Immunology: Explore the Body's Natural Defenses
Journey into the complex world of the immune system and its vital role in human health. This online course provides a comprehensive overview of immunology, exploring the intricate mechanisms that defend against disease. From the basics of innate immunity to the complexities of adaptive responses, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the body combats infection. Discover the fascinating science behind immune function and its implications for disease treatment.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,795
Discover the Power of the Immune System
Frontline Defense: Understanding Innate Immunity
Learn how your body recognizes invading pathogens and triggers the inflammatory response to fight infection. Explore the roles of key molecules like PAMPs and PRRs in this rapid defense system.
The Power of Adaptive Immunity
Discover how B and T cells provide long-lasting protection by recognizing and eliminating specific pathogens. Uncover the mechanisms of antibody production and immune memory.
How Immune Cells Communicate
Delve into the crucial process of antigen presentation, where immune cells communicate and coordinate their attack against pathogens. Learn how dendritic cells activate T cells and how T cells, in turn, help B cells produce antibodies.
Beyond the Basics of T Cell Immunity
Investigate how helper T cells orchestrate immune responses against different pathogens and how cytotoxic T cells eliminate infected cells. Uncover the roles of these cells in fighting infections, allergies, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Immune System Malfunctions
Examine the causes and effects of primary immunodeficiencies. Explore how breakdowns in self-tolerance lead to autoimmunity and allergy, and analyze current therapies for these conditions.
The Immune System and Cancer
Analyze the clinical applications of immunology. Investigate transplant and transfusion challenges, and delve into cutting-edge cancer immunotherapies that harness the power of the immune system.
How You Will Benefit
- Analyze the intricacies of the immune system and learn how its diverse components work together to protect you.
- Explore the world of lymphocytes and understand their crucial roles in adaptive immunity.
- Uncover the causes and consequences of immune system failures such as immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.
- Discover the latest frontiers in immunology-based therapies and learn how they are transforming the fight against disease.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to various scientific disciplines by completing multiple courses.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School for each course, an addition to your college applications.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
College-Level Content
- The program grants you access to college-level material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by doctors, scientists, and professors from Harvard Medical School — the perfect fit if you envision a future in medicine or STEM.
- This content is similar to the courses that incoming students at Harvard Medical School, including those pursuing medical, dental, and immunology graduate programs. They are designed to help prepare students for the challenging curriculum ahead.
Mentoring
Gain support from an expert mentor who’ll help answer questions and enrich your experience. Here’s what to expect:
- Guidance in your course’s particular medical science field.
- Encouragement and direction throughout the course.
- Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you succeed.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Enjoy flexible, engaging video lessons that you can watch whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Multiple medical science courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- 30-40 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including multimedia, simulations, and curated quizzes and content.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
Andrew Lichtman, MD, PhD
Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School
Lichtman has taught and directed immunology and pathology courses for over 30 years at Harvard Medical School. As a professor of pathology, his research focuses primarily on immunology and cardiovascular disease. He’s also a Senior Pathologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Shiv Pillai, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine and Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School
At Harvard Medical School, Pillai is also the Associate Program Head for the Graduate Program in Immunology as well as the Director, MMSc in the Immunology Program. Additionally, he’s an immunologist and geneticist for the Center for Cancer Research at Massachusetts General Hospital with decades of experience as both a physician and a teacher.
How To Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
