Article Figures & Data
Figures
- FIGURE 1.
Overview of the backward design approach for creating the curriculum infrastructure to support learning outcomes.
Identification of the attributes desired in graduates of an undergraduate immunology curriculum directs the creation of the program learning outcomes (PLOs) and subsequent development of educational activities and assessments that demonstrate the development of competencies as students progress through the program.
- FIGURE 2.
The bull’s-eye approach for framing content delivery in the curriculum.
Core topics form the basis of content knowledge within the curriculum, which is then expanded upon and applied as students progress through the core course sequence.
Tables
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Introduction to Chemistry I Introduction to Chemistry II Introduction to Biology II Organic Chemistry II Physics I Physics II Microbial Pathogen–Immune System Interaction Immune-Mediated Diseases Calculus I Introduction to Biology I Organic Chemistry I Genetics Fundamentals of Biochemistry Biostatistics Current Topics in Immunology Seminars in Immunology Biology of Microorganisms Foundations in Immunology: The Innate Immune System Foundations in Immunology: The Adaptive Immune System Introduction to the Immune System Recommended time frame for research (minimum of two semesters) This is a recommended academic plan for alignment of science courses and immunology core courses across a four-year curriculum.
Program Content Objectives Introduction to immunology Innate immune responses Lymphocyte development and activation Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses Mucosal immunity Immunopathologies Immunodeficiencies Infectious disease and vaccines Immunologic methods and experimental systems Immunotherapies The content objectives identify the principal subject areas covered in the core course sequence.
Introduction to immunology Basics of hematopoiesis Categories of cell types, characteristics, and functions Anatomy of the lymphoid organs and tissues Trafficking of leukocytes throughout the body Properties of receptor–ligand interactions Characteristics of signaling molecules and tyrosine-dependent pathways Innate immune responses Functional elements: barriers, cells, tissues, and soluble mediators Characteristics, functions, and activation mechanisms of innate immune cells Pattern recognition receptors, pathogen/damage–associated molecular patterns Mechanisms of extravasation, phagocytosis, and pathogen destruction Function and components of the inflammatory response Activation and functions of the acute phase response Activation, regulation, and functions of the complement system Cooperation of complement and the inflammatory response in the elimination of pathogens The role of NK cells and the IFN response in eliminating viral pathogens Processes performed by innate immune cells that result in the activation of the adaptive response to a pathogen Lymphocyte development and activation Functional components of lymphocyte AgR Organization and expression of lymphocyte AgR genes BCR and TCR gene rearrangements Processes of B and T cell development from a stem cell to a mature cell Structure, function, and expression patterns of classical MHC molecules The role of APC and Ag processing and presentation pathways in T lymphocyte activation Mechanisms of B cell activation by T-independent and T-dependent Ags Ab structure, structural isoforms, isotypes, and Ag–Ab interactions Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses T-independent B cell responses T-dependent B cell responses, linked recognition, generation of high-affinity Ab production, and class switching Ab-mediated effector functions The role of APC and cytokines on the differentiation of T cell subsets CD4+ T cell–mediated functions CD8+ T, NK, and NKT cell functions Characteristics and function of memory responses The core topics that form the basis of the content delivery frame are listed in this table.
Core Course Sequence Program Learning Outcomes Assessments Introduction Innate Adaptive Host–Pathogen Immune Disorders Research Acquire appropriate content knowledge Content examination X X Communicate effectively Presentations (VALUE rubric) X X X Written reports (VALUE rubric) X X Research project thesis X Research project presentation X Work well as part of a team Group presentations X X X Team-based learning activities X X Develop problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and quantitative reasoning skills Information literacy assignments X X X Data analysis assignments X X Research X Behave professionally and ethically Class attendance and participation X X X X X Conduct in research training X Recommended assessments in the core courses of the major aligned with the program learning outcomes.
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