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Immunology

Hello, just wondering anyone who has studied or is studying immunology what is your thoughts on the course and future career. I am highly interested in studying the subject but I am interested to know how others are finding the course and the career prospects after graduating?

Thanks

Reply 1

Iscariot

11

Biomedical sciences has an immunology component and most people I've spoken to who have done modules on it say it's harder than nails. I supposed if your entire degree is aimed toward it then maybe it's easier to manage.

Reply 2

Gary10k

OP

13

Ye i plan on having immunology as my honours, well thats the idea...

Reply 3

graemematt

12

Good luck mate, it's nails. You will need to know all about cytokines, which do what, different Ig molecules, when they're expressed, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, etc etc...

But it is VERY interesting :smile:

Reply 4

graduatedentist!

5

Immunology becomes much easier once you know a bit more about it! It's a fascinating subject imo... Not really sure that it's all that different to most other biomedical sciences when it comes to graduate opportunities but there's loads going on in research if that tickles your fancy.

Reply 5

iceman_jondoe

18

im doing immunology in my med course atm..its bloody fantastic i absolutely LOVE it!!. Theres quite alot to remember..but once youve got your head around it, its wicked.

Reply 6

Gary10k

OP

13

graduatedentist!

... Not really sure that it's all that different to most other biomedical sciences when it comes to graduate opportunities .

How do you mean? Is there a lot, or not a lot of graduate oppertunties?

Reply 7

Democracy

21

I'm doing a unit on Immunity and Infection right now in A2 biology and it's hard...interesting though :smile:

I also did one of my work experiences in the Royal Free Hospitals Immunology lab...however I would hate to work there, their jobs were so routine and boring, they were running tests all day, which basically means slotting samples into machines and printing off the results all day long.

If you do manage to qualify, don't become a MLSO, go into research or clinical trials or something more interesting than being a hospital lab tech...

Reply 8

darrenjn5

My honours part of my human bioscience degree is in innate immunology and I have done a couple of modules in the area. Its very interesting, one of those subjects that links in with others to form the bigger picture (e.g. immunology, physiology, neurobiology (pain) etc etc).

It's only hard in the sense that theres shed loads to remember, the concepts aren't difficult to get your head around theres just shed loads of cytokines, other soluble factors and cell-mediated responses that you need to remember.

What I must say, is that whilst I find the theory fasicinating, the lab work becomes very tedious (well, for me at least) - pipetting is my recurring nightmare at the moment - and so a career as a immunologist is not for me. Maybe a clinical immunologist once I finish my medical degree though!

Reply 9

fairy spangles

1

Immunology is my favourite subject ever!! Theres a load to remember but i wrote my dissertation on it and got right into my project - i did biomed!
U can remember the cytokines and cell mediated factors once u have got into it makes perfect sence for me. Infact for my finals i actually made up a song it helps - ohdear admitted that in public!!

Reply 10

Democracy

21

KrazyKid197

*ahem* Firstly. There's no longer a post known as an MLSO.

And I love my job, don't knock it just because it's not your thing.

And there are so many different labs you can work in as a BMS, not just Immunology (I rotate to train and am in the 8th lab.), plus there are research opportunities as a BMS. I start a project Monday morning on VWD in a Haemophilia lab, to hopefully be published in a Haematology journal.

In response to the OP though, it's a moot point, because you can't become a BMS with an Immunology degree.

*ahem* It's still a free country and I can express my opinion, and I thought it was boring and routine to work in an Immunology lab. Those are just my observations and I wasn't "knocking" your job (just disliking it :rolleyes:

) , and I resent the accusation.

I'm glad you like your job, (after all, the people who worked there did) but it just wasn't for me. If everyone thought the same, life would be boring no? :smile:

Reply 11

Democracy

21

KrazyKid197

I took the, don't become a MLSO, go into research or clinical trials or something more interesting than being a hospital lab tech

Again, just my personal opinion from a period of observation. No offence meant, and I definitely didn't mean to insinuate the job you guys do is less imporant or skilled or whatever :smile: