The world is thrilled with the arrival of vaccines to protect us from the infection of Covid-19, but have you ever wondered who creates these vaccines and also all the other vaccines for various diseases? How are these vaccines created? How can you become a part of this innovation?
If you have thought about these questions in your mind and are intrigued to be a part of this explorative field, then a degree in Immunology is the first step towards achieving your goals. This article will guide through the basic understanding of immunology and the top universities offering immunology degrees in Australia.
What is Immunology?
Video credit: UAB
Immunology is a branch of biomedical science or science focused on the study of the complex immune system against health and disease. This field is essential to human health as it provides the reasoning of how vaccination protects humans from vicious diseases as well as plays a major role in treating diseases such as allergy, autoimmunity and cancer.
The immune system plays a vital role in protecting our body from pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Any sort of distortion in the immune system could lead to diseases such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. There are three types of immune systems, which are innate, adaptive and passive.
Innate – Innate or natural immunity is the body’s forefront defence which we are born with. For instance, our skin acts as a barrier to avoid bacteria entering the body. The immune system detects foreign organisms and prevents them from harming our body.
Adaptive – Adaptive immunity is also known as acquired immunity that we develop throughout our lives. Adaptive immunity is developed when we are exposed to diseases or when we’re protected from them with vaccines.
Passive – Passive immunity is provided from another source for a short period of time. For example, antibodies in a mother’s breast milk provide temporary immunity for infants to avoid the attack of diseases the mother has been exposed to.
What Does an Immunologist Do?
An immunologist basically deals with the problems related to the immune system such as allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. Immunologists study and analyse the functions of the immune system, environmental factors affecting its function, how immune system disorders occur, and how such diseases can be treated. Immunologists may work either in the laboratory, conducting research or directly work with patients in the healthcare field.
Responsibilities of immunologists in the laboratory include;
- Designing, planning and conducting experiments.
- Develop and test hypotheses using proper analytical techniques.
- Analysing and interpreting data.
- Writing lab reports and reviews.
- Ensure sufficient laboratory purchasing and inventory maintenance.
- Create proposals for further development tests.
- Keep track of the current research within the field.
Responsibilities of patient-based immunologists include;
- Diagnosing and treating patients with immune disorders or allergies.
- Consulting on medicines and treatments for patients with immunological conditions.
- Work alongside medical professionals to discuss patient tests and treatment plans.
- Recommend additional tests to help with the diagnostic process.
- Educating medical staff about tests and treatments regarding immunology.
Core Subjects Taught in Immunology Degree
The study of immunology entails an in-depth understanding of the components, principles and mechanisms of a healthy immune system, and how they coordinate to mount safe and appropriate protection against infections. Core subjects offered in immunology degree includes as follows;
- Biology
- Principles of immunology
- Molecular and cellular immunology
- Medical & applied immunology
- Microbiology: Bacteriology
- Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases
Career Opportunities with Immunology Degree
Immunology degree graduates may find jobs in several including health services, pharmaceutical, environmental and so forth. The job roles may vary depending on the industry they work for.
Health care
Clinical immunologists are responsible for treating patients with immune system disorders and developing new test methods. They work on research and innovation to ensure patients receive the best healthcare services.
Pharmaceutical
Immunologists in the pharmaceutical line work in developing or modifying medical products and treatment methods. Furthermore, they are responsible for prescribing appropriate drugs and therapies to patients with autoimmune disease.
Environmental
Environmental immunologists focus on the immune systems of wildlife, where they carry out experiments to analyse immune responses affecting environmental pollutants and the molecular mechanisms behind these effects.
Veterinary Science
Immunologists in animal health care typically conduct researches in preventing animals from disease and come up with treatments for those animals affected by various infections and immunological disorders.
Academic Entry Requirement to Study Immunology degree in Australia
|
STPM |
Minimum grade B in three subjects (Including English Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics) |
|
A-Levels |
Grade range from CCC to AAA |
|
UEC |
A minimum score of B4 in 5 best subjects |
|
ATAR |
A minimum score of 75 points |
|
International Baccalaureate (IB) |
A minimum score of 27 points |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
English Requirement to Study Immunology degree in Australia
|
IELTS |
Overall 6.5 with 6.0 in each sub-band |
|
TOEFL |
An overall score of 79 points with speaking:18, writing: 21, listening: 12, reading: 12 |
|
PTE |
Overall 58 points with 50 in each sub-band |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top Universities to Study Immunology Degree in Australia
#1 University of Melbourne
Image credit: University of Melbourne
Ranked #1 life science and medicine course in Australia and 22nd in the world for QS subject ranking, the University of Melbourne allows students to study the development and clinical use of new immune-based treatments for cancer and infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases and the prevention of transplantation dysfunctions.
|
Program |
|
|
Major |
Immunology |
|
Intake (2021) |
March & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $41,912 – $45,944 |
#2 Monash University
Image credit: Monash University
Monash University ranks #2 in life science and medicine course in QS World Rankings. The program equips students with an in-depth understanding of the physical, cellular and molecular processes associated with the development of pathologies through both theory and practical-based work.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Science (Immunology) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $43,500 |
#3 University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Image credit: University of New-South Wales
UNSW believes that a detailed study of immunology, pathology and microbiology will prepare students to approach cutting edge research in the field as well as for the diagnosis and management of common immune-related clinical scenarios that students may well encounter in their careers.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February, May & September |
|
Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $47,850 |
#4 University of Western Australia (UWA)
Image credit: University of Western Australia
Studying at UWA grants students a thorough understanding of the functions, importance and impact of microbes. Students will also develop the fundamental techniques of cell and molecular biologies such as culturing techniques for the isolation and characterisation of bacteria, the use of microscopy for the identification of microbes, and data recording.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology & Immunology) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
Duration |
3 years (Full-time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $40,100 |
#5 James Cook University (JCU)
Image credit: James Cook University
Students will develop the skills and knowledge in the study of epidemiology, molecular genetics, cell biology, and advanced immunobiology. Students will also study the theories of infectious diseases and tropical microbes. The combined study of microbiology and immunology allows graduates the option to apply for membership in the Australian Society of Microbiology.
|
Program |
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology and Immunology) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February |
|
Duration |
3 years (Full-time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $34,480 |
Contact us to find out more!
Student enquiries:
Call/Whatsapp: +60182414802
Email: [email protected]
For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram
Need help with your uni application? Connect with us here
About the Author
Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion..