Pathophysiology of Disease

Full course description

During the course, an introduction to normal immune system physiology will be given in the form of overview lectures to ensure the same (bachelor) level of knowledge. In addition, during weeks 2 to 7, the focus will be on understanding inflammation during pathophysiology of disease. Every week has a different theme and the students will be challenged with different diseases where immune system dysregulation plays a role. Students will be given their weekly assignments at the beginning of each week, with a prediscussion session where the expected learning goals of the week will be outlined. Thereafter, they will start pre-discussing a case in smaller groups. During the week, they will have expert lectures, e.g. workshops, technical and practical/training skills and journal club discussions. Time will be given for self-study during the week, for both team and individual work. At the end of the week the students will discuss the case they have been working on and the practical/training skill assignment. Theme week 1: Introduction to the immune system: normal physiology. Theme week 2: Innate immunity to bacteria and fungi. Theme week 3: Immunity to viruses. Theme week 4: Sterile inflammation and other pathological threats. Theme week 5: Immunity to tumors. Theme week 6: Hypersensitivity disorders and autoimmunity. Theme week 7: Microbe-host interactions in (immune) homeostasis. Week 8 consists of reflection, poster presentation and exam.