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Presentation
Presentation
The Immunology Curricular Unit (CU) is a crucial part of the biomedical engineering study program, providing a comprehensive understanding of the body's defense mechanisms. Combining theoretical and practical learning, it covers key immunological processes and their applications in biotechnology and clinical fields, including therapy and vaccine development. Positioned at the crossroads of cell biology, pathology, and pharmacology, it equips students with skills in diagnosing autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and using advanced immunological techniques. This CU prepares professionals to tackle challenges in biotechnology and health sciences, fostering careers in scientific and technological innovation.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
3 | Optional | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT1706-54
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
Theoretical programme contents 1 Introduction to Immunology 2. Cells of the immune system 3. Innate immunity 4. Adaptive Immunity 5. Innate and adaptive immune response in disease situations 5. Basic Principles of Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds 7. Vaccines and Immunotherapy Laboratory programme contents The laboratory component will involve immunological tests such as 1. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 2. Microscopic analysis of blood cells 3. analysis of anti-inflammatory compounds 4. Agglutination/immunoprecipitation assays
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Objectives
Objectives
The Immunology course in the Biotechnology program aims to develop essential knowledge and skills for the field. Students will gain a solid understanding of key immunology concepts, including the distinction between innate and adaptive immunity, and will learn to identify the components and cells of the immune system. They will be trained in laboratory techniques such as ELISA and the analysis of anti-inflammatory compounds, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Additionally, students will enhance their scientific communication skills by presenting and discussing advanced topics. The course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparing students for research and technological innovation. By the end, they will be equipped to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in biotechnology as applied to immunology.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
This course is assessed continuously and comprises two components: the theoretical component (TC) and the laboratory component (LC). The CT is assessed through two midterms and a written group project on specific topics related to immunology. The CL assessment consists of report writing (50%) and a test (40%). If the student does not obtain the minimum passing grade (9.5), they may take a practical exam. A continuous assessment component related to participation and performance in practical classes (10%) will also be taken into account. The final grade is calculated using a weighted average: 50% (TC) + 50% (LC). This global assessment approach ensures a balanced assessment of student performance in the CT and CL of the UC. Students may also opt for the non-continuous assessment, which consists of a final exam, with a minimum passing grade of 9.5.
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References
References
Arosa, F.; Cardoso, E.M.; Pacheco, F.C. “Fundamentos de Imunologia”, Lidel, 2012, ISBN: 978-972-757-856-6 Punt, J.; Stranford, S.A.; Jones, P.P.; Owen, J.A. “Kuby Immunology”, W.H. Freeman, 2019, ISBN: 978-1-3191-7298-5 Murphy, K.; Weaver, C.; Berg, L. “Janeway’s Immunobiology”, W.W. Norton and Company, 2022, ISBN: 978-0-393-68093-5
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Assessment
Assessment
A avaliação é realizada de uma forma continua, e corresponde à avaliação das suas duas componentes: componente teórica (CT) e componente laboratorial (CL).
A avaliação da CT é feita através da realização de duas frequências e um trabalho de grupo escrito.
A avaliação da CL consiste na elaboração de relatórios (55%) e um teste (30%). Os relatórios e o teste são cotados de 0 a 20 valores, sendo depois feita a média aritmética das notas. Caso o aluno não obtenha a nota mínima para aprovação (9,5 val.), poderá realizar um exame prático. Será também tida em conta uma componente de avaliação continua relacionada com a participação e desempenho nas aulas práticas (15%).
A nota final é calculada através da média ponderada: 50% (CT) + 50% (CL). Esta abordagem global de avaliação garante uma apreciação equilibrada do desempenho dos alunos nas vertentes teórica e prática da unidade curricular.
Os alunos podem optar por avaliação não-continua que consiste num exame final.
Nota mínima para aprovação em cada uma das componentes:
- Componente laboratorial – 9.5 valores (em 20 valores)
- Componente teórica – 9.5 valores (em 20 valores)
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Mobility
Mobility
No
