MSc Clinical Immunology / Course details

The Acquired Disorders in Clinical Immunology unit aims to provide students with a deepened knowledge and understanding of the immunological mechanisms, pathology and clinical investigation of disorders acquired during lifetime that affect the functionality of the immune system. This Unit is sub-divided into 3 components, each covering a distinct element of Clinical Immunology. In each of Allergy, Autoimmunity, and Haematological Malignancy, you will understand the clinical presentation and diagnostic investigation of a range of conditions, become familiar with strategies used to investigate immune function in these diseases and gain experience of the interpretation of patient clinical histories and diagnostic test results in a variety of clinical settings.

Through studying and applying the taught content in this Unit, students will be able to

Allergy:

1.  Explain and distinguish the immunopathological mechanisms between the different classifications of hypersensitivity reaction.
2. Explain the processes of sensitisation and elicitation reactions.
3. Discuss the important features of clinical presentation and history in the investigation of allergy.
4. Compare and contrast the indications and performance of clinical and laboratory tests used to diagnose allergy.
5. Evaluate the pharmacological treatments available in the management of allergic reactions in relation to the immunopathological mechanisms of the disorder.

Autoimmunity:

1. Describe the key features used to classify autoimmune disorders.
2. Discuss the processes of immunological self-tolerance and immune regulation.
3. Explain the causes and immunopathological mechanisms of autoimmune disorders and relate these features to the clinical presentation.
4. Explain the role of autoantibodies and autoreactive T-lymphocytes in the progression of autoimmune disease.
5. Compare and contrast the indications and performance of laboratory tests used to investigate autoimmune disorders.
6. Evaluate the pharmacological treatments available in the management of autoimmune disorders in relation to the immunopathological mechanisms of disease.

Haematological Malignancies:

1. Describe and explain the underlying pathogenesis of a range of haematological malignancies.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the classification of haematological malignancies as defined by WHO international guidelines.
3. Critically evaluate the design, operation and performance of diagnostic assays used in the investigation and monitoring of haematological malignancies.
4. Critically appraise the therapeutic approaches used in clinical management of haematological malignancies.
5. Explain the importance of integrated diagnosis and the implementation of national and international guidelines on the diagnosis and management of haematological malignancies.

Patient Leaflet written in plain English - 17%.
Popular Science Article - 17%.
Group presentation - 17%.
Examinations split equally across the three taught components - 49%.

Marks will be provided online in accordance with the University of Manchester’s Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students