Immunobiology

Immunology is the study of defence mechanisms that protect individuals against infections and cancers. Immunobiology draws together immunology and biology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology and physiology. Studies in immunology are leading to advances in clinical medicine, including understanding allergies, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and insulin-dependent diabetes, and the development of new vaccines.

Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology website

Infectious diseases and immunology at Sydney

The Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology teaches in the Sydney medical and dental graduate programs, as well as the Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Science degrees.

At Sydney, the immunology expertise lies in the areas of study of both microorganisms and immunological responses to infection. Our research programs aim to contribute directly to improving the health of the Australian and international community by undertaking research targeting current problems, trials of new drugs and vaccines. Many of the research programs involve formal and informal collaboration with colleagues in other university disciplines, teaching hospitals and Commonwealth and State Departments of Health.

What do immunobiologists do?

Immunobiological techniques are widely used in disciplines such as biochemistry, endocrinology, microbiology and molecular biology and genetics. Graduates may proceed to honours and postgraduate study or they may find employment as immunologists in hospitals, in public and industry research laboratories specialising in immunology, cell biology and biotechnology, and in other biomedical sciences such as pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and molecular biology.

What will you study?

You may complete a major in immunobiology at the normal or advanced level.

To major in immunobiology, you will complete 12 credit points of third year study in immunology plus 12 credit points from third year units of study in biochemistry, biology, cell pathology, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, physiology or virology. Concurrent study in these life science disciplines will add a depth of understanding in a particular aspect of immunology. You are invited to consult with the course coordinator and elective unit of study coordinators before selecting concurrent study units and should note that a unit of study taken as part of the immunobiology major cannot count towards a major in another science discipline area.