Course Director: Julie Magarian Blander, PhD
This course is for students who have completed the Fundamental Immunology course. The intent is to acquaint participants with the latest developments in the field of immunobiology and microbial pathogenesis, and to provide guidance for honing skills in scientific discussion and critical thinking. Over the years IMP has developed a portfolio of six-week mini-courses on a variety of front-line topics. Under the motto of learning from each other, each academic year faculty and students choose up to four topics from the repertory or design new ones. While faculty will recruit lecturers from within their own ranks, our sister programs and experts from neighboring institutions, students will actively participate in the course organization and run the discussion sessions following each of the didactic lectures given by the faculty member. Selected topics will be studied in great depth, covering historical perspectives, underlying principles, current status, significance for contemporary immunology and prospects for translational application. Moreover, attempts will be made to connect immunological specialization with general principles of biology and biochemistry.