Overview
This advanced course examines host immune responses to sexually transmitted infections and their implications for disease progression, persistence, and diagnostic interpretation. Topics include mucosal barrier biology, innate and adaptive immunity, antigen presentation, protective antibodies, T-cell responses, inflammation, immunopathology, immune evasion, latency, vaccine targets, and the effects of immunosuppression.
Laboratory practice focuses on high-complexity diagnostic workflows, including nucleic acid extraction and amplification, multiplex testing, sequencing or genotyping, culture and identification, serology, direct detection, and point-of-care methods. Students assess assay performance and quality systems, troubleshoot specimen and analytical problems, interpret discordant or indeterminate findings, and formulate evidence-based, patient-centered reports.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain how host immunity and pathogen immune evasion influence STI acquisition, persistence, severity, and diagnostic results.
- Design and assess diagnostic testing workflows that account for pathogen biology, immune status, specimen timing, and assay performance.
- Evaluate assay performance, limitations, validation data, and laboratory quality indicators.
- Troubleshoot common pre-analytical and analytical problems, including issues involving limited or degraded specimens.
- Interpret advanced microbiologic, serologic, and molecular evidence, including discordant, indeterminate, and unexpected results.
- Apply biosafety, quality-assurance, and proficiency-testing principles in diagnostic laboratory practice.
- Formulate evidence-based, patient-centered laboratory reports and recommendations, including appropriate repeat, confirmatory, or alternative testing.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Immunology and pathogen case analysis. | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Diagnostic workflow and assay evaluation report. | 25.00% |
| Test | Practical laboratory assessment. | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination covering immunology, diagnostic interpretation, and quality practice. | 40.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
