for our current understanding of cellular pathology. Students will then have a good appreciation of how the integration of these concepts is important for a holistic understanding of the disease process.

The Cellular Pathology module will not provide an exhaustive coverage of all of molecular cell biology. Therefore, it is recommended that a good cell biology textbook is used to supplement the lectures - particularly if you have not undertaken cell biology modules in your first two years of study.

Learning Outcomes

• Core understanding of how fundamental cellular processes contribute to disease
• Knowledge of how pathogens co-opt host cell functions for replication
• Understand key concepts in immune-regulation and how dysregulation causes pathogenesis
• Become familiar with reading and interpreting primary research papers
• Understand, through research-informed lectures, how the study of infection and immunity is informing our understanding of the cell biology of disease

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 1, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 6)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 80% Exam
  • 20% Viva or oral presentation
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

The methods of assessment for affiliate students may be different to those indicated above.

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 32
• Module leader: Professor Steve Ley

Intended Teaching Term: Term 1, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 75% Exam
  • 25% In-class activity
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 18
• Module leader: Professor Steve Ley

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.