Module Details
| Module Code: |
n/a |
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Full Title:
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Nutritional Immunology
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| Valid From:: |
Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 ) |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Module Owner:: |
Rowan Kearns
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| Departments: |
Life and Health Sciences
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| Module Description: |
This module covers core principles of Nutritional Immunology in order build on the student’s knowledge with an understanding of the body's immune system, its structure, function and mechanisms of action and how nutrition can influence our immune system. The module also covers more in-depth knowledge of innate and adaptive immunity, acute and chronic inflammation, the structure, function and mechanisms of action of immune system components, immunopathological conditions and abnormal immune function.
Demonstrate an understanding of how the human body can provide an immune defence against disease and distinguish between the components involved in different immunological responses.
Discuss the causes and consequences of diseases associated with abnormal immune function, neoplastic disease and transplantation reactions together with their diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
Learn about current immunological techniques used in clinical and research and carry out an ELISA protocol.
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| Module Learning Outcome |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| # |
Module Learning Outcome Description |
| MLO1 |
Discuss how the human body can provide an immune defense against disease and distinguish between the components involved in different immunological responses. |
| MLO2 |
Analyse and explain triggers that may initiate immune disorders such as autoimmunity |
| MLO3 |
Discuss the causes and consequences of diseases associated with abnormal immune function, neoplastic disease and transplantation reactions together with their diagnosis,
treatment and monitoring |
| MLO4 |
Reflect on how nutrition can support a healthy immune system and the effect of nutritional deficiencies and nutritional intervention in inflammation |
| MLO5 |
Carry out an ELISA protocol and validate its diagnostic and prognostic use within the area of immunology. Reflect on the theoretical underpinnings of the ELISA protocol and analysis. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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| No recommendations listed |
| Module Indicative Content |
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Cells of the immune system
Describe the main cellular components of a healthy immune system, the acquired immune response: memory and specificity, antigens, antibodies, MHC/TCR and molecular immunology
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Antigen recognition and immune activation
Discuss the principle molecular mechanisms underlying the mammalian immune system’s ability to recognize and initiate a response to a range of different pathogens explain the main processes by which effective immunity eliminates a wide range of pathogens
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Immune response and inflammation
Learn how innate and adaptive responses are tightly controlled by anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory T cells and a failure in immune regulation can result in inflammation and immune responses to self-antigens and the development of autoimmune and other immune-mediated diseases. Role in phagocytosis, complement and wound healing.
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Activation/initiation of immune disorders
Evaluate novel therapies aimed at alleviating and preventing the development of chronic inflammation and/or autoimmunity, with reference to human disease. Interaction of the immune system with environmental and genetic factors and their influence in health and disease.
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Nutritional support of the immune system
Learn how nutrition can support a healthy immune system and the effect of nutritional deficiencies and nutritional intervention in inflammation.
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Current techniques in nutritional immunology
Overview of laboratory techniques and technologies used for the investigation, diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Practical and theoretical skills in the ELISA protocol and understanding it's role in diagnostic and prognostic use within the area of immunology.
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Module Assessment
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Module Special Regulation |
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AssessmentsFull-time
DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full-time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
3.73 |
3.73 |
| Practical |
Contact |
ELISA Protocol instead of lecture time for 1 week |
Once per semester |
0.27 |
4 |
| Independent Study |
Non Contact |
Students expected to review lecture material. |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
6.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
| This module has no Part-time workload. |
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Module Resources
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| Recommended Book Resources |
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Goering, R.V., Dockrell, H.M., Zuckerman, M. and Chiodini, P.L. (2018), MIMS' MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL., 6. [ISBN: 978-0702071560].
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Abbas, Abul K. & Baker, David L. & Baker, Alexandra. & Lichtman, Andrew H. H. & Pillai. (2016), Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 5.
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
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Murphy, Kenneth M.,Weaver, Casey. (2022), Janeway's Immunobiology, W.W. Norton & Company, p.11, [ISBN: 9780393884913].
| | This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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| Other Resources |
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Website, ISI. (2023), Irish Society for Immunology,
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