University of Pittsburgh
Fundamentals of Basic Science

Immunology in Health and Disease
MS-1

January 15, 2010 – February 10, 2010
22 half days

Christine Milcarek, PhD

Course Director
Christine Milcarek, PhD
Professor
Department of Medicine
milcarek@pitt.edu

Dana P. Ascherman, MD

Course Director
Dana P. Ascherman, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
aschermandp@upmc.edu

Course Description

Healthy immune responses to biological challenges and pathology resulting from diseased immune systems are presented in this course.

The goals of the course are for students to gain a basic knowledge and understanding of:

  1. fundamental concepts of the immune system.
  2. rheumatic diseases that have an immunologic basis.
  3. innate and adaptive immunity specifically focusing on cell-mediated and humoral immune responses as well as effector mechanisms in both of these processes.
  4. concepts of immunologic tolerance.
  5. autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency syndromes.
  6. pharmacologic concepts as they relate to the management of patients with immunologic and rheumatic diseases.

The 37 faculty are from 5 departments: Immunology, Medicine (Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology), Otolaryngology, Pathology, and Surgery.

Educational Methods

Lectures Self-study materials on the web Optional self-study practice exams on the web    
Small-group problem-based learning sessions Patient workshops        

Evaluation

Evaluation for this course is based on two examinations and attendance at small-group sessions.

Grading: This course comprises 48% of the grade for the Fundamentals of Basic Science Block, Section 3. Grading for the block section is Honors, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.

Faculty Note

Course faculty member Thomas A. Medsger, MD, is the recipient of the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, recognizing the Dean’s Master Educators. Faculty member Georgia Duker, PhD, is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, Excellence in Education Awards for Problem-based Learning Facilitator and for Small Group Facilitator multiple times, and the Pre-Clinical Golden Apple Award. In addition, Dr. Duker is a member of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Academy of Master Educators.