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Syllabus: 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

  1. Describe the nature of the immune response, including cells and mediators involved in host defense.

  2. Understand the methodology and basis of techniques used to identify antigens and antibodies.

  3. Describe the clinical relevance of immunoassays and their use in the diagnosis of disease.

  4. 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

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