MSc in Integrated Immunology (Part-time)
Course content
This two-year part-time online course begins in October and is divided into three Units. The first two terms comprise taught Units, while the third term is spent on a research project, which will take place within a University of Oxford research group.
| Unit 1: Michaelmas & Hilary Terms (year 1) – Scientific Principles of Immunology (taught) |
Unit 2: Trinity Term & Long Vacation (year 1) – Clinical and Applied Principles of Immunology (taught) |
Unit 3: Michaelmas to Trinity Term (year 2) – Experimental Principles of Immunology (project) |
Unit 1:
In year 1 from October to March you will study the fundamental science of immunology and will be exposed to current thinking across the range of sub-disciplines within our field. Unit 1 is broken down into topic themes that span innate, innate-like and adaptive immunology at a molecular, cellular, tissue and system level. This is integrated with applied aspects of modern immunology including research techniques and ethics, and with related bioscience disciplines such as genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and physiology. The Unit also includes tutor-supported group sessions and activities to build and refine scientific and academic skills including in data interpretation, critical thinking and communication. Additionally, you will benefit from a range of interesting specialist seminars and continuing professional development (CPD) sessions.
Unit 2:
You will study clinical and applied aspects of immunology in Unit 2, which runs from April to September. Topics covered in this Unit include infection and immunity, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity and hypersensitivity, tumour immunology, and immunomodulation including drugs, transplantation and vaccinology. This is integrated with relevant scientific and clinical disciplines e.g., virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology, clinical oncology and organ-based pathologies, with examples from neurology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology. The Unit also includes regular problem-based learning sessions that interrogate clinical cases or applied problems in immunology, CPD sessions and research seminars.
Students who pass all assessments in Units 1 and 2 but who do not wish to undertake a research project may leave the course at this point with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Integrated Immunology.
Unit 3:
Across your second year of study, you will undertake an original, desk-based research project to gain a current and working understanding of research techniques in immunology or a related area. You will undertake a 28-week research project with four additional weeks write up time (32 weeks in total), supervised by a University of Oxford academic. Your supervisor/s will provide regular guidance during the course of the research project. Supervisors are drawn from the Oxford Immunology Network or the wider University e.g., across the Departments in the Medical Sciences Division.
ASSESSMENT
The degree examination for this course currently comprises six formal assessments.
| Unit 1 (Year 1) | Essay (up to 4000 words) | 20% | February |
| Computer-based examination on fundamental aspects of immunology | 10% | March | |
| Unit 2 (Year 1) | Clinical case commentaries (two of up to 3,000 words each) | 20% | July |
| Computer-based examination on applied aspects of immunology | 10% | September | |
| Unit 3 (Year 2) | Dissertation on a research project (up to 10,000 words) | 30% | June |
| Final viva voce | 10% | early September |
Students must pass all six assessments for the award of MSc in Integrated Immunology.
Formative assessments, including of critical writing, poster and oral presentations are also in place throughout the year. These do not contribute to final grades but developmental feedback is given, which students can use to improve their practice and skills, and to inform their summative assessment work.
PRIZES
Each year the Board of Examiners award a 'Best Dissertation' prize to a member of the class.