ED Basic Immunology

Basic Immunology (FOKOGEN347_1A)
Compulsory course
Academic year 2026/27, Fall semester (3rd semester)

Course information

The Basic Immunology course is a pre-clinical course for dental students. It introduces the basic characteristics of the immune system, the acquired and adaptive immune responses. It covers the development of the cells and molecules involved in the immune response, the generation of genetic diversity of antigen receptors, and the role of this diversity in an effective immune response.

The course introduces students to the mechanisms of immune regulation in a healthy organism. It also discusses immune processes and their changes in pathological conditions, such as infections, tumors, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and transplantation, with particular emphasis on dental aspects.

The first part of the practical sessions introduces students to the basic methods used to study the function of the immune system, as well as immunological techniques used in routine diagnostic practice, and provides practice in interpreting the results. The second part covers immunomodulatory procedures used in therapy, the basics of vaccination, and commonly used immunotherapeutic methods with clinical examples.

Course Description:

Credits	3credits
Course structure	Lectures every week, 90 minutes; practical sessions every second week, 2 × 45 minutes
Lectures schedule	Once a week, 90 minutes Monday, 10:00 – 11:30, EOK Beznák Hall
Practices	Every second week, 2 × 45 minutes. Students must attend the practical group assigned in Neptun; attendance and make-up sessions in another group are not possible.
Holidays / No classes	23 October 2026 (Friday)
Prerequisite subject	Cell Biology, Dental Biochemistry I

Course Instructors and Contact Information:

Educational administration is managed electronically. To discuss matters in person, email to set up an appointment.

Course Instructor: Dr. Marianna Csilla Holub, PhD
Emails must include full name, student number, faculty, and have a descriptive subject line. Average response time: 2 business days. Emails are not checked on weekends or holidays.
Education Administrator: Mária Némethné Molnár
Chairman of the Department: Prof. Dr Edit Buzás, MD, DSc
Website of the Institute: https://semmelweis.hu/gsi/

Conditions for obtaining the signature (Study and Examination Regulations :TVSZ 29.§ (2.)):

Requirement	Minimum
Attendance at practical sessions	At least 75%, including practical sessions held online, if applicable. More than 2 absences result in the refusal of the course signature.
Signature	The lecturer grants the end-of-semester signature based on the recommendation of the practical instructor. The signature can be checked in Neptun during the first week of the examination period.

Attendance/Absences:

Practical session attendance	Students must attend classes in their own Neptun-assigned group. Attendance and make-up sessions in another group are not possible..
Minimum attendance requirement	At least 75% of the practical sessions must be attended.
Attendance registration	Attendance is checked by the practical instructor at every session.
Total absences per semester	A maximum of 3 absences per semester is allowed, regardless of the reason.
Maximum absences per block	Maximum 2 absences per semester, regardless of the reason.
Late arrivals	2 × 10 minutes late = 1 absence; more than 20 minutes late = 1 absence
Attendance records	Students are responsible for keeping track of their own absences. The instructor will provide a summary of absences only at the end of the semester.

Midterm tests

Midterm schedule	Two written tests: 6th and 13th weeks, at the time and place of practical sessions with personal attendance. If no computer room is available, students use their own laptop or iPad. A phone is not suitable because of its screen size.
1st midterm	Odd-week groups: week 5; even-week groups: week 6
2nd midterm	Odd-week groups: week 13; even-week groups: week 14
Test format	Written test, 20 points, 20 minutes, online via exam.semmelweis.hu
Topics	Topics from lectures and practical sessions preceding the test, as indicated in the “Exam” section in Moodle; textbook and e-book material, including text and figures, and presentation material
Postponement / correction	Not possible
Score visibility	Results will be available in Moodle. E-mails asking about results will not be answered.
Requirement for signature	Participation in and successful completion of the midterms are NOT required for the end-of-semester signature. However, the results can provide bonus points.
Missed midterm	In case of a justified absence, the student must provide documentation to the practical instructor or course coordinator within one week. Only original medical or other official certificates are accepted.
Make-up for a failed midterm	The make-up date will be announced through Neptun.

Bonus point system

Important: Collecting bonus points is an opportunity, not an obligation.

Bonus point opportunity	Maximum points
Moodle quizzes during lectures 2–14, at random times	20
1st midterm	20
2nd midterm	20
Total	60

Points achieved	Result
45–60 points	The student may take a simplified exam
0–44 points	Regular exam

Rules for the lecture quizzes
Access	Via QR code on exam.semmelweis.hu, using the student’s own electronic device
login	Students must know their SEKA username and password
Timing	During lectures 2–14, at random times
Time limit	1 minute/question
Correct answer	1 bonus point
Technical problems	The lecturers cannot take responsibility for login or other technical problems
Make-up	The quizzes cannot be made up

Exam: (Detailed description under the ‘Exam’ tab.) (TVSZ 30§ (4))

Exam format	Written, 60-point electronic test, 50 minutes, on exam.semmelweis.hu, in person, using institute computers
Exam period/dates	14–18 December 2026; 4 January–12 February 2027. Announced in Neptun 1 month before the examination period
Registration	Exam registration (and/or modifications) must be completed exclusively online via Neptun. To change exam day, cancel previous registration first. Exam room and Moodle virtual room limits prevent any increase in the maximum number of examinees.
Identity verification	According to the University Study and Examination Rules, students must prove identity with an official photo ID (passport, student card). Photos on phones are not accepted. If identity cannot be verified, a “did not appear” is recorded in Neptun; the exam attempt is not lost, but an exam administration fee applies, specified in the University Regulations of Refunds and Allowances. (TVSZ 34§ (8))
Passing criteria	The exam is successful if total score ≥50%. (30 points out of 60)
Exam content	Topics are based on textbooks, lectures, and practical sessions. Students must synthesize and integrate knowledge; memorization alone is insufficient. Students are responsible for material presented in class and associated textbook sections. Pay attention to figures, end-of-chapter questions, and study guidelines.
Test questions	Uploaded to Moodle no later than the week before the examination period
Results announcement	Results will be published within four working days in Neptun. Do not email inquiries regarding results; no responses will be given. (TVSZ 42§ (2)). The corrected test will subsequently be available on exam.semmelweis.hu
Review of the exam	Students may view their test in person with the supervising instructor upon request
Simplified exam	Students who collect at least 45 bonus points take a simplified exam. The simplified test is worth 45 points and starts with 15 points already awarded.
Failed exam / additional attempts	Students have two additional exam opportunities during the exam period.
First retake	Written
Oral retake	From the second retake onwards, the exam must be taken orally before a committee. The topics are the same as those listed under the “Exam” section.
Missed exam – general policy	Students must request deferred standing for a valid reason. Supporting documentation must be submitted to Students Administration Office (NET 623) within 3 business days (not to Secretariat). Acceptable medical documentation: current “Attending Physician’s Statement”; other forms not accepted. The documentation must cover date of missed exam. A missed exam without certification results in loss of one exam attempt. (TVSZ 34§ (10))

Required Textbooks:

Immunology textbook	Abbas, Lichtman, Pillai: Basic Immunology, 7th Edition, Elsevier, 2023
Immunology seminars (e-book)	Fülöp K. (Ed.): Seminars in Immunology – Moodle / Ebook (If you cannot see the subject in Moodle, please contact the Education Administrator of the Department.)
Practice and lecture slides	Moodle. (If you cannot see the subject in Moodle, please contact the Education Administrator of the Department.)

Consultation during the exam period:

	Once a week, online
Duration	45 minutes
Information	Dates and Zoom links will be available in Moodle and on the website during the week before the examination period.

Further information:

Students may only attend classes if they are in a suitable mental and physical condition. Recording of audio, images, or video during lectures and practical sessions is strictly prohibited (Rector KORL_6_2013).

More information about the Institute and the course (e.g., lecturers’ email addresses, lecture and practical presentations) can be found on the Institute website and in Moodle. The website of the Institute and Moodle course page are updated periodically throughout the semester.

Topic list

Topics of Basic Immunology lectures and practices in the first semester of the 2026/27 Academic year

	Lecture Monday 10:00-11:30, EOK Beznák Lecture Hall	Practice Every two weeks, 2×45 mins, Wednesday
1st week (Sept 7-11)	The roles, processes, organs and cells of the immune system	The immune system in the lab Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions. Basic concepts related to diagnostic antibody
2nd week (Sept 14-18)	Principles of natural immunity	The immune system in the lab Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions. Basic concepts related to diagnostic antibody
3rd week (Sept 21-25)	The complement system Inflammation and acute phase reaction	Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions I-II. Immunoserology, Immune-assays
4th week (Sept 28-Oct 2)	Antigen, antigen presentation and MHCs	Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions I-II. Immunoserology, Immune-assays
5th week (Oct 5-9)	Antigen receptors and their formation	Midterm I Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions III. Flow cytometry
6th week (Oct 12-16)	T cells and cell-mediated immune response	Midterm I Methods based on antigen-antibody interactions III. Flow cytometry
7th week (Oct 19-22)	B cells and humoral immune response	Biological therapies
8th week (Oct 26-30)	Immune response in infections immundeficiencies	Biological therapies
9th week (Nov-2-6)	Mucosal immunity	Immunization and vaccination
10th week (Nov 9-13)	Hypersensitivity reactions	Immunization and vaccination
11th week (Nov 16-20)	Autoimmunity and tolerance	Hypersensitivity
12th week (Nov 23-27)	Antitumor immunity	Hypersensitivity
13th week (Nov 30 – Dec 4)	Immunology of transplantation	Midterm II Screening methods for autoantibodies
14th week (Dec 7-11)	Summary of immune response	Midterm II Screening methods for autoantibodies

Basic Immunology (FOKOGEN347_1A) Compulsory course Academic year 2026/27, Fall semester (3rd semester)