This course examines the current research development in immunology through the discussion of research papers around selected specific topics with an emphasis on the acquisition of research skills via the critical analysis of contemporary immunologic concepts and information. The course is offered yearly or once every two years in the fall semester. Course coordinated by Dr. Xing and co-instructed by Dr. Wan and Dr. Xing, along with Dr. Ashkar, Dr. Bowdish, Dr. Kaushic, Dr. Stampfli and Dr. Yang.

This course is aimed at students who have a background in immunology and want to gain in-depth understanding about current topics in mucosal immunology. It is designed to encourage students to learn how to research, discuss and evaluate current information, in order to form cogent arguments and opinions about scientific topics. Selected topics in mucosal immunology will be discussed in the form of themes. Students will gain a clear and thorough understanding of each theme through literature research, discussion and debates, and will express part of their new understanding in an opinion paper. The course will emphasize research advancements in the areas of immune mechanisms within mucosal tissues, resistance and pathogenesis of microbial infection, and microbial flora and immune regulation in mucosal tissue. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms and concepts that currently drive leading research in mucosal immunology. This course runs in the fall with course coordinator/instructors: D. Snider and C. Kaushic.

In this course, selected advanced topics will be covered using specific examples from the scientific literature. Students will take turns presenting papers for discussion. Topics will include molecular mechanisms used by viruses in their replication cycle, how viruses interact and manipulate the host cell, as well as aspects of pathogenicity and the use of viral vectors for gene therapy. The course runs in the fall semester, co-coordinated by Dr. Mahony and Dr. Mossman.

This graduate course is offered within the Infection and Immunity Division of the Medical Sciences Graduate Program and is taught by Dr. Mark McDermott. MS770 is designed to bring students who have never studied the subject to a level in the fall term such that they will be fully qualified to enroll in any of our other graduate immunology courses. The course, which spans about 36 hours, includes the principal aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, mucosal immunity, delayed-type hypersensitivities, allergy and immunochemistry. Enrollment is limited to about 10 students for academic credit and permission of the instructor is required. Other members of the McMaster community, such as postdoctoral research fellows, technologists, and senior undergraduate students are welcome on a non-credit, course audit basis. These individuals are also asked to contact Dr. McDermott so an appropriate classroom can be secured. The course includes about 20-25 hours of PowerPoint-supported lectures. An opportunity to prepare a written report exploring an immunological topic of interest and to present this orally will take place in the latter portion of the course. Dr. McDermott will provide close guidance/mentoring in respect to the essay preparation and oral presentation. A working undergraduate level knowledge cell biology is desirable.