LISC 400 Neuro-Immune Interactions in Health & Disease
This course is designed to advance critical thinking skills, as well as oral and written communication skills, via an inquiry-based approach in neuroimmunology. Teams of students identify the critical cellular and molecular processes regulating neuro-immune interactions in health and disease. Assessments include presentations and a manuscript.
Minimum 3rd year (Level 3) standing, registration in a LISC/BCHM/BHSc Major or SSP, a GPA of 2.5, and one of [(PHGY 290/3.0 and MICR 270/3.0); LISC 300/3.0; NSCI 323/3.0; NSCI 324/3.0; MICR 360/3.0; MICR 386/3.0].
Note: Priority will be given to students with 4th year (level 4) standing.
After completing LISC 400, students, as individuals and a member of a team, will be able to:
- Accumulate relevant scientific evidence through scholarly review of the neuroimmunology literature and critically evaluate the content as it relates to the proposed topic
- Identify gaps in knowledge and/or paradoxes and/or obstacles in the collected neuroimmunology literature with regard to limitations in resolving fundamental questions in the specific area under study
- Communicate (verbal and written) their knowledge, insights and a conceptual framework to their peers and a lay audience; providing justification/rationale that investigation of the critical issues they have identified provide a constructive strategy to advance the field of neuroimmunology
- Capitalize on the power of group dynamics, to support and advocate for team members, and manage diverse opinions and personalities
- Provide thoughtful, logical and innovative questions to the projects proposed by other groups
Assessment 1 and 2: Full Presentations (25% each)
Groups will prepare two presentations (20 + 10 min Q&A) as follows:
- Presentation in the format of a 4th year lecture providing the contribution of their assigned cell to the healthy state of the central nervous system.
- Presentation in the format of a 4th year lecture providing the contribution of their assigned cell to a specific disease state of the central nervous system (as determined by students at the start of the term).
Assessment 3: Short Presentation (10%)
Groups are randomly re-assigned after completion of the second assessment to integrate their findings in the context of a specific disease, decided upon at the start of the term. The new groups will prepare a short (10 +10 min Q&A) as follows:
- Integrating evidence from two or more cell types presented in the course in the context of neuroimmunity.
Assessment 4 – Final Written Report (40%)
Each group will submit a 5-page research grant proposal, written in the CIHR format, for final assessment
Students can expect to spend approximately 12 hours a week (135 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for LISC 400.