Course syllabus

Biology of Chronic Diseases, 7.5 credits

Course code: BI313G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Biology Progression: G2F
    Last revised: 13/03/2020
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 02/12/2019 Reading list approved: 13/03/2020
Valid from: Autumn semester 2020 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and Understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of

  • the structure and function of the human immune system,
  • disease-related changes (with focus on immunological reactions) due to chronic diseases and syndromes affecting human,
  • how environmental factors from an immunological perspective contribute to the emergence of chronic diseases and syndromes, and
  • the biology of immunological treatment strategies.

Skills and Abilities
After completing the course the student should be able to demonstrate an ability to

  • perform practical laboratory exercises and to summarize and discuss scientific results in writing, and
  • clearly report theoretical knowledge and using correct terminology.

Values and attitude
The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to

  • critically assess scientific and popular science reports on the relationship between immunity and chronic diseases,
  • evaluate information on treatment strategies and be able to independently identify knowledge gaps within the field, and
  • evaluate and critically view both obtained data and their theoretical interpretations.

Main content of the course

The course focuses on pathophysiological changes caused by chronic and non-communicable diseases related to immunological processes. The course also includes how environmental factors contribute to the emergence, proliferation and persistence of these diseases. The biology of treatment strategies and its limitations will be covered within the framework of identifying the need for scientific innovation.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written Examination

Practical Part, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Active participation in group discussions, laboratory work, seminars and presentations. Written presentation of laboratory exercises and group exercises.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Part
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology and Chemistry equivalent to 60 Credits comprising at least 15 Credits in Cell Biology and 7.5 Credits in Physiology

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and English.
The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Delves, Peter J., Seamus, J.Martin, Burton, Dennis.R. & Roitt, Ivan M. (latest edition)
Roitt’s Essential Immunology
Wiley-Blackwell

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Other copied material will be added.