Program Highlighted | Immunology
Interview with | Jasmine Wong
Date | August 2002

Introduction |

Immunology is a branch of the medical sciences which has recently gained prominence as a field of study in its own right, but which continues to draw on the more traditional disciplines of Microbiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry. Immunology is the study of the physiological responses which result when foreign (ie. non-self) materials are introduced into a vertebrate organism such as man. Traditionally, the discipline has focussed on the body's response to infectious micro-organisms, with the purpose of developing effective vaccines. However, the scope of modern Immunology now encompasses all aspects of self vs. non-self recognition phenomena including organ transplantation, tumour immunology, autoimmune diseases and allergy. Recent major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response, as well as the complex genetic mechanisms it requires, promise to provide us with a new generation of prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic reagents of relevance to human and animal health.

The emphasis of the Specialist in Immunology program is to provide students with a sound theoretical understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of non-self recognition, together with sufficient laboratory experience to enable the students to consider embarking on a career in the discipline. Students are required to complete 14.0 credits for the Specialist program. These include introductory, first-year courses, some second-year biology, chemistry and biochemistry courses, as well as senior immunology courses. Course outlines and lecture notes for a number of these courses are available on the Immunology website.

Research opportunities are available, and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with faculty research areas. As well, students will find the collection of reference textbooks and other reading materials related to Immunology in the Trinity College Library to be most useful. Students are welcome to join or participate in events sponsored by the Immunology Students' Association. Inquiries can be sent to: rico@trinity.utoronto.ca.

Interview | Jasmine Wong

Jasmine Wong is a fourth year, Innis College Immunology student. For the complete interview click here.

For furher information about the program in University of Toronto and beyond, click here.