BackSyllabus: Clinical Immunology (BMS 587/584) – Spring 2026
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Course Overview
This syllabus outlines the structure, objectives, and requirements for the Clinical Immunology course. The course focuses on the diagnosis of immune-mediated diseases using laboratory-based immunological assays, emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects of immunology.
Course Description
Clinical immunology involves the diagnosis of immune-mediated diseases using laboratory-based immunological assays.
The course includes lectures and laboratory sessions, with a focus on the mechanisms of immune responses, immunoassay techniques, and clinical applications.
Students will gain experience in laboratory methods and interpretation of immunological data.
Course Objectives
Describe the nature of the immune response, including cells and mediators involved in host defense.
Understand the methodology and basis of techniques used to identify antigens and antibodies.
Describe the clinical relevance of immunoassays and their use in the diagnosis of disease.
Identify and discuss the causes and effects of immune system dysfunction, including autoimmunity and hypersensitivity.
Course Goals for CLS Majors
Understand the basis and implications of the immune response.
Master methodologies of contemporary clinical immunology.
Interpret clinical immunology test results in patient care.
Be prepared for ASCP certification and licensure exams in clinical laboratory science.
Course Organization
Lectures and labs are organized by topic, with students required to prepare in advance.
Assessment includes exams, laboratory exercises, and written assignments.
Attendance and participation are required for successful completion.
Grading Policy
Component | Weight |
|---|---|
4 Exams | 60% |
Laboratory Grade | 40% |
Total | 100% |
Undergraduate Grading Scale
Grade | Range (%) |
|---|---|
A | 93-100 |
A- | 90-92 |
B+ | 87-89 |
B | 83-86 |
B- | 80-82 |
C+ | 77-79 |
C | 73-76 |
C- | 70-72 |
D | 60-69 |
F | Below 60 |
Lecture and Lab Schedule (Selected Topics)
Date | Topic |
|---|---|
1/28, 1/30 | Ch 1: Overview Immune Response; Ch 2: Pathways Immune Response Part 1 |
2/4, 2/6 | Ch 2: Pathways Immune Response Part 2; Ch 3: Antigens & Antigen Recognition |
2/11 | Lab: Clinical Assays |
2/18 | Ch 4: Humoral Immunity, Ch 5: Antibodies |
3/3 | Ch 6: MHC and Antigen Presentation; Ch 7: Antibody-Antigen Interactions |
3/24 | Ch 10: Hypersensitivity |
4/7 | Ch 12: Immunodeficiency |
4/21 | Ch 13: Autoimmunity |
Additional info: The schedule includes lab techniques such as ELISA, agglutination, and immunodiffusion, which are essential for clinical immunology practice.
Course Policies and Support
Attendance is required; participation in both lecture and lab is essential.
Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Support Services for accommodations.
Writing Center and tutoring services are available for academic support.
Important Dates (Spring 2026)
Event | Date |
|---|---|
Classes Begin | Tuesday, January 20 |
Spring Recess | Monday, March 9 |
Final Exams | May 6 - May 12 |
Conferral of May Degrees | Friday, May 15 |