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Presentation
Presentation
Immunology, in addition to being a foundational subject in university health courses, is central to Nutrition courses. The objective of the Immunology course unit is to provide greater and better knowledge about the role of the immune system both as a system that can prevent diseases and as a system that can cause them. This course unit allows students to develop practical and analytical skills that are very useful in the job market, such as in the fields of immunonutrition, master's and doctoral courses, research, clinical trials, among others. Furthermore, the acquisition, use, and interpretation of data, along with problem-solving, are crucial components of this course unit. Active participation by students during seminars will certainly develop their methodological skills in the context of Nutrition and Immunology.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5.5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT1101-54
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
Introduction to Immunology and Innate Immunity History of immunology, importance and basic concepts Organs, cells, receptors and molecules that are fundamental to the functioning of the immune system Innate immunity and inflammation: The Complement System The inflammatory reaction and the establishment of the adaptive immune response Adaptive immunity Antigen and MHC receptors Organization and expression of lymphocyte receptor genes The Major Histocompatibility Complex and antigen presentation Development of T cells and B cells Activation, differentiation, and memory generation Antibody- and cell-mediated immunology The immune system in health and disease Allergies, hypersensitivities, and chronic inflammation Infectious diseases and vaccines Immunonutrition
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Objectives
Objectives
The student should be able to recognize the structure, organization, and function of the immune system, with particular focus on its relevance to health and nutrition. They should identify the main tissues, organs, cells, and molecules involved in the immune response and understand how these components interact in response to physiological and pathological stimuli, including infections, inflammation, and nutritional imbalances. It is essential to understand the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that maintain immune balance. The student should master the basic concepts related to hypersensitivity reactions, with special attention to food allergies. The practical component of the course will support the development of basic immunology laboratory skills, helping to consolidate theoretical knowledge and promoting autonomy, critical thinking, and responsibility in an experimental setting.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
To improve student participation in theoretical classes, a set of strategies will be implemented to enhance engagement and the perceived relevance of the content, such as the introduction of interactive activities, case studies, and formative assessment moments throughout the lessons. Additionally, practical examples with clinical and nutritional applications will be used to bring theory closer to the students' future professional reality. These measures aim to foster a more dynamic and participatory learning environment, encouraging regular attendance and sustained interest in the subject. In the practical component, students will be challenged to create an ImmunoGame, developing educational games based on the course content, thereby promoting active knowledge consolidation and collaborative work. These strategies are expected to strengthen student motivation and deepen learning throughout the course.
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References
References
1. Janeway, C.A. et al, Immunobiology (2022), 10 th Ed., Garland Science. 2. Goldsby, R.A. et al.(2018), Kuby Immunology, 8th Ed., New York, W.H. Freeman & Company Eds. 3. Robert R. Rich MD. Et al., Clinical Immunology Principles and Practice (2019), Elsevier Limited. 3. Abbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H.(2021), Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 10 th Ed., Elsevier/Saunders. 4. Arosa, F.A., Cardoso, E.M., Pacheco, F.C. (2014) Fundamentos de Imunologia (2º ed) Lidel.
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
No