Introductory Immunology, (Peter Burrows and Scott Barnum)  
GBS 740 - Part I November 26 - December 19; Part II January 2 - January 28 [Course Schedule]
SHEL 515
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Introductory Immunology is a team-taught survey course that covers basic concepts of innate and adaptive immunity. These integrated series of lectures provide a firm foundation in immunology, especially for those with minimal immunology background, and serve as an important refresher for the developing immunologist. Students actively participate in the course through weekly presentations of selected immunology topics based on the current literature. Click here for course description.

Innate Immunity, (Alex Szalai and Scott Barnum) 
GBS 743 - January 29 - February 25
SHEL 515
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. M-W-F

The study of innate immunity has made a resurgence in recent years and its critical role, not only in host defense against invading pathogens, but in the development of adaptive immune responses is now appreciated.  This course will provide an in-depth look at selected aspects of the innate immune response including the cellular and molecular components critical to its development.  The course will involve student presentations on selected topics.

Lymphocyte Biology, (Allan Zajac)
GBS 741 - February 26 - March 25
SHEL 515
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. M-W-F

The objective of this class is to provide first year immunology students with the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of selected aspects of lymphocyte biology. Possible topics include T cell subsets, B cell biology, lymphocyte activation, and transplantation immunology. The course is literature intense and students are required to read and present numerous scientific papers.

Mucosal Immunology, (Lesley Smythies and Robin Lorenz) 
GBS 744 - March 26 - April 22  [Course Description]
SHEL 515
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. M-W-F

The mucosal immune system is essentially the primary site of interaction between invading pathogens and the immune system.  Mucosal immunity has always been a strength of the immunology community at UAB and is rarely covered at most other institutions.  This class will provide in-depth analysis of the structural features that distinguish the mucosal immune system from the peripheral immune system.  Features of innate and adaptive immunity as they relate to mucosal immune responses will also be covered.  The course will involve student presentations on selected topics.

Neuroimmunology, (Tara DeSilva/Scott Barnum/Ryan Splittgerber)  GBS 745 - Not offered in 2013

The purpose of this course is threefold; 1) to provide students with a basic overview of immunology and neuroscience in conjunction with a specific focus on how neuroinflammatory processes affect the brain, 2) to teach students basic neuroanatomy of the brain, and 3) to have students understand the clinical implications of neuroinflammatory diseases by attending rounds with clinicians. How the immune system influences the brain is an emerging field in neuroscience research and is currently not being addressed in a graduate or medical course.  Click here for course description

Dendritic Cell Biology, (Laura Timares)  GBS 742 - Not offered in 2013

Understanding the biology and function of the immune system's professional antigen presenting cells, the dendritic cells, is a fast moving challenge.  We will cover the seminal papers in the field that have laid the groundwork for our current understanding of this group of complex cells. The major component of the class will emphasize student presentations of assigned reviews and journal articles.  Presentations will include an overview (provided by the review article) and 2-3 papers per class.

New Advanced Course for Fall 2012
Evolution of Immunity ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
GBS 746 Special Topics (54454) [Course Description]
SHEL 415
Mon/Wed 10:00 - 12:00 (Note: Time on course description is incorrect)


Potential Advanced Courses, Depending on Student Interest

• Respiratory Tract Pathogens - pathogenesis and host defense

• Molecular Genetics of the Immune System