BIOL 375 - Immunology

(4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 281-BIOL 282
Corequisite: BIOL 320 (Can be taken prior to or at the same time as BIOL 375.)
Description: This advanced course explores the specific innate and acquired aspects of the immune system. Innate host defenses, which protect humans against disease and foreign contaminants, are examined. Cellular immune response interaction with viral infections, foreign cells, or defective host cells are covered as to how the humoral immune response produces antibodies against foreign antigen and how these immune responses are controlled. Through an understanding of the nature of antibodies, lymphokines and specific cellular reaction, the student discovers the power and limitation of the immune system. This course also includes a significant laboratory component focusing on the analysis of blood cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), blood typing, and rapid commercial test technologies. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Offered as needed.