Dedicated teaching labs
Our commitment to teaching is underscored by our recent rebuild and modernisation of the teaching lab space dedicated to practical teaching at years 1, 2 and 3.
Introduction
Enhance your undergraduate degree with a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
This programme is studied on campus.
This degree will offer you the opportunity to explore how our body defends itself as well as the role the immune system plays in the debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the growing incidence of asthma and allergy and the development of cancer. We look at how the immune system can be exploited for novel therapies including vaccines and how it is important in transplant survival and blood transfusion.
You will gain a broad, in depth, understanding of Immunology at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Our research-led approach, which covers the latest advances in Immunology, provides you with the skills and knowledge for a wide range of careers in Immunology and more generally in medical science.
In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but in general terms, you will be placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSci
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- C550
What You'll Study
A degree in Immunology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable
- Year 1
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Year 1
Year 1 courses include Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001) - 15 Credit Points
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- Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
- Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
- Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020) - 15 Credit Points
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This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level. The course aims to consolidate a general background in chemistry by putting chemical concepts into a life sciences context. The basic concepts of chemistry will be covered, along with organic molecules, acids and bases, and the basic principles behind the driving forces of reactions.
Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that reinforce and complement the taught material.
The course will allow students to continue with other chemistry courses as part of their enhanced study by providing discipline breadth.
- The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
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- cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science;
- this course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies;
- all practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology;
- employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512) - 15 Credit Points
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Chemistry plays an important role in the life sciences, explaining the shapes and properties of biomolecules, and helping to provide an understanding of how biological processes work at a molecular level.
The shapes and function of important biomolecules will be covered. Organic molecule reaction mechanisms will give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised. The energetics and importance of equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered.
Methods of chemical analysis and measurement introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences.
Workshops and labs complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
- Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
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Year 2
Year 2 courses introduce Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Bacteria and Parasites and Cell Biology. The year 2 curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.
Compulsory Courses
- Genes and Evolution (BI2017) - 15 Credit Points
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- look at how instructions in genes are transformed by natural selection to produce the diversity of life on Earth;
- learn how species evolve, how we determine evolutionary relationships;
- why populations change, understand why humans (and other organisms) must carry genetic diseases;
- meet enthusiastic staff; each teach about areas we are expert on;
- take 3 Genes & Evolution Practicals to gain hands on experience of approaches used by researchers to map genes, estimate rates of evolution, and determine evolutionary relationships;
- keep up to speed with in-course tests, understand basic statistics, see why mutations are not the only evolutionary currency
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3) - 15 Credit Points
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- this course will provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic information is stored, how it is accessed by the cell to form functional proteins and how the release of this information is controlled to produce a healthy human child;
- understanding this process is essential to understanding the basis of human disease and the course will examine how genetic differences affect disease susceptibility;
- this popular, comprehensive and cutting edge course will equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence in molecular biology required to progress on all courses undertaken in the School of Medical Sciences
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001) - 15 Credit Points
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- this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science;
- feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability;
- analytical, professional, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio;
- this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have been commended by employers and students alike.
- Microbes, Infection and Immunity (BI25M5) - 15 Credit Points
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- If you counted the bacteria in your gut, you might be surprised to find that you have 10 times more than you have cells in your body;
- The moment we are born, we become colonised with beneficial microbial life, the start of a relationship that impacts upon our health and well-being
- Pathogenic microbes represent an important health threat requiring an understanding both of infection and technology that we use to protect us.
- This course explores the positive and negative aspects of our relationship with microbes, and how our immune system helps to maintain a fragile peace with our closest neighbours
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501) - 15 Credit Points
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- this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
- it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
- you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
- these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Year 3
Year 3 covers the fundamentals of Immunology, including Immune Regulation, Tolerance and an introduction to new ideas and advances in our understanding of the immune system. The latest technologies available for immunological analysis both in clinical and research settings will also be covered
Compulsory Courses
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (MB3006) - 30 Credit Points
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- a course detailing for the first time how a cell really works; we reveal and explain how cell biology is governed by a cell's molecular biology and biochemistry;
- a course placing a high value on its teaching and learning; all lecture material supported by non-assessed workshops – your chance to team-work, ask questions and enjoy the science;
- contains an extended research practical; you carry out lab research to understand how cells responds to starvation stress, and write up in research paper format;
- we teach how to access the scientific literature and write successful essays, preparing you for Honours year
- Working Out: Placement & Career Skills (BT3006) - 5 Credit Points
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- A pre-requisite for all students intending to apply for a year’s industrial placement.
- This course covers the skills necessary to complete placement applications by exploring CV preparation, writing covering letters, completing application forms, identification of your skill sets and good interview technique.
- The course will prepare you for the workplace by making you aware of general employability skills and by helping you identify your own transferable skills.
- Fundamentals of Immunology (IM3501) - 30 Credit Points
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- this course will give you a broad understanding of the immune system, the way it works and its role in health and disease;
- you will cover the core concepts which are essential for advanced study in Immunology;
- practical classes will extend your knowledge and abilities in both generic laboratory techniques and those more specifically related to Immunology;
- you will gain wider transferrable skills including team-working, improved ability to present and interpret data and write reports, and improved numerical skills all of which are key requirements for employers
- Applied Immunology: Human Health (IM3502) - 15 Credit Points
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- explores Immunology in the context of human disease, discussing the mechanisms the human immune system uses to protect against pathogens and also how its dysfunction may lead to problems such as autoimmune disease, allergy and cancer. Therapeutic approaches are considered;
- prepares you for further study in Immunology and other aspects of medical science;
- practical classes will give you the opportunity to investigate some of the topics considered in the lectures as well as reinforcing general laboratory skills;
- you will gain wider transferrable skills of value to employers including report writing, presentation of a topic and team working
Optional Courses
Select one of the following courses:
- Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases (ZO3808)
- Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (PA3802)
Plus select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases (ZO3808) - 15 Credit Points
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This course will provide you with insights into key infectious diseases of humans and domestic animals of major importance around the world and approaches to control these diseases
Practicals include hands-on modern molecular diagnostic techniques for disease detection and surveillance and a data interpretation practical in a digitally-enhanced learning lab.
In course assessments include lab write-ups, and group-work posters
The mixture of a theoretical background, hands-on modern practical techniques and communication skills via different media gives a base from which to develop careers in the extensive field of infectious disease
- Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (PA3802) - 15 Credit Points
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- by understanding the process of a disease we can find ways of both treating it and/or preventing it;
- this course uses the examples of cancer, infectious disease and inflammatory disease to illustrate this;
- the factors leading to or causing the disease will be described;
- using this knowledge the way in which the drugs used to treat the disease work will be discussed;
- problems that arise from drug treatment such as drug resistance will also be covered
- Year 4
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Year 4
You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
Compulsory Courses
- Industrial Placement (BT5007) - 120 Credit Points
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- an industrial placement allows students to experience workplace culture and makes them more effective employees following graduation;
- placements vary considerably but in general terms, students are placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where they obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement their degree programme;
- students are employed by their host company and can expect to work a normal 40 hour week, possibly on a number of projects, over a full calendar year;
- tutorial assistance from a member of the University academic staff is available via email and / or telephone throughout the year
- Year 5
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Year 5
The Honours year extends and explores molecular and cellular aspects of Immunology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Immunology (IM4005) - 30 Credit Points
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- this course will extend your broader knowledge of the immune system and how it functions in health and disease giving you a sound basis for further work in this field or related areas;
- it will introduce current topics at the leading edge of immunology research which further our understanding of the immune system;
- it will extend your knowledge of gene expression and protein structure which underpin immunology;
- it will develop your ability to read and critically assess current scientific literature;
- it will improve understanding of current research techniques applicable in Immunology and other medical and basic sciences
- Immunology Honours Research Project (IM4505) - 60 Credit Points
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- Final year Honours projects offer an excellent opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or lab-based scientific research
- With projects from disciplines throughout the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition to choose from, this is a opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers
- Projects form the zenith of your degree and fosters development of the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, as well as heightening analytical and critical thinking abilities
- The opportunity to be part of novel, yet-to-be published research projects can be career-defining, and provides experience to prepare you for the future.
- Honours Immunology - Option 1 (IM4007) - 15 Credit Points
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- students will extend from their "textbook" knowledge in basic Immunology to frontline research into areas such as the specific mechanisms that successfully eliminate different types of infectious agent, and the cells and molecules that prevent autoimmune diseases;
- students will understand how pathogens are able to evade our immune system and the current strategies and challenges in immunotherapeutic and vaccine development for these pathogens;
- research tutorials help students to acquire further knowledge in a specialist subject in Immunology and develop their reading, writing, numeracy, communication and critical analysis skills that are attractive to employers in academia and industry.
- Honours Immunology - Option 2 (IM4307) - 15 Credit Points
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- understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in our immunity will lead to vast treatment improvements for a range of diseases, especially in the areas of autoimmunity, cancer, transplantation and infection;
- a deeper understanding of our immune system has already been exploited in so many ways – immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease, in kits that aid early diagnosis of disease, as prognostic markers of disease activity, in the development of novel vaccination strategies;
- this course which focuses on recent advances in molecular Immunology will start you on the path to further, higher studies of the immune system
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 5 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Further Information
- View detailed learning and assessment information for this programme
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How the programme is taught
The typical time spent in scheduled learning activities (lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals), independent self-study or placement is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
How the programme is assessed
The typical percentage of assessment methods broken down by written examination, coursework or practical exams is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
Year 1
Learning Method
scheduled: 32%
independent: 68%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 49%
coursework: 45%
practical: 6%
Year 2
Learning Method
scheduled: 29%
independent: 71%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 46%
coursework: 50%
practical: 4%
Year 3
Learning Method
scheduled: 27%
independent: 73%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 61%
coursework: 39%
practical: 0%
Year 4
Learning Method
scheduled: 0%
independent: 0%
placement: 100%
Assessment
written: 0%
coursework: 80%
practical: 20%
Year 5
Learning Method
scheduled: 80%
independent: 20%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 20%
coursework: 80%
practical: 0%
Why Study Immunology?
- You will spend the fourth year of your degree in paid employment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.
- Our teaching is underpinned by world leading research groups particularly in immunohematology and the immunology of Fungal Infection.
- This is a wide-ranging programme that includes training in both specialist and generic employment-related skills
- Excellent staff, passionate about high quality teaching (91% of our students were satisfied they received strong academic support), using modern, up-to-date teaching facilities.
- Modern teaching facilities and labs which will enhance your learning and provide you with an opportunity to experience working in a research focussed laboratory environment.
- The University is ranked 9th in the World and 5th in Europe for its international research collaboration in Biomedical and Health Sciences (Leiden Ranking 2015).
- Immunology research here has led to major improvements in treatment for the debilitating autoimmune eye disease uveitis.
- The Wellcome Trust medical research foundation has funded a £5.1 million Strategic award in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology to members of the University’s Aberdeen Fungal Group. It represents the single largest award in the mycology-immunology field.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU | £1,820 |
| All Students | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 | |
| International Students | £19,700 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Many of our graduates follow their undergraduate degree with a postgraduate programme or with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Other major employers of Immunology graduates include the scientific civil service, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and biotechnology industries.
An Immunology degree is also a starting point for a career outside science in management, intellectual property, publishing, teaching or a wide range of other professions.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- An industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Industry Links
- We have close links with the British Society of Immunology who provide funding for the Aberdeen Immunology Group enabling bi-weekly talks in term time from Immunologists across the UK and further afield as well as an annual symposium.
- We have close teaching and research ties with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
- The Immunology-associated companies that have been spun-off from the University provide links that are valuable both for teaching and student research projects.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Isabel Crane
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Library facilities
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX