Immunology is an integrative branch of the medical sciences that draws upon the more traditional disciplines of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry. In essence, Immunology is the study of the physiological responses that result when foreign (i.e., non-self) materials are introduced into a vertebrate organism such as humans. Traditionally, the discipline has focused on the body's response to infectious micro-organisms, with the purpose of developing effective vaccines. However, the scope of modern Immunology now encompasses all aspects of self vs. non-self recognition phenomena including organ transplantation, tumour immunology and autoimmune diseases. Recent major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response promise to provide us with a new generation of prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic reagents of relevance to human and animal health.The Department of Immunology, in collaboration with Trinity College, co-ordinates specialist, major, and minor programs in Immunology. The emphasis of the specialist program is to provide students with a sound theoretical understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of non-self recognition, together with sufficient laboratory experience to enable the students to consider embarking on a career in the discipline. The major and minor programs offer students fundamental training in Immunology and gives them the opportunity to combine Immunology with another program in Life Sciences, Basic Sciences, or within the Arts.Immunologists may have careers in universities and other centres of learning and research, as well as in the biotechnology industries, diagnostic laboratories and various government agencies. Courses in this specialist program are drawn from offerings by the Department, together with courses from other Departments, taught in some cases by members of the Department of Immunology. As enrolment in the specialist and major programs are restricted, please consult specific requirements outlined in the program description section.