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There are 5 modules in this course
In this course, you will explore the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. You will examine in detail the potential causes and factors behind an overactive immune system and the disorders that might ensue if the response is not adequately controlled. you will also analyse the effects of overactive immune response in transplant rejection.
Autoimmunity, characterised by self-aggression by the immune system, is a series of highly complex and multifactorial conditions which result from uncontrolled immune responses. In module one, you will explore the mechanisms involved in autoimmunity, investigate autoimmune disease types and discuss novel treatments.
What's included
4 videos3 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 12 minutes
Introduction•2 minutes
Stimulating and winding down immune responses•1 minute
Immune tolerance mechanisms and their failure•1 minute
Introduction to autoimmunity•8 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Course introduction•10 minutes
Introduction to autoimmunity•10 minutes
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and multiple sclerosis•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Week 1 Practice Quiz •10 minutes
Introduction to autoimmunity•30 minutes
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In the company of our world-wide expert, module two will present a common autoimmune condition, systemic lupus erythematosus in more details. Together, you will explore the causes and risks factors at the origin of the condition, you will focus on the immune origins of the diseases and touch on the impact of environmental factors.
What's included
1 video2 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 30 minutes
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)•30 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Introduction and SLE pathogenesis•10 minutes
Causes and risk factors of lupus•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Week 2 Practice Quiz•10 minutes
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)•30 minutes
Haematological autoimmune conditions
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In module three, you will explore two autoimmune conditions affecting specific blood components. Using these two conditions, our expert will illustrate their causative immune dysregulation, their pathogenesis, and current treatment strategies. Finally, the course will illustrate additional autoimmune blood condition and detail their immunological cause.
What's included
1 video2 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 9 minutes
Autoimmunity in haematology immune thrombocytopenia•9 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)•10 minutes
Other autoimmune haematological disorders•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Week 3 Practice Quiz •10 minutes
Haematological autoimmune conditions•30 minutes
Asthma and allergic reactions
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
Asthma and allergic diseases constitute the most common chronic inflammatory disorders, particularly in children, with constantly increasing prevalence in Westernised countries. Module four will explore these complex conditions. The interactions between genetic and environmental factors as well as the involvement of immune players, notably the cells subsets that are involved, and the research that is being conducted to develop novel treatment strategies.
Inappropriate immune responses and hyperresponsiveness•1 minute
Introduction to asthma•8 minutes
T follicular helper cells in allergy and asthma•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Factors initiating asthma and mechanisms of action•10 minutes
Four classes of hypersensitivity•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Week 4 Practice Quiz•10 minutes
Asthma and allergic reactions •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 30 minutes
What do you know coming into this?•30 minutes
Antibody-mediated transplant rejection
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
Module 5, last one in this course, will focus on transplantation and the role of the immune system in this life-saving intervention. By exploring the involvement of both innate and adaptive immune cells and molecules, your will ultimately better understand the therapeutic measures taken to ultimately prevent graft rejection.
Imperial College London is a world top ten university with an international reputation for excellence in science, engineering, medicine and business. located in the heart of London. Imperial is a multidisciplinary space for education, research, translation and commercialisation, harnessing science and innovation to tackle global challenges.
Imperial students benefit from a world-leading, inclusive educational experience, rooted in the College’s world-leading research. Our online courses are designed to promote interactivity, learning and the development of core skills, through the use of cutting-edge digital technology.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.