MSc Coordinator of the Master in Immunology

MSc Coordinator of the Immunology Master: 

Prof. Dr. Burkhard Becher & Prof. Dr. Christian Münz

Study Coordinator of the MSc in Biology: Dr. Karin Isler

The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and tissues, dedicated to the defence of the host against pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The initial evolutionary function of immunity was to protect the host from pathogenic insults. The mammalian immune system is also involved in the fight against endogenous threats such as cancer and aids wound healing and tissue repair. The complexity of the immune system however is not fail-safe and erroneous self-attacks leading to autoimmune diseases are common. The vast majority of human diseases involve the integrated functions of our immune system and immunology is no longer a field which only studies host-pathogen interactions, but evolved into a central pillar of life science research. Immunologists study the role of individual cellular and humoral members of the immune system and their interplay during an immune response. In the Master's program in Immunology, students obtain detailed insight into state-of-the-art immunological methods combined with insights into fundamental questions of how the immune system works.

MASTER'S DEGREE COURSE

The central element of this program is a 4 week practical block course in immunology (BIO 430). The student learns how to analyse and isolate human blood cells and leukocytes from murine lymphoid tissues and studies their interactions in vitro and in vivo. The student will learn basic immunological technologies such a multiparameter flow cytometry, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays and the use of molecular analysis technologies. In research projects, students get to know the different research groups and the genetic methods they use. The students expand on this knowledge in additional, freely selectable modules (lectures and courses on subjects including cancer, microbiology, virology, autoimmunity). In their Master's thesis, students experimentally investigate a biological or medical question in one of the research groups involved in this Master's program. The student develops a solid foundation leading to a mechanistic understanding of immunity at the cellular and molecular level but also in animals and humans.

GUIDELINES

Mandatory courses

Recommended courses

Master’s thesis in Immunology: BIO 515.

 

RESEARCH GROUPS

• Burkhard Becher
• Christian Münz
• Maries van den Broek
• Melanie Greter
• Lynn Wong
• Jan Lünemann
• Nicole Joller
• Salomé LeibundGut
• Cezmi Akdis
• Onur Boyman
• Roberto Speck
• Tobias Suter
• Anne Müller