MSc in Immunology

Program Overview

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Through a research-intensive curriculum, students develop the skills necessary to conduct immunological research projects, exploring immunity in both health and disease. The program includes participation in an Immunology conference, offering insights from industry experts. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in scientific research, industry, or clinical practice.

Program Outline

The program equips students with the necessary skills to conduct a range of research projects, exploring immunity in both health and disease.

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Objectives:

• Gain a deep understanding of the theoretical principles of innate and adaptive immunity.
• Develop the skills required to conduct research projects in immunology.
• Explore the role of immunity in health and disease.
• Enhance understanding of the subject area through participation in an Immunology conference.
• Apply scientific evidence to propose creative solutions to both theoretical and practical immunological problems.

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Outline:

The program is delivered through a blended approach, incorporating small group tutorials, lectures, journal clubs, and workshops. Students will also participate in an extended laboratory-based research project.

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Course Schedule:

• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Start Date: September 2024
• Location: Hammersmith

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Modules:

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Core Modules:

• Principles of Immunology: This module covers the fundamental principles of innate and adaptive immunity, providing a solid understanding of immune players and their interactions in a healthy environment.
• Experimental Immunology: Students work in pairs on a mini-research project, gaining hands-on experience with experimental work.
They define a hypothesis, design and execute their experimental plan, and critically analyze their findings.
• Immunology in Practice: Students attend a conference organized by the British Society of Immunology (BSI) and work in small teams to investigate and report in-depth on a chosen topic of interest.
• Immunology in Health and Disease: This module explores a range of immunological research topics actively being investigated at Imperial.
Subjects may vary but could include the immune response to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, and inflammation.

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Research Project:

Students conduct an experimental project as part of a research team. The project is directly related to their subject area of expertise. They have the opportunity to evaluate immunological problems, generate hypotheses using appropriate experimental design, and develop their laboratory skills.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Computer-based closed-book examinations
• Oral individual and group presentations
• Conference written proceedings
• Posters
• Scientific papers
• Research project thesis
• Oral assessment
• Research plan
• Laboratory meetings
• Coursework assessments
• Tutorial discussions
• Written examination

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Teaching:

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Teaching and Learning Methods:

• Small group tutorials
• Lectures and keynote lectures
• Data interpretation sessions
• Journal club
• Workshops
• Group work
• Conference

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Faculty:

• Dr Sophie Rutschmann (Reader in Immunology)
• Dr Wayne Mitchell (Senior Teaching Fellow)
• Dr Maggie Trela (Senior Teaching Fellow)

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Scientific research (academia, industry, or communication)
• PhD studies
• Clinical practice (for medically qualified graduates)
• Research in clinical settings
• Opportunities:
• The MSc course expands students' repertoire of transferable skills, enabling them to enter a variety of occupations across sectors.

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Other:

• The program is delivered by the Department of Immunology and Inflammation.
During the event, they will conduct an in-depth team presentation exploring one immunology topic of choice.

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Overseas fee: £43,250