Infection and immunity in plants and humans: surprising parallels, obvious differences and tangible impacts

Course Programme

10:00 Microbes (the good, the bad and the ugly)

An overview of microbiology presenting a general introduction to the world of microorganisms primarily bacteria, fungi and viruses; an

insight into their structural organisation, genetics and infections.  

11:15 Coffee

11:45 The human immune system

The principle components of the human immune system detailing the two main types: innate and acquired immune systems.

13:00 Lunch

14:00 The plant immune system

Current view of the plant immune system represented as a four phased ‘zigzag’ model and comparison of innate immune systems in

plants and animals.

15:15 Tea

15:30 Immunity and infection: What does it mean for our day to day life?

The impact of human immunity on human health and healthcare; plant immunity on crop production and food security.

16:45 Day school ends

Tutor Biographies

Aleksandr Gavrin is a Research Associate at the Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge (UK). His current research focuses on the investigation of common developmental mechanisms impacting on interactions of plants with symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms. Prior to that, during a PhD at Wageningen University (Netherlands) and a post doc at the University of Sydney (Australia) he studied developmental aspects of the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis. His primary research goals are directed towards understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions.

Panchali Kanvatirth is a Research Associate at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge (UK). Her current research examines how the immune system impacts the host-pathogen interaction during infection and after antibiotic treatment. During her PhD at the University of Birmingham (UK), she focused on repurposing drugs for Tuberculosis treatment and deconvoluting the ways in which the drugs can kill the bacteria causing Tuberculosis. The key theme that directs her research is to understand drug resistant bacteria within a host using in vivo models, which could potentially influence better use of antibiotics.

Accommodation

Although this is a non-residential course, students requiring accommodation may be able to book B&B at Madingley Hall, as availability permits.

Please contact reservations@madingleyhall.co.uk or +44 (0)1223 746222 for availability and booking enquiries.

Dietary requirements

If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies please inform our Admissions Team on ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262 if you have not already advised us of your requirements.

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.

Further information about student support.

Course materials

A booklist, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents. You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

No academic qualification is required, and most courses are suitable for students who are new to the subject.

All teaching is in English (unless a foreign-language course). If your first language is not English, you need to satisfy yourself that you have the required near-native command of the language to get the maximum benefit from studying with ICE.

This course takes place at Madingley Hall, home to the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education.

About Madingley Hall

Madingley Hall itself is an impressive manor house dating back to the mid-16th century. The decoration of the Saloon and the formal Stair Hall was carried out 200 years later, and the whole fabric was renovated with great care around 1900. About four miles from the centre of Cambridge, the Hall stands in several acres of beautifully-maintained gardens and overlooks a landscape which has changed relatively little since it was laid out by Capability Brown. It is just four miles from the centre of Cambridge, and only 60 minutes from London, with excellent links to London airports.

Getting here

For those arriving by train, we have an arrangement with a local taxi company to collect students from Cambridge railway station for a small fee of £4.

We also now have a mini-bus service which runs between the station and Madingly Hall weekday mornings between 06:45 and 09:25 and evenings between 16:45 and 19:25. Please contact the reception desk at ICE for more details.

For more information see directions to Madingley Hall.