This assessment accounts for 20% of your grade in this unit.

This will be based on the material covered in lectures, practical classes, quizzes, and any assigned homework from weeks 1-6. There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 10 marks and contains 10 multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 10 marks and consists of 5 short answer questions; Section C is worth 5 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).

You have 1 hour to complete this assessment. The quiz will be open for 12hrs from 9am-9pm Friday week 6. 

This quiz tests knowledge and understanding of class content from 1-6.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment. 

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. 

This tests will test your knowledge of the unit material in an online quiz. This onlinequiz covers week 1-6.

• There are 3 sections. Section A is worth 20 marks and contains 20 Multiple choice questions; Section B is worth 20 marks and consists of 10 short answer questions; Section C is worth 10 marks and consists of 2 long answers of which you are to answer ONLY ONE (1).
• You have 1 hour to complete this assessment. The quiz will be open for 12hrs from 9am-9pm Friday week 6.

Portfolio Assessment – CM17, CL10, CG93 (Lab Attendees)
Title: Immunology Lab Participation Portfolio

Requirements: The on campus/residential laboratory classes are an opportunity to learn and perform clinical diagnostic procedures in immunology. They will provide valuable practical experience in techniques performed in diagnostic clinical laboratories. This portion of the assessment will comprise of laboratory based exercises which will be completed during the Residential School, or during the on campus classes. You are required to complete a series of practical experiments as outlined in the laboratory manual. You will be assessed on your competency while carrying out practical tasks during the residential school/or on campus classes. The laboratory workbook and competencies will be available on the unit Moodle site. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment. As competencies are finalized as you complete laboratory tasks. 

 
Portfolio Assessment – CM60, CM61 (Non-Lab Students)
Title: Immunology Techniques Review Portfolio

Requirements: As a CM60 or CM61 student, you will not attend the on-campus or residential laboratory classes. However, you are still expected to demonstrate foundational competency in immunological diagnostic techniques. This assessment simulates the laboratory experience by providing you with experimental data and images from ELISA, Western Blot, and RT-PCR procedures. You will be required to interpret these results and demonstrate an understanding of the purpose, process, and clinical relevance of each technique. This task reflects the core competencies assessed in the laboratory setting, such as understanding protocols, interpreting diagnostic outcomes, and applying immunological knowledge. All materials and instructions will be available on the unit Moodle site.

FOR BOTH portfolio assessments to receive a PASS grade you will have to achieve a minimum of 75%. 

Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.

No Assessment Criteria

Scenario: The 2032 Haemophilus influenzae Type X Outbreak
In early 2032, a novel strain of Haemophilus influenzae, designated Type X, emerged in the suburb of Toowong, Brisbane, causing a sudden spike in cases of severe respiratory illness and meningitis. Unlike the well-controlled H. influenzae type b (Hib), this new encapsulated strain had unique polysaccharide capsule antigens not covered by existing vaccines.

The outbreak began in a childcare center and rapidly spread through the community, particularly affecting young children and the elderly. Transmission occurred via respiratory droplets, with colonization of the nasopharyngeal mucosa as the initial step. From there, the bacteria could invade the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to bacteremia and meningitis.

This strain exhibited resistance to several first-line antibiotics, prompting urgent public health interventions. The outbreak highlighted the importance of understanding both innate and adaptive immune responses to encapsulated bacteria and the need for novel vaccine development.

Task Summary

You are to prepare a 2000-word outline that explains the innate and adaptive immune responses to a novel strain of Haemophilus influenzae (Type X) and demonstrates how the non-specific and specific arms of the immune system cooperate to mount an effective immune response.

Start with the scenario of someone sneezing or coughing on you, introducing H. influenzae Type X into your respiratory tract. Your outline should:

• Describe the initial physical and chemical barriers (e.g., mucosal epithelium, cilia, antimicrobial peptides).
• Explain the innate immune response, including the roles of macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and the complement system.
• Detail the adaptive immune response, focusing on B cells, antibody production, T cell activation, and the role of lymphoid tissues.
• Highlight the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity, such as antigen presentation, cytokine signaling, and immune cell coordination.
• Conclude with bacterial clearance and the formation of immunological memory, emphasizing how the immune system prepares for future encounters.
• Hint: Most bacteria will be trapped by mucosal defenses before reaching deeper tissues. If they evade these, the immune system escalates its response through coordinated innate and adaptive mechanisms.
• You are encouraged to include diagrams and flowcharts to support your explanation. All images and information from external sources must be properly referenced using peer-reviewed literature.
• Remember that this assessment is worth 50% of your final grade. It will require a significant amount of work to complete, so please do not leave this to the end of the term. Work through it as you learn each part of your immune system WEEK TO WEEK.

Formatting

• A cover page is required. Student name and student number are to be included in the footer.
• Double line spacing must be used.
• Either Arial or Times New Roman (12-point) should be used. 

Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.

The marking rubric will be available on the unit's Moodle site.
Assessment criteria will be based on:

• Knowledge of theory
• Application of foundational concepts
• Correct use of terminology
• Presentation of information
• Referencing

If your assessment item is submitted after the due date/time without an approved extension, it will be penalised 5% per calendar day that it is overdue.