BIOL 357: Comparative & Ecological Immunology

Comparative and Ecological Immunology is an advanced undergraduate-level course that explores the philosophy of immunology, the evolution of immune systems, and the integration of ecological and evolutionary concepts important for biomedicine. By comparing different systems from viruses, bacteria, plants, nematodes, insects, and vertebrates, students will gain perspective on the development and function of immune systems. The course will cover the emerging concepts of biological individuality (self and the microbiome) and models of immune development and response. Intended to complement, but not to replace, a course in human immunology, students will learn about trade-offs with immune function, and how immunological responses of individuals scale up to the population and ecosystem levels by exerting influence on pathogen transmission. In particular, comparative sickness behaviors, social distancing, and pathogen avoidance behaviors will be one focal topic. Traditional components of immunological study will be contextualized within model systems forming the core of the course (taxonomic and anatomical comparative immunology) and include mucosal immunity, neuroimmunology, innate immune priming, and adaptive immunity.