Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO550
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

In the rapidly changing world of biomedical science, a solid understanding of concepts in immunology and haematology is invaluable in many fields.
This unit introduces you to the key principles relating to the biological origin (ontogeny), identification, morphology and function of blood cells.
Exploring blood cell formation and differentiation (haematopoiesis) and its role in haemostasis and immune function, you will examine host immune responses against various pathogen classes from initial non-specific, through to adaptive, precisely targeted learned responses.
You will also examine the haematology of pregnancy and neonates, disorders including leukaemia and anaemia, inappropriate immune responses, and vaccine and immunotherapy technologies.
Practical sessions will introduce you to common haematological and immunological techniques used in biomedical research laboratories.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand and integrate advanced concepts as well as the complexities of immunology, specifically (a) the establishment of an effective immune response against various pathogens; (b) pathologies associated with an inappropriate immune responses; and (c) vaccine technologies;
- understand and integrate advanced concepts as well as the complexities of haematology, specifically (a) haematopoiesis and blood cell types; (b) haematological disorders including leukaemia and anaemia; and (c) pregnancy and neonatal haematology
- exercise expert, specialised cognitive skill and be able to conceptualise, reflect and synthesise complex immunological and haematological information from a variety of sources; and
- apply expert immunological and haematological knowledge to demonstrate autonomous thought and expert judgement to disseminate immunological and haematological knowledge to specialists and non-specialist audiences alike.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Report. Each student must submit a report and video to pass the unit.
|
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Oral presentation. This assessment is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.
|
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Journal article critique. This assessment is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass the final examination in order to pass the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| VIVA - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | VIVA. It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Hoffbrand's Essential Haemotology
ISBN: 9781394168156
Hoffbrand, V., Chowdary, P., Collins, G. P. and Loke, J., Wiley 9th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Janeway's Immunobiology
ISBN: 9780393884913
Murphy, K. and Weaver, C., Taylor and Francis Inc. 10th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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