THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, ST.

AUGUSTINE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES

Title:
Code:
Credits:
Level:
Semester:

Cellular and Molecular Defence Systems

BIOL3062
3
Undergraduate -Year III
I

Pre-requisites: BIOC2XXX-Gene Expression and BIOC2XXX Primary Metabolism

Anti-requisite: BIOC3061 Molecular Biology
Enrolment capacity: 45 students (maximum)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course covers: animal cell culture and virology; introduction to cell and tissue culture,
practical aspects and applications; introduction to virology, effect of viruses on host cells;
immunology: natural and acquired immunity both humoral and cellular; antibody structure and
function; B cells-generation of antibody diversity; function of T cells; complement-activation,
control and biological effects. HLA-nomenclature, typing and its uses, autoimmunity; animal
detoxification-absorption and distribution of xenobiotics, toxic effects and metabolism. Course
materials will include class handouts e.g. illustrations and diagrams and the course will be fully
myeLearning-supported. The course is a theoretical course.

COURSE RATIONALE:
This course provides a foundation for current advanced concepts in Biochemistry specifically
with respect to virology, immunology, cell culture and animal detoxification. Students will be
required to build on concepts learnt in metabolism, advanced general biochemistry and gene
expression courses (year II courses).

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Name of instructor(s): Sephra N. Rampersad
Office address and phone: Rm 319, 2nd Floor-Old Wing, Natural Sciences Bldg
Email address: sephra.rampersad@sta.uwi.edu
Preferred method of contact: E-mail
Communication policy: Students should use their UWI e-mail account for communication and/or
leave a note or message with the Biochemistry secretary.

LETTER TO THE STUDENT:

Welcome to Cellular and Molecular Defense Systems. This course aims to complete the degree
offering for a major in Biochemistry and presents critical elements of current concepts
Biochemistry specifically with respect to virology, immunology, cell culture and animal
detoxification. Students will be expected to build on concepts learnt in metabolism, advanced
general biochemistry and gene expression courses (year II courses). The jargon will be new and a
glossary of terms for each topic in the course would be a key learning tool. Practice in writing out
answers including tutorial assignments is also important to understanding the course material.
Course materials will include class handouts e.g. illustrations and diagrams and the course will be
fully myelearning-supported. It is important to engage with the materials provided online, in faceto-face lectures and tutorials in order to successfully complete this course. Engagement with all
facets of this course will enable you to develop skills of critical thinking (clarity, accuracy,
relevance, logic, breadth, depth, precision, significance, completeness and fairness). You are
encouraged to ask questions during class time and during tutorial sessions, offer new ideas or ways
of studying a topic, offer new approaches to problem solve to support a student-centered learning
experience. It is critical that you read the syllabus carefully and pay attention to important
assessment dates. The Universitys policy and plagiarism and attendance requirements will be
enforced. It is important to us that you succeed in this course. Please come to us with any academic
or other challenges you may face that could affect your attendance and performance. This course
will enable students to have a foundation in these core aspects Biochemistry for teaching at
secondary level, conducting research in medicine, pharmacy and/or related disciplines.
COURSE CONTENT:
Topic 1 Animal detoxification
Introduction-Toxicology-measurement, sources and classification and terms. Absorption and
distribution of xenobiotics. Toxic effects classification-acute and chronic. Xenobiotic
metabolism phase I and II reactions and elimination.
Topic 2 Immunology
Introduction to the immune system; Cellular and tissue components of adaptive immunity;
Recognition of antigens; The Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC); Antigen processing and
presentation to lymphocytes; Antigen receptors and accessory molecules of T cells; Maturation,
activation and regulation of lymphocytes; Activation of T cells; Effector mechanisms of cellmediated AI ; Innate Immunity (II); Humoral Immunity; Generation of diversity of the immune
response; The immune system in health and disease ; Regulation of Immune Responses;
Immunological techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this course, students should be able to:Animal detoxification

1. list the sources of toxic compounds with examples and explain the dose response
relationship
2. list the routes of entry used by xenobiotes and compare the advantages and disadvantages
of each route.
3. describe the different penetration barriers characteristic to each route.
4. explain the mechanisms used in distribution and transport and the metabolic factors that
effect them.
5. give the ways in which toxic effects are classified and differentiate between acute and
chronic poisoning and some of the accompanying signs and symptoms.
6. describe the different processes and tissues affected by toxicants using specific examples.
7. explain the factors that determine whether metabolism of a poison leads to activation or
detoxification.
8. explain the steps involved in chemical carcinogenesis and the stages that the process is
reversible. Give the factors that determine whether cancer will develop.
9. differentiate between mutagenesis and teratogenesis and give examples of mutagens and
teratogens and their mechanism of action.
10. describe the different xenobiotic metabolic pathways and the tissues in which they are
found; differentiate between 1st and 2nd phase mechanisms with examples.
11. illustrate with examples, the various tissues and mechanisms employed in elimination of
toxicants.
Immunology
1. explain how the physical structure of viruses, fungi and bacteria elicit an immune
response.
2. explain the various host defense mechanisms against infection
3. describe the properties of and the difference between innate and adaptive immunity
4. describe the types of lymphocytes classes, morphology, development, activation,
proliferation, differentiation into effector and memory cells
5. describe the types and functions of APCs
6. describe the anatomy and functions of lymphoid tissues, cutaneous IS, mucosal IS
7. explain various pathways and mechanisms of lymphocyte recirculation and homing
8. explain properties of the MHC genes and properties of the MHC molecules
9. explain the characteristics of peptide-MHC interactions
10. describe the structural basis of peptide binding to MHC molecules
11. list properties of Ags recognized by lymphocytes
12. list types of Ag-presenting cells for CD4+ helper T lymphocytes
13. explain Ag-presentation to CD8+ helper T
14. explain the processing pathways of endocytosed Ags for Class I MHCs
15. explain the processing pathways of endocytosed Ags for Class II MHCs
16. explain the physiological significance of MHC-associated Ag presentation
17. describe the functions of T cell receptors
18. list the accessory molecules that assist in T cell response
19. explain the use of co-receptors in MHC-restricted T cell activation
20. outline the receptors that regulate T cell The generation of T-cell receptor ligands
21. explain the major histocompatibility complex and its functions
22. explain the role of adhesions, integrins, selectins
3

23. describe the signaling functions of CD45 and CD2

24. describe the general features of T cell activation
25. describe the functional responses of T cells upon activation
26. list the functions of co-stimulators in T cell activation
27. describe the types of and explain the functions of cytokines
28. explain the development of effector cells from differentiated T cells activated by
recognition of Ag-peptide-MHC complex on the cell surface of APCs.
29. describe the pathways summarizing how effector cells migrate to site of infection
30. explain the mechanisms of CTL-killing of infected cells
31. describe the different components of the II re: the following:- epithelial barriers,
phagocytes, neutrophils and macrophages and NK cells
32. Explain the Complement System
33. describe the structure of the various classes of antibodies and the functions of these
classes of antibodies
34. list the features of Ab binding to Ags
35. explain cell-mediated immunity and TCR diversity
36. explain humoral response and BCR diversity
37. explain hypersensitivity, immunologic tolerance, autoimmunity, tumor immunity,
transplantation immunity as applied aspects of immunology
38. explain regulation of unwanted immune responses

COURSE ASSESSMENT:
Assessment will be based on a students final mark from the coursework components below.
Item
2 In-course tests

Mark Weighting
each worth 10%

2 written assignments

Each worth 10%

1 group presentation

10%

Final exam

50%

Description
2 tests (50 mins duration)
based on multiple choice,
true/false, short answer
questions; exams will cover 4
weeks worth of teaching
1500 word investigative
report based on current
research in xenobiosis and
immunology
Each group will give a 15
min oral presentation on a
specified topic in
immunology
2-hour written exam to
answer 3 out of 5 essay
questions; Two sections
where students must answer
at least one question from
each section

EVALUATION:
Student opinion on the course with respect to delivery and assessment will be obtained
through informal and regular discussions with students. Discussions with demonstrators,
teaching assistants and instructor for the course will also be used to identify and address
student issues.
Class Representatives are required to sit on the Departmental Student-Staff Liaison
Committee meetings held twice during the semester and at each meeting, to submit a
completed reporting form. Class reps are to be guided by the Departments Standard
Operating Procedures.
The UWI Course Evaluation questionnaire administered anonymously and confidentially
at the end of the semester will also be used to assist in identifying student issues.
All feedback will be considered on an on-going basis; actions will be taken immediately
(preferred and as applicable) or incorporated the following year.
TEACHING STRATEGIES:
Contact hours (3 credits):
Lectures: 33 h
Tutorials: 3 h
Lectures: Lectures will provide valuable synthesis and evaluation of the growing body of available
information, update current issues and events, and prioritize content relevant to course assessment.
For this course, the delivery strategy will be chalk-and-talk with continuous class interaction and
engagement. Posting lecture notes prior to class times will not be practiced as this has resulted in
a drop in attendance.
Tutorials: Tutorials will cover course topics in a problem-solving format to engage collaborative
and active learning techniques.
myeLearning: myeLearning will be used extensively during this course for official communication
among students and staff (email, discussions), official posting of important notices (coursework
assessment notices, instructions, glossaries, and in-course marks/results), official posting of
syllabus, lecture notes, tutorials, posting of important web-related resource materials and links.
RESOURCES:
Most resources will be posted to myeLearning and will include:
Lecture notes and outlines - include learning objectives, summaries, recommended
readings
Resources - links to papers, articles and websites with interactive resources and you tube
videos and animations to support delivery
Tutorials tutorial questions
Note: Answers to tutorials will not be posted as a strategy to encourage students to attend all
tutorial sessions.

READINGS:
5

1. Lehninger: principles of Biochemistry, 3rd Ed, By Nelson and Cox Principles of

Biochemsirty, 3rd Ed, by Horton et al.
2. Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations, 5th Ed, by Devlin
3. Biochemistry, 2nd Ed, By Garret and Grisham
4. Biochemistry, 5th Ed, by Berg, Tymoczko and Stryer
5. Harpers Biochemistry, 25th Ed, by Murray, Granner, Mayes and Rodwell
6. A textbook of modern toxicology, 2nd Ed, by Hidgson and Levi.
7. Principles of biochemical toxicology, 3rd Ed, by Timbrell.
8. 1. Immunobiology Janeway et al. recommended
9. Cellular and Molecular Immunology Abbas and Lichtman highly recommended
10. Essential Immunology Roitt and Delves recommended
11. Immunology A Short Course Coico and Sunshine highly recommended

COURSE CALENDAR:
WEEK LECTURES
wk1
Introduction to the Course/
Course Overview
Animal Detoxification
Animal Detoxification
Animal Detoxification
*
wk 2
Animal Detoxification
Animal Detoxification
Animal Detoxification
*
wk 3
Tutorial
Immunology
Immunology/Assignment
submission
*
wk 4
Incourse Exam 1
Immunology
Immunology
*
wk 5
Immunology
Immunology
Immunology
*
wk 6
Immunology
Immunology
Tutorial
*
wk 7
Immunology

LECTURER
Bowrin

Bowrin
Bowrin
*
Bowrin
Bowrin
Bowrin
*
Bowrin
Bowrin
Bowrin
*
Bowrin
Bowrin
Bowrin
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
6

wk 8

wk 9

wk 10

wk 11

wk 12

wk 13

Immunology
Immunology
*
Immunology
Immunology
Immunology
*
Immunology
Immunology
Immunology/Assignment
submission
*
Immunology
Immunology
Tutorial
*
Immunology
Immunology
Immunology
*
Immunology/Grp presentation
Immunology/Grp presentation
Immunology/Grp presentation
*
Tutorials-review of course
material
Tutorials-review of course
material
Tutorials-review of course
material

Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Rampersad
Rampersad
Rampersad
*
Bowrin
Rampersad
Rampersad

HOW TO STUDY FOR THIS COURSE:

Attendance is mandatory for lectures and tutorials.
Continuous reading and studying of lecture material are strongly encouraged to maintain
learning momentum.
Students are strongly advised to become familiar with navigating myelearning and look
out for new postings and messages. Students are asked to utilize correct e-mail etiquette
in any and all correspondence to staff.
Students are encouraged to interact regularly with staff on their projects, even outside of
the assigned tutorial times to ensure prompt, satisfactory solution of any problems and to
monitor progress.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Students must pay attention to the following important information concerning assessment,
attendance and plagiarism: The Life Sciences Undergraduate Handbook available from
http://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/documents/handbook.pdf .
The General Information and General Regulations in the Faculty Booklet available from
http://sta.uwi.edu/resources/documents/facultybooklets/ScienceTechUndergrad.pdf .
As a general principle, medicals or other excuses may only excuse a students absence
from the original exam. Students must sit the makeup exam at the assigned date and time.
All course work submissions must be attached to a signed Coursework Accountability
Statement in order to be assessed. Refer to University Regulations on Plagiarism
available from http://sta.uwi.edu/resources/documents/Exam_Regulations_Plagiarism.pdf