EventoWeb
Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften
Menu Home User Menu
Not registered Login
[ German (Switzerland) German (Switzerland) ]   [ English ]
[ de de ]   [ en ]
Not registered Login
n.BA.BT.MB2I1.22HS (Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1) 
Module: Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1
This information was generated on: 06 September 2026
No.
n.BA.BT.MB2I1.22HS
Title
Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1
Credits
2

Description

Version: 3.0 start 01 August 2025

 

Study Programme Biotechnology
Regulations Applicable RPO, 29 January 2008, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Academic Regulations, 15 Dec. 2009, Annex for the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree programme
Module Type  
X Compulsory Module    Elective Module    Optional Module
Planned Semester 4th Semester
Module Coordinator Mathias Schmelcher
Telephone / E-Mail +41 (0)58 934 57 49 / mathias.schmelcher@zhaw.ch
Lecturer(s),
Speaker(s),
Associate(s)		 Mathias Schmelcher, Steffi Lehmann, Jack Rohrer, and Ramon Eichenberger
Entrance Requirements Molecular Biology 1, Cell Biology 1 and Cell Culture Technology 1, Pharmacology
Learning Outcomes and Competencies The lectures enable students to gain a sound understanding of immunological and molecular biological processes, to analyze experimental data and to apply them in clinical and biotechnological contexts.

Students can explain the importance of the immune system for human health, explain the functions of the innate and adaptive immune system and name the central cell types and tissues, including their formation and functions in the immune response. They can describe the structure and function of antibodies and the mechanisms of antibody and T-cell receptor diversity and explain how the high binding specificity arises.

In addition, they can analyze the development and activation of B and T cells, including key processes such as clonal selection, somatic hypermutation, isotype switching and the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance. Students will be able to explain antigen presentation via MHC class I and II molecules, describe the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and co-stimulators in T cell activation and evaluate the importance of MHC variability.

They are able to plan and carry out immunological assays such as ELISA, Western blot, FACS and immunofluorescence and to interpret the results of these methods. They will also be able to design concepts for the production of vaccines.

The production and purification of antibodies and their application are also part of the students' skills. They can develop strategies for producing monoclonal antibodies using hybridoma technology and for producing partially humanized antibodies. They can also explain applications of antibodies and antibody variants in diagnostics and therapy.

After completing the module, students will be able to analyze immunological and molecular biological questions in detail and evaluate experimental data in a well-founded manner.
Module Content Overview of the human immune system: innate and acquired immune response. Responsible cells and organs of the immune system
 
Structure and composition of antibodies and T cell receptors
 
Cell-mediated immune response by T cells, and the importance of B cells as producers of antibodies for the humoral immune response
 
Antigen processing and presentation through MHC class I and class II molecules
 
Activation of B cells as antigen-presenting cells through the type 2 T helper cells with the involvement of the corresponding cytokines
 
Defense against parasites, parasite-host interaction using the example of helminths
 
Application:
 
Hybridoma technology as a method for the production of a monoclonal antibody starting from an antigen
 
Production of chimeric antibodies

Applications of antibodies and antibody variants within diagnostics and treatments
 
Overview of therapeutic antibodies
 
Overview of the different types of vaccines, together with examples
In-depth look at what happens during a vaccination reaction
Follow-up Modules Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2
Methods of Instruction  Lectures and exercises
Digital Resources Teaching resources via Moodle
Lesson Structure / Workload  
 Contact Hours 20
 Guided Self-Study 8
 Independent Self-Study 32
 Total Workload 60
Classroom Attendance Recommended
Assessment
Written exam at the end of the semester (100%)
 
If there is a low number of participants, the lecturer may change the form of a repeat examination after consultation with the head of the study programme: e.g. an oral examination can be used to replace a written one. Please report any changes to the form of examinations by e-mail to pruefungsadmin.lsfm@zhaw.ch and Cc. Head of study programme
Language of Instruction  German
Comments Teaching materials:

PowerPoint slides from Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1 module.

Selection of books for further reading:

Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, Elsevier, 10th edition (July 5, 2021)

Janeway, Immunology, by Kenneth Murphy, Casey Weaver, 2018 Springer Spektrum
 

 

Note

Course: Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1
No.
n.BA.BT.MB2I1.22HS.V
Title
Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 06 September 2026.