BIOL 364 - Neuroimmunology

The immune and nervous systems are two of the body’s most complex, beautiful and surprising physiologies. Their intersection has, in recent years, become a point of great interest for biomedical researchers and clinical investigators alike. In this course, we will begin an exploration of some of the fascinating aspects of this emerging discipline. We will use the primary literature, case reports and medical narratives to investigate the intersections of the immune and nervous systems in a variety of diseases and disorders. While much of traditional clinical neuroimmunology has focused on the treatment of immunological disorders that affect the nervous system, today the field is rich with breakthrough understandings of how the nervous and immune systems work together to maintain balance in the body and mind. In our class, we will examine collaboratively chosen topics/areas where these systems work together as a springboard for such mechanistic understandings. Our broad course goals are to 1) Understand cellular and molecular neuroimmunological mechanisms, 2) Disrupt traditional discourses around mental health, and 3) Tell accessible, engaging stories of science. Three lecture hours each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 190 and BIOL 200; CHEM 112 or CHEM 115; junior or senior standing Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)