Through this course students gain knowledge and understanding of the structure and functioning, at the cell, molecular and genetic level, of the
immune system and its importance in health and disease. This course is designed for scientists from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds who
wish to extend their expertise into the field of modern Immunology. It has a strong bias towards contemporary research and offers a training
relevant to those who wish later to embark on a research degree

Structure and style of the course

This is a completely revised MSc programme based on the successful MSc course that has run in King's College London for more than 20 years. The academic
staff of the Infection and Immunity Research Group of the Department of Biochemistryrun the course with the generous and long-term collaboration of many visiting
experts from other institutions in and around London.

The course is organised into 8 study modules (each comprising 6 days tuition). It has a strong content of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics in
the modules that deal with the structure and functions of the immune system. This leads to a detailed consideration of how the immune system provides protective
immunity against infection and how it is involved in allergies, transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases.

Full-time students take eight modules during September to March. The modules are designed carefully to permit their sequential or concurrent study.

The syllabus

The modular syllabus is reviewed annually and modified to accommodate changes in the subject. This means that we may need to change the content and style of
the course without prior notice. The primary research literature provides the bulk of the study material; there is a strong bias towards research in the way the
subjects are presented.

Cellular Immunology

Module i1: Lymphocyte development and receptors

Organisation of the Immune System
Characteristics of the Immune Response
Immune cell traffic
Cell development
Lymphocyte apoptosis
Cytokines and chemokines

Module i2: Lymphocyte function and interaction

Repertoires, Tolerance and Autoreactivity
Antigen Processing and Presentation.
Cell Activation and Interactions in Responses
Phenotype and Function of Immune Cells
Immune Effector Mechanisms and Inflammation.
Regulation, Suppression and Control of Responses

Molecular Immunology

Module i3: Antigen receptors and adhesion molecules

Antigen Receptors
Structure, Genetics and Function of Antibodies and the T-cell Receptor Somatic mutation
The Major Histocompatibility Complex.
Antibody Cloning and Engineering
The Complement System.
Adhesion molecules

Module i4: Antigen recognition and vaccine design

Characteristics of antigens and vaccines
Methods to detect autoantigens
Molecular mimicry and autoimmune disease
Structure, Genetics and Function of Cytokines
Cytokine-based immunotherapy

Protective Immunity

Module i5: Immunity to infection I

Pathology of infection by Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Parasites
The mechanisms of immunity in infection
Viruses and cancer
Immunization and disease control

Module i6: Immunity to infection II

Pathogenicity factors in bacteria
Immunity to mycobacteria
Immunity to parasitic infections and tropical diseases

Immune Disorders

Module i7: Immunodeficiency, allergy and transplantation

Immunodeficiency
Allergy
AIDS vaccines
Allorecognition and Immunology of Tissue and Organ Transplantation

Module i8: Autoimmunity and disease

Immunology of Organ Specific Autoimmune Diseases
Immunology of Multisystem Autoimmune Diseases.
Immunology of Rheumatic Diseases
Principles and Applications of Immunotherapy.

There is a strong emphasis placed on active learning. Lectures make up the core of each module, but about one third of the time is spent in group study assignments
that deal with problem based learning, data interpretation, experiment and project design, statistical methods, and the diversity and application of immunological
methods.

The acquisition of transferable skills related to communication is a very important element of the course and all students practice essay writing, leading tutorials,
journal club presentations, abstract writing, presenting seminars on selected topics and on their own research, and poster preparation. Students are encouraged to
develop methods to assess their own study skills and academic progress, and formative course work exercises are assessed and returned with criticism. This
structured framework for study encourages the communication that is both vital to productive research and of great value in everyday work.

Entrance requirements

The entrance requirements and other regulations concerning studying for an MSc at KCL are described in the College Postgraduate Prospectus, and anyone
interested in the course should read them before applying. For your guidance, the normal entrance requirements are a First or Second Class Honours degree in a
Biological Science or a degree in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Medicine or other relevant subject awarded by a British University, or an equivalent degree or
qualification awarded by an Institution overseas. Postgraduate work experience is not essential for entry into the
full-time study mode, and candidates for this can apply to enter in the academic year immediately after completing their first degree.

Research project

The major practical component of the course is the Research Project. Full-time students do their research under the guidance of a University
tutor in the Infection and Immunity Research group laboratories of King's College London, or other approved place. Details of project areas available to full-time
students are discussed at selection interview and in the early weeks of the course. Usually students will be given a list of available research projects and will be able
to choose one which suits their interests.

Assessment for the degree

The degree of Master of Science in Immunology is awarded to students who successfully complete all parts of the Course. There are two written examination
papers, involving essay writing and problem solving respectively, an extended In-Course Essay, and the Research project written up as a Report. Each of these is
part of the summative assessment of the course and each has to be passed individually for successful completion of the course. The criteria-based marking schemes
that we use are explained to students on the course. A mark of distinction may be awarded for exceptional performance.

Some of your questions answered

How might this help my career?

Obviously, you will learn a lot about Immunology and how to communicate it more effectively. You will find it easier and more rewarding to participate in discussion
at work and to contribute to its planning and organisation as a consequence. The MSc could also give you the basis from which to gain another qualification. For
example, you may apply for Fellowship of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences on the basis of your MSc qualification. The course forms a highly relevant
research training to precede entry to a PhD programme as it not only encourages the study of immunology itself, but also deals with research method in detail.

What is the work load of the course?

You will need time in evenings and at weekends to study, and the Tutors will give you help, if you need it, to organise your study programme. We need to
emphasise that simple attendance at lectures and learning of lecture notes is not enough to complete the course successfully, and all students are expected to spend a
significant time (such as one day per week) in reading and writing. Full-time students are expected to spend ALL their time in College either in class, or in directed private study and in the laboratory.

The integrated style of the Course with its emphasis on participation in group activities is especially supportive and helps to develop confidence and understanding.
There are some lectures included in the course on more basic aspects of cell and molecular science to bring you up-to-date, and access to other lectures on defined
topics can be arranged.

How much time will my research project require?

Different topics and different circumstances demand different approaches. As a rough guide, however, the project should occupy at least the equivalent of 90 days
of full-time laboratory work. Report writing will take extra time. The report has to be submitted in August.

Is the course available to overseas students?

Yes, provided you satisfy the normal qualification requirements for entry. Please note that the full-time course lasts for one calendar year (September to September) and that viva voce examinations are usually held in September.
If you are an applicant from outside the EC, you may be liable to pay fees at a higher rate as explained in the KCL Postgraduate Prospectus.

Depending upon the level and nature of your academic qualifications, you may be required to take a qualifying year of study before entering on the MSc
programme. This is designed to bring your qualifications up to the level of a British Second Class Honours degree. Details of the qualifying year are available upon
request.

Are there any options in the programme?

The modules at the core of the programme are fixed for everyone, but there is some scope to pursue your special interests through essay writing, choice of tutorial
topics and, importantly, in the choice of your Research Project. Additionally, if you have special academic needs - perhaps you would like to refresh your
knowledge of molecular biology, for example - special arrangements can be made for you to attend selected lectures from the wide range of other courses available
in the Life Sciences Division of the College. Likewise, we can help you to learn particular laboratory/research methods or will put you in contact with expert
laboratories outside.

Modules of the course may be taken in isolation by suitably qualified applicants who wish only to study chosen aspects of immunology. Please enquire for details.

How much does it cost, and are there any grants available?

Fees are under regular review and are designed to give the best possible value for money. We will notify you separately of current rates, but the definitive tuition fees
payable by individual students are shown in the College Postgraduate Prospectus and will be specified in any formal offer of a place on the course which is made by
the College Registry. Full-time students will pay a Bench Fee in addition to the tuition fee, and this will also be specified in an official offer.

The College does not have Grants available to support students on this course.

How do I obtain more information about the course?

Telephone, fax, E-mail or write to the Course Secretary or Director - their names and addresses are on the next page - who will be pleased to discuss your needs
and answer your questions.

Who runs the course and who teaches on it?

The Course is run by Dr John J Murphy who leads the Course Management Team that includes Professor Norman Staines, Dr Huw Davies, Prof. Alan Ebringer,
Dr Mahmoud Halablab and Dr David Hart who are members of the Division of Life Sciences. Together they are responsible for curriculum development, course
organisation, maintenance of academic standards and guidance of students. One of these people will act as your personal tutor. They teach the course with the
assistance of many other expert colleagues in King's College and from other institutions. You will meet many other visiting lecturers who come from other
departments and institutions.

Can I apply without a degree?

Yes. If you have a non-degree qualification and have worked for some time, especially in a research setting, and can provide strong evidence of other academic
achievement, then it may be possible to make a special case of your application. Please apply in the normal way and you will be advised on your eligibility.

Application procedure

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS - 29th JULY 2005

• Complete the application form provided and return it to the Course Secretary.
• Add your personal details to the two open letters to referees, give them to your referees and arrange for them to write confidentially and direct to the Secretary.
  Normally we require academic references which (for applicants for part-time study) include one from your superior at wor
• Candidates who do not satisfy the normal entrance requirements should provide sufficient additional information to allow their applications to be assessed fairly
• Overseas applicants and holders of qualifications awarded overseas should provide copies of Certificates and transcripts of the study programmes they have
  followed. Do not send original documents as we cannot accept responsibility for them.
• All applications will be acknowledged.
• Eligible candidates will be invited to visit King's College to discuss their applications with the Course Director.
• Places on the Course will be awarded competitively, and around twenty students will be accepted annually.
• Offers will not be made without supporting reports from your referees.
• Offers are only made by the College Registry, not by the course tutors.

Course Director:

Dr John Murphy   Tel: +44 (0) 20 78484569   Fax: +44 (0) 20 78484500
email: john.murphy@kcl.ac.uk

Course Secretary:

The MSc Secretary, Department of Biochemistry, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NNTel: 0207 848 4312 Fax: 0207 848 4500
email: msc-lifesciences@kcl.ac.uk

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Last modified: Wednesday, 07-Nov-2001 17:53:36 GMT by: Lee Richards