Module 4: Immune System

CONTEXT

This module was about the immune system. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs in the body that work together to fight pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. There are two types of immunity namely, innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the body’s immediate and nonspecific defense system that provides protection against many different invaders using general mechanisms like phagocytic cells and barriers. In contrast, adaptive immunity is the body's specialized and precise defense system tailored to specific threats, utilizing memory cells and antibodies for long-lasting protection. As a result of this module, the following objectives were achieved: communication (PO#2), engaging in research activities (PO#4), collaboration (PO#5), and lifelong learning (PO#7), 

EXPERIENCE

This module offered a variety of activities that allowed us to apply our knowledge to practical scenarios. The small group discussion case entitled “To Catch or Not to Catch” with its two triggers allowed us to have an in-depth discussion of the roles, mechanism of action, components, and mediators involved in each type of immunity (PO#2). We were also given the time to study and research more about the different aspects of the immune system as we had a lot of learning gaps during our initial meetings (PO#4). During our small group discussions, I appreciated our facilitator's approach of posing simple questions after the case to ensure our comprehension of the topic. Additionally, while preparing for the exam, some of my groupmates approached me with questions about concepts they found confusing (PO#5). It was fulfilling to know that I was both testing my knowledge and aiding them in their studies. Furthermore, the pathology, histology, and anatomy laboratory activities we had in this module helped reinforce the principles I had learned, which deepened my understanding of the topic as well as made me realize that there was still so much I needed to learn (PO#4).

REFLECTION

First, I realized the vital role of the immune system when it comes to maintaining overall health through the small group discussion. Innate and adaptive immunity are not isolated systems; rather, they are interdependent in their functions, components, and relevance as they protect the body from invaders. Second, given the complexity of this topic, I realized that being able to fully understand the lesson plays a key role in my memory. While textbooks at times left me confused, supplementing my studies with the videos on Celo and YouTube provided valuable clarity. Third, although I missed having traditional lectures for complex topics like this, I came to enjoy collaborative learning with my groupmates and friends. Witnessing each person contribute insights that even I did not know made me realize that I could learn so much from others as well. Moreover, teaching my friends about certain aspects of immunity reinforced my own understanding of the information as well. Lastly, through the laboratory activities, I was able to learn more about the distinctive characteristics of the lymphoid organs, especially in areas that were less emphasized in my pre-medical course, such as anatomy.

ACTION

First, I can use my mistakes in the lecture and laboratory exams as a basis for improvement. For instance, I need to dedicate more time to studying the complement mechanisms and their effects, as I felt that I lacked knowledge and understanding in that area. Second, I plan to arrange more mini study sessions with my friends in the future, so that we can help each other and discuss any confusions we have about certain concepts and principles. This approach also simplifies information and makes studying more enjoyable. Third, I need to work on my time-management, self-discipline, and task prioritization. As this was the final module of the block, we had multiple exams within a span of two days. Sadly, I did end up cramming for some topics which affected my performance. 

EVALUATION

With the time and effort I put into this module, I would say that my overall performance was okay. I was able to learn all that I could about the intricacies of the immune system and utilized the resources available to me such as the laboratory activities and video correlates to maximize my learning. Although there is still so much I do not know about the immune system, I feel that I have definitely gained enough fundamental knowledge about this system for me to be able to understand immunology and further correlate its impacts in medicine and disease in the future.