This course bridges immunology and engineering, offering graduate students and upper-level undergraduates an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of harnessing the power of the immune system for medical advancements.
As the field of biomedical engineering continues to evolve, it is imperative for future engineers to grasp the complexities of the immune system to develop revolutionary therapeutics and diagnostics. BIOMEDE 599-018: Special Topics in Immunoengineering, an innovative course designed by BME Assistant Professors Maria Coronel and Aaron Morris, bridges immunology and engineering, offering graduate students and upper-level undergraduates an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of harnessing the power of the immune system for medical advancements.
Drs. Coronel and Morris developed the class to address an area of increasing interest. “We wanted to bring in a course that could bridge engineering principles and materials with the field of immunology,” says Dr. Coronel. “It’s about understanding how the immune system communicates and setting rules to manipulate it, either ex vivo or in vivo, for various diseases.”
Structure and Content
The course is divided into two primary segments to cater to students with varying backgrounds. The first half serves as an introduction to basic immunology principles, providing a necessary foundation for those unfamiliar with the subject, and also acting as a refresher for students who have previously tackled traditional immunology courses. The second half shifts gears to focus on an engineering perspective, providing more focus on the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics.
Dr. Morris elaborates, “The crash course in immunology spans about six weeks. While some students have a deep understanding of immunology, most do not. It’s essential for students to have a firm grasp of basics to think creatively and engineer new solutions.” This initial phase ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the necessary knowledge to engage meaningfully with the more advanced engineering aspects of the course.
Dynamic Teaching and Evolution
Designed as a collaborative effort, both professors contributed to the course content and structure, developing lectures and crafting the overall vision together. While the semester teaching assignment alternates between the two, the approach remains cohesive. In its inaugural session in Fall 2023, Dr. Morris taught the course. The 30-student class was a mix of graduate students and upper-level undergraduates, with a new cap of 25 for the incoming Winter 2025 session to allow more focused interaction.
“Teaching the course offered crucial insights,” Dr. Morris reflects. “Journal clubs discussing contemporary literature in immunoengineering were packed with information, but we might need to adjust the quantity of presentations for more thorough discussions next time.”
Dr. Coronel said that there will be an eventual evolution of the course. “The core structure is sound, but I’m considering adding workshops on analyzing immune data,” she said. “Whether students proceed to academia or industry, understanding flow cytometry or RNA-seq data analysis is invaluable.”
Practical Relevance and Application
One of the most distinctive features of BIOMEDE 599-018 is its focus on practical applications. Integrating engineering principles with immunological knowledge allows students to explore real-world problems and innovate solutions. According to Dr. Morris, the engineering portion is highly translational and practical. “We discuss new vaccines, drugs for autoimmunity, and various other applications,” he noted. “It’s about making things that manipulate the immune system.”
Dr. Coronel emphasized the broad scope of conditions that are covered, from cancer to pathogen responses, without diving too deeply into specifics. “We want students to synthesize knowledge broadly from various areas,” she said. “Whether they end up in academia or industry, this course prepares them for the next step.”
A Look to the Future
The evolving field of immunology means the course will continue to grow and adapt. “As new technologies and methodologies emerge, so will the content of our course,” says Dr. Coronel. Both professors agree on the necessity of this adaptability, ensuring students integrate the latest discoveries in the field.
Perhaps one of the most popular components of the course is the readings—originally Dr. Coronel’s idea—from a pop science book called The Beautiful Cure, by Daniel Davis, which provides the history of immunology and immune therapies. It situates the course in a broader historical context, enriching the academic experience.
Conclusion
By merging the fundamentals of immunology with advanced engineering applications, Drs. Coronel and Morris have created a curriculum that is not only relevant, but crucial for addressing modern medical challenges.
This course is a good opportunity for students seeking to engage deeply with the intersection of immunology and engineering. As the world of biomedical engineering continues to advance, this course provides an important building block. As Dr. Morris added, “No matter what field students enter, understanding and considering the immune system is indispensable for their future.”