The Attack and Defense module is an integrated and innovative look at microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease including public and international health issues. Through active, collaborative learning methods the students are prepared for clinical encounters requiring diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures for immunological conditions and disorders and infectious diseases while fostering critical thinking skills. The learning environment promotes professional identity formation, effective communication, and professionalism.

We will begin with a study of the immune system to better understand the workings of this complex defense mechanism of the human body. Next, we will investigate the consequences of what happens when the immune system goes awry, either by overreaction or failure. Studying the role of inflammatory responses will follow. Clinical areas of focus during the beginning of the module will include autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency diseases, the rapidly developing field of transplantation, as well as anaphylaxis, lymphoma, and sepsis.

After these important concepts of immunology have been studied, we will progress to medical microbiology and examine how the human body is attacked, while learning about bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology. The importance of understanding both immunology and microbiology will be emphasized as the clinical focus will be on the types of syndromes and infections that develop based on host-pathogen interactions.

Throughout the module, pharmacology associated with immunology and microbiology will be integrated in a clinically-oriented fashion. Specifically, transplant pharmacotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, antiviral agents, antifungal agents, and anti-parasitic agents will be studied.