Course Number: Principles of Immunology (PCB 4234) Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida COURSE SYLLABUS Instructor: My Lien Dao Term: Spring 2016 Office: BSF 205 Mandatory Exams: Saturdays 2/3; 3/26; 4/23 Phone: (813) 974-5655 Exam Room: TBA E-Mail: dao@mail.usf.edu Optional Exam date: Sunday 5/1 Office Hours: Instructor: FRI 5:00-6:00 pm or by appointment TA: Robert Brzozowski e-mail: rbrzozowski@mail.usf.edu Office: BSF 221 Office hours: MON 3-4 pm ; THU 9-10 am. I. Welcome to Spring 2016 Online Principles of Immunology (PCB 4234) First Day Attendance: University and College policies require first day attendance. Since this is an online course, you are not required to come to campus, but read the syllabus and take a quiz as a proof of attendance. You may do so anytime during the first week of class during the drop/add period of Monday Jan 11 (8:00 AM)-Jan 15 (8:00 PM). There will be 5 questions, and each correct answer is worth 0.2 point. Therefore, you may earn up to 1 extra point that will be added to your exam 1 score. Failure in taking the quiz will result in an automatic drop from the course. Office hours: Students are encouraged to post their questions about the course materials in the corresponding discussion board, which will be routinely monitored by the course instructor and TA. This way the whole class can benefit from this interaction of students with their peers, TA and Instructor. However, if you need one-to-one guidance, please do not hesitate and come to our office hours at the posted times or by appointment. II. III. University Course Catalog Description. Emphasis is on the organization and functions of vertebrate immune system. Basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune responses in health and disease are addressed, as well as the principles and applications of immunological methods. Course Overview. This course is composed of three modules that are focused on three majors aspects of the immune system: 1) Organization and function of the components of the immune system, and their role in the innate immunity and adaptive immunity; 2) Interaction between the cells of the innate immunity and those of the adaptive immunity in mounting an adequate immune response against extracellular and intracellular antigens in the maintenance of health; 3) Diseases due to inadequate, misdirected or exaggerated immune response, and immunological approaches to diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy.
IV. Course Objectives. The main goal of the course is for students to develop a solid foundation in basic concepts of immunology including composition, organization and functions of the immune system in health and disease. The present online course has been developed to replicate the rigorous and well-known lecture course in Principles of Immunology in the Department of CMMB in the last 20 years, and to optimize the effectiveness of the course by implementing innovative educational technology and by using professional narrator to deliver the online lectures. Course outcome. Students will acquire a solid foundation in immunology that will help them in their future educational and professional goal. By the end of the course, students will be able to use the information learned in class to: appreciate the composition, organization, functions and regulation of the immune system, as well as its role in health and disease. understand the mechanisms by which immune cells communicate with each other in order to mount an adequate immune response. understand the basic principles of the innate versus acquired immunity, and the application of immunology in the development of prophylactic and therapeutic measures in order to prevent disease, and to promote public health. critically read and understand scientific journal and review articles on the immune system. V. Course Prerequisites: PCB 4234 Principles of Immunology (3) AS BCM PR: PCB 3023 or PCB 3063 or MCB 3020 and CHM 2210 and MAC 1105 or higher-level MAC course or STA 2023. CPR: PCB 3023 or PCB 3043 or PCB 3063 or PCB 3712 and CHM 2211. VI. Course Credits. This course counts for three credit hours VII. VIII. Required Texts and Materials Required text: "The Immune System" by Peter Parham, 4th edition (2014), Garland Science, ISBN: 9780815345275 Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials Relevant supplementary materials will be posted on CANVAS, such as power point lectures, videos, flash cards, selfassessment quizzes, review questions, etc. IX. Basis for Final Grade. Final grade will be derived from the scores of 3 online quizzes (60 points) and 3 mandatory exams (240 points) for a total of 300 points. Plus scaling will be applied as follows. Assessment Total points Percent of Final Grade 3 Online quizzes, for 20 points each 60 20% 3 Mandatory Exams, for 80 points each 240 80% There will be an optional final comprehensive exam in replacement of the lowest module score 300 100% Grading Scale % Letter Grade 285-300 95-up A+ 270-284 90-up A 255-269 85-up B+ 240-254 80-up B 225-239 75-up C+ 210-224 70-up C 195-209 65-up D+ 180-194 60-up D Below 180 <60 F X. Grade Dissemination: You can access your online quiz scores, and on-campus exam scores at any time by using the Grade function of Canvas. Extra credit points will not be viewed in the CANVAS grade book, but will be added to the exam score of the corresponding module. P f
XI. Course Policies: Grades Late Work Policy: There are no make-ups for mandatory online quizzes. Online quizzes submitted late will be assessed a penalty: -1 point for each day late. Extra Credit Policy: Opportunity for extra credits will be offered for self-assessment quizzes (up to 2 points each), and case study quizzes (up to 3 points each). The points earned will be recorded by the instructor on excel (these will not viewed on CANVAS Grade Book), but they will be added to the exam score of the corresponding course module. Students cannot earn higher than 100% on any Midterm" exam: any points over 100% are not counted. Grades of "Incomplete": The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the I will automatically be recorded as an F on your transcript. XII. Course Policies: Technology and Media Email: E-mail should be used only when absolutely necessary. Unless stated as urgent, the expected response time is on weekends. Students are recommended to post any questions that they may have about the course materials on the discussion board that will be created on CANVAS for each topic (more details below). Canvas: Supplemental course materials such as power point lectures, videos, diagrams, etc. will be posted on CANVAS. Students are expected to routinely login to check for potential announcements and to participate in the discussion board, where questions on the course materials may be posted and answered by students. The discussion board will be routinely monitored by the course instructor and TAs who will provide the correct answers to any unanswered questions. This is the fastest way to get the answers to any questions in immunology. In case of technical problems that may be encountered with CANVAS, students may contact USF's IT department at (813) 974-1222 or help@usf.edu. Laptop Usage: The use of laptops is not allowed during the on-campus exams. Phone Usage: Phone use is not allowed during the exams. Other electronics: are prohibited during the exams XIII. Course Policies: Student Expectations Disability Access: Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with Students with Disabilities Services to arrange appropriate accommodations, such as when taking on-campus exam. Students are required to give reasonable notice prior to requesting an accommodation. Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Reporting: USF is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence (USF System Policy 0-004). The USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention is a confidential resource where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you without having to report your situation to either the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSSR) or the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity (DIEO), unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX and under the USF System Policy, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you disclose any of these situations in class, in papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it to OSSR or DIEO for investigation. Contact the USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention: (813) 974-5757.
Missed optional quizzes. There will be no make-up for missed optional quizzes under any circumstances. Missed exams: Students missing an exam without the permission of the instructor will be automatically assigned a score of 0. Students who miss an exam for an excusable reason (medical, legal, accidental, funerary) must inform the instructor and provide the supporting documents, and they will be allowed to take a make-up exam, preferably within one week. Professionalism Policy: Per university policy and classroom etiquette; mobile phones, ipods, etc. must be silenced during all classroom and lab lectures. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom immediately so as to not disrupt the learning environment. Please arrive on time for all class meetings. Students who habitually disturb the class by talking, arriving late, etc., and have been warned may suffer a reduction in their final class grade. Academic Conduct Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. If you are uncertain as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the University of South Florida's Student Handbook for further details. Violations of these rules will result in a record of the infraction being placed in your file and receiving a zero on the work in question AT A MINIMUM. At the instructor s discretion, you may also receive a failing grade for the course. Confirmation of such incidents can also result in expulsion from the University End of Semester Student Evaluations: All classes at USF make use of an online system for students to provide feedback to the University regarding the course. These surveys will be made available at the end of the semester, and the University will notify you by email when the response window opens. Your participation is highly encouraged and valued. The results of student feedback are sent to departments and faculty members only after semester grades are already submitted, and student responses are reported only anonymously and in the aggregate to faculty. Campus Emergencies: In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to Canvas and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It s the responsibility of the student to monitor the Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information. X. Important Dates to Remember: *All the dates and assignments in the schedule are tentative, and can be changed at the discretion of the instructor, in which case students will be notified in a timely fashion. Drop/Add Deadline: Mon, Jan 11-Fri- Jan 15 2016 Withdrawal Deadline W ; no refund & no academic penalty: Sat, March 26, 2016 Spring Break: Mon, March 15th Sat, March 19th Optional Final Examination: Sun, May 1, 12:30-2:00 PM Religious Observances: Students are expected to notify their instructor by the second day of class if they intend to miss any on-campus exams to observe a holy day of their religious faith. The University will reasonably accommodate students religious observances, practices and beliefs. For a current schedule of major religious holidays, see the calendar hosted by the Office of Diversity & Equal Opportunity: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eoa/deo_calendar/default.asp XV. Schedule of Exams and Quizzes: see next page
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1/11 ON: Att. Q, 8 am 1/18 Start ON: Q1, 8 am 1/25 Start ON: Q2, 8 am 2/1 ON: Q3 &CSQ, 8 am 2/8 Start ON: Mandatory Quiz 1, 8:00 am 1/12 1/13 1/14 1/15 1/16 OFF: Att.Q, 8 pm 1/19 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23 OFF: Q1, 8 pm 1/26 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/30 OFF: Q2, 8 pm 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 OFF: Q3 & CSQ, 8 pm 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/13 EXAM 1 12:30-2pm OFF: Mandatory Q1, 8 pm 2/15 2/16 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 2/21 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 2/22 ON: Q4, 8 am 2/29 ON: Q5, 8 am 2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 OFF: Q4, 8 pm 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 OFF: Q5, 8 pm 2/28 3/6 3/7 ON: Q6, 8 am 3/8 3/9 3/10 3/11 3/12 OFF: Q6, 8 pm 3/14 3/15 S P R I N G B R E A K 3/18 3/19 3/20 3/13 3/21 ON: Mandatory Quiz 2, 8 am 3/28 ON: Q7, 8 am 4/4 ON: Q8, 8 am 3/22 3/23 3/24 3/25 3/26 EXAM 2 12:30-2:00 pm OFF: Mandatory Quiz 2, 8 pm 3/29 3/30 3/31 4/1 4/2 OFF: Q7, 8 pm 4/5 4/6 4/7 4/8 4/9 OFF: Q8, 8 pm 3/27 4/3 4/10 4/11 ON: Q9, 8 am 4/18 ON: Mand. Quiz 3, 8 am 4/12 4/13 4/14 4/15 4/16 OFF: Q9, 8 pm 4/19 4/20 4/21 4/22 4/23 EXAM 3 OFF: Mand. Q3, 8 pm 4/25 4/26 4/27 Sign-up by e-mail for optional final cumulative exam 4/17 4/24 4/28 4/29 4/30 5/1 Optional Final Cumulative Exam