Syllabus
Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Health
BIOL 1060: Immunology (Fall A 2026)
Credits - 3
Description
This immunology course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the human immune system. It first introduces students to the structure, functions and capabilities of immune cells, tissues, and organs. Globally, the course informs students of different modes of action and the ability of immune effector populations in combating various types of infections. This course will also emphasize current immunological techniques such as recombinant antibody, flow cytometry, and ELISPOT technology. Further, issues related to vaccine development and therapeutics will also be included in the course. Finally, students will develop disciplinary appreciation through reviews of case studies, research articles, and current perspectives in the field of immunology.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Course Objectives
- Identify the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and immune systems.
- Summarize the cellular effector populations involved in generation of immunity.
- Distinguish between the contribution of the immune system in maintaining balance in healthy versus diseased conditions
- Recognize and distinguish triggers of immunological response
- Differentiate between the types of immunological responses and the types of effector cell populations involved
- Critique molecular events involved in generating humoral and cell mediated immunity
- Determine the immunological basis of vaccinations
- Explore the history and development of immunity against diseases and pandemics
- Discriminate between the immunological basis of autoimmunity, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Assignments
For all assessments and learning activities, see Brightspace for the full assignment descriptions and instructions. Read the prompts carefully and use the rubrics to confirm how assignments and discussions will be graded.
Weekly Quizzes
Weeks 1 – 6 include an end-of-week evaluation in the form of a short multiple-choice quiz. These quizzes are timed, with time limits ranging from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the week’s content. Taking these evaluations seriously and doing well on the quizzes will help prepare you for the final exam.
Weekly Project and Presentation Work
Each week’s modules include one or more applied assignments — figures, tables, infographics, note write-ups, and video or slide presentations — that ask you to translate that week’s immunology content into a specific deliverable (for example, labeling a diagram of pathogen barrier sites, building an infographic on cell types, or recording a video presentation on a module’s core concepts).
Research Paper Project: Research Article Evaluation
Students will apply skills from throughout the course to a single, self-selected peer-reviewed research article relevant to immunology. This project unfolds in stages across the course: you will first choose your article, then develop a graphical abstract summarizing its key findings, participate in a discussion synthesizing your article with classmates’, and conclude by presenting your article’s methods and significance in a Pecha Kucha-style presentation.
Video Presentation on Cancer, Autoimmunity, and Congenital/Acquired Immunodeficiencies
Students create a modified Pecha Kucha video presentation (≤12 slides, ~2 minutes per group) comparing the immunological modes of action across cancer, autoimmunity, and congenital/acquired immunodeficiencies, incorporating graphics for each group.
Final Exam
The final exam is a 35-question, closed-book assessment covering content from the entire course. It is proctored and timed, and must be taken in accordance with the academic integrity agreement. You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam, and you have two attempts.
NOTE: There is a highly recommended Practice Proctored Exam available to all students. This exam does not cover course material and is not included in your overall course grade. It prepares test takers for what the testing environment will be like, what forms of identification are needed, and provides a chance to test your external webcam. This is a great way to become familiar with and prepare for your exam!
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Category | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Weekly Quizzes | 10% |
| Formative Assignments | 15% |
| Major Assignments | 20% |
| Research Paper Assignments | 10% |
| Research Paper Presentation | 10% |
| Presentation: Cancer, Autoimmunity, and Congenital/Acquired Immunodeficiencies | 15% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 93 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 92.9% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89.9% | 3.50 |
| B | 83 – 86.9% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 82.9% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79.9% | 2.50 |
| C | 73 – 76.9% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 72.9% | 1.75 |
| D | 60 – 69.9% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 59.9% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Session Dates:
Week 1: Sep 2 – Sep 8
Week 2: Sep 9 – Sep 15
Week 3: Sep 16 – Sep 22
Week 4: Sep 23 – Sep 29
Week 5: Sep 30 – Oct 6
Week 6: Oct 7 – Oct 13
Week 7: Oct 14 – Oct 20
Week 8: Oct 21 – Oct 23 – SHORT WEEK
| Week | Modules | Due Dates |
| 1 | Modules 1-4: Introduction to Immunology & Immunological Triggers |
Discussion Initial Post Due Sunday by 11:59 PM ET, Response Post Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET Assignments & Quiz Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET |
| 2 | Modules 5 & 6: Humoral Immunity |
Assignments & Quiz Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM |
| 3 | Modules 7 & 8: Cellular Immunity |
Discussion Initial Post Due Sunday by 11:59 PM ET, Response Post Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET |
| 4 | Module 9: Immunological Assays |
Discussion Initial Post Due Sunday by 11:59 PM ET, Response Post Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET |
| 5 | Modules 10 – 12: Vaccination | Assignments & Quiz Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET |
| 6 | Modules 13 & 14: Allergy, Immunology, Cancer |
Assignments & Quiz Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET |
| 7 | Modules 15 & 16: Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency |
Assignments Due Tuesday by 11:59 PM ET
|
| Final Exam | Proctored Final Exam |
Proctored Exam must be completed by FRIDAY, 11:59 PM ET. |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
UNE Libraries
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Further Assistance
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Policies
Attendance Policy
6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
10+ -week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office. Review the full attendance policy.
Assignments
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Transcripts
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.