Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL3403 Immunology (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 110
Course Co-ordinator Prof Chaogu Zheng, Biological Sciences < cgzheng@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof Chaogu Zheng,School of Biological Sciences)
(Prof W B L Lim,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives To provide a broad understanding of the animal immune system with a focus on the cells and molecules involved in immune reactions against pathogens. Topics will also include the application of a variety of immunological methods to research and disease diagnosis.
Course Contents & Topics Cells and organs in the immune systems and their functions in vertebrates. Structures and biological properties of antibodies. Generation of diverse antibodies through somatic recombination. Innate and adaptive immunity. Humoral and cell-mediated immunity. T-cell receptor signalling.  Major histocompatibility complex and antigen presentation. Emergence and characteristics of lymphoid tissues.  Complement pathways.  Immunity against bacteria, viruses and parasites.  AIDS, COVID-19, Vaccination, hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity.  Immunological tests and immunochemical techniques using antibodies and their application to various biological problems in research and clinic.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe the structure and function of the immune molecules which are involved in the body defense mechanisms, including antibody, T-cell receptor, cytokines, MHC and complement proteins
CLO 2 describe the organization of the mammalian immune system in terms of genes, cells and tissues
CLO 3 explain the underlying mechanisms associated with transplant rejection, transfusion reaction and vaccination
CLO 4 explain how the immune system responds to infections by bacteria, viruses and parasites
CLO 5 understand antigen-antibody interaction and the principle of immunoassays
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC2600 or BIOL2103 or BIOL2220 or MEDE2301 or BMED2301
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A 1. Exceptionally good performance demonstrating comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 2. Critical insight and analysis into the scientific literatures. 3. Superior writing, presentation and group communication skills.
B 1. Good performance demonstrating full understanding of the subject matter. 2. Coherent insight and analysis into the scientific literatures. 3. Good writing, presentation and group communication skills.
C 1. Satisfactory performance demonstrating adequate understanding of the subject matter. 2. Some insight into the scientific literatures. 3. Adequate writing and communication skills.
D 1. Limited performance demonstrating some understanding of basic subject matter. 2. Some ability to use the scientific literatures. 3.Limited writing and communication skills.
Fail 1. Poor understanding of subject matter. 2. Little to no insight into use of the scientific literatures. 3. Unable to write or communicate.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory during reading week 16.0
Lectures 30.0
Tutorials 6.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Laboratory reports 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Test Mid term 30.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 J. Kuby: Immunology (Freeman and Company, 2003 or 2007-6thd ed., or 2013-7th ed.)
Benjamin & Leskowitz: Immunology: A Short Course (Wiley-Liss, 2007, 6th edition.  Or the latest edition)
I. Roitt, J. Brostoff and D. Male: Immunology (Mosby, latest 2 editions)
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk/
Additional Course Information This course will be offered subject to a minimum enrollment number and availability of teachers.


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