In Immunology we study how mammals, especially humans, have evolved networks of cells and molecules to protect themselves from disease. We discuss both the fundamental concepts, and their application, for instance in developing new vaccines. We also discuss what happens when the immune system goes wrong, causing cancer or inflammatory disease, and new ways of harnessing the immune system to treat these conditions. We help our students to gain a strong suite of transferrable skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the immune system.
This is one of the few programmes in the UK which offer an Honours degree focusing solely on immunology for two years (years 3 and 4). The degree is taught by a team of internationally-recognised researchers, who are all experts in immunology. The course is one of the longest-running immunology courses in the UK, having been established over 40 years ago. This is the only course in the UK where students study immunology full-time for two years. We run residential study trips to locations outside Glasgow in both third year (SCENE) and final year (The Burn). About 25% of our students take advantage of the MSci degree, where they go on a year-long work placement.
Our flexible Life Sciences degrees challenge you to apply the theory of the classroom in practical situations, in the lab or in the field. We offer an extremely wide range of courses in human and animal biology, biomolecular sciences, infection and immunity. Our aim is to offer internationally competitive degrees that meet the needs of today's science graduates. To achieve this aim, we utilise the research and teaching strengths of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences to provide our graduates with the skills necessary for success in any chosen career. We have a large and diverse student body, which includes Scottish, UK, EU and international students. We regularly welcome visiting and exchange students, and we believe in the many advantages our students gain from adding an international dimension to their studies.
Many graduates continue to postgraduate Masters or PhD studies, or enter medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. Research-based career destinations include universities and research institutes and industry, and clinical research and diagnostic work in hospital laboratories. Many go on to a career in other fields of science, such as infection biology, and cancer or cardiovascular research, or areas such as teaching, scientific journalism, business and the Civil Service.