Immunobiology

Immunology is the study of defence mechanisms that protect individuals against infections and cancers. Studies in immunology are leading to advances in clinical medicine, including understanding allergies, transplant rejection, auto immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and insulin-dependent diabetes, and the development of new vaccines. In addition immunological techniques are widely used in disciplines such as biochemistry, endocrinology, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics.

Infectious diseases and immunology at Sydney

The Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology teaches in the Sydney medical and dental graduate programs, as well as the Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Science degrees.

The Discipline’s expertise lies in the area of study of both micro-organisms and immunological responses to infection. Our research programs aim to contribute directly to improving the health of the Australian and international community by undertaking research targeting current problems, trials of new drugs and vaccines. Many of the research programs involve formal and informal collaboration with colleagues in other university disciplines, teaching hospitals and Commonwealth and State Departments of Health.

Why major in immunobiology?

Immunology is a relatively recent discipline area in the life/biological sciences that has its origins in microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, physiology, molecular biology and genetics. The immunobiology major reflects this diverse background and draws together senior study in immunology with senior study in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, pathology or physiology. Graduates may proceed to Honours and postgraduate study or they may find employment as immunologists in hospitals, in public and industry research laboratories specialising in immunology, cell biology and biotechnology, and in other biomedical sciences such as pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and molecular biology.

What will you study?

A major in immunobiology requires successful completion of 12 credit points of senior study in immunology plus 12 credit points from elective senior units of study in biochemistry, biology, cell pathology, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, or physiology or virology. Participants in the immunobiology major will select an accompanying senior unit according to their particular interest. Concurrent study in these life science disciplines will add a depth of understanding in a particular aspect of immunology. Intending participants are invited to consult with the course coordinator and elective unit of study coordinators before selecting concurrent study units and should note that a unit of study taken as part of the immunobiology major cannot count towards a major in another science discipline area.