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n.BA.BT.MB3I2.23HS (Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2) 
Module: Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2
This information was generated on: 07 November 2025
No.
n.BA.BT.MB3I2.23HS
Title
Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2
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 5th 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
Entrance Requirements Completion of Molecular Biology 2 and Immunology 1
Learning Outcomes and Competencies The lectures enable students to systematically analyze complex immunological and molecular biological processes, evaluate experimental data and apply them in clinical and biotechnological contexts.

In the field of immunology, students are able to describe, analyze and functionally classify molecular and cellular mechanisms such as the diversity of antibodies and T-cell receptors, MHC-dependent immune responses and signaling pathways in allergic reactions in detail. They plan immunological tests and assays, critically evaluate experimental results and apply their knowledge to clinical issues, e.g. transplant rejection, immunosuppression and allergic reactions. They are also able to evaluate therapeutic strategies and make targeted use of immunological tools such as fluorescence microscopy and antibody tests.

In the field of molecular biology, students acquire in-depth knowledge of the application of modern techniques such as the CRISPR-Cas method for precise gene editing. They understand the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, analyze its development and spread and evaluate countermeasures. In addition, they deal with innovative approaches such as the use of bacteriophages and endolysins as antimicrobial agents for therapy and diagnostics.

Upon completion, students will be able to critically evaluate immunological and molecular biological challenges, develop scientifically sound solutions and apply their knowledge in a practice-oriented manner.
Module Content
  • Antibody formation, affinity/avidity, isotype switching, T-cell receptor diversity, B-cell development.
  • Mechanisms of allergic reactions (IgE, mast cells), differences between immediate and late phase reactions, genetic/environmental factors, asthma, anaphylaxis.
  • Transplant immunology: MHC polymorphisms, direct/indirect alloantigen recognition, types of rejection, immunosuppression, blood groups and rhesus factor.
  • Planning of immunological assays, cell and protein analysis, isolation of specific cell types, use of modern biotechnological tools.
  • Mechanisms of immune tolerance
  • Antibody-and cell-based immunotherapies
  • Explanation and potential of the CRISPR-Cas9 technique through examples
  • The antibiotic resistance problem, antibiotic classes, resistance mechanisms and countermeasures
  • Bacteriophages as natural enemies of bacteria: Applications in therapy and diganostics and genetically modified phages
  • Endolysins as antibacterial proteins: Mechanism of action, modular engineering and examples of application
Follow-up Modules -
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 Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, Elsevier, 10. Edition (5. Juli 2021)

 

Note

Course: Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2
No.
n.BA.BT.MB3I2.23HS.V
Title
Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology 2

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 07 November 2025.