With the exception of the nervous system, the immune system is the most complex system in the body. Its complexity does not arise from the structure of its organs, but from the many and diverse cell types and their interactions. Because of its complexity and its importance in keeping invasive organisms at bay, the immune system often experiences malfunctions that can be life threatening to the affected individual. Diseases like AIDS and various types of SIDS, in which the immune system fails to function are contrasted with allergies and autoimmune disease in which it acts inappropriately. This course will examine the make-up and functioning of the healthy immune system, as well as the most important pathologies that occur when it malfunctions. It is a lecture and discussion course in which students are expected to read the textbook and to be actively involved in classroom discussions. Understanding of material from lecture, discussion, and the textbook will be tested via written exams. Students will also give presentations and write a term paper. Topics at the end of the course schedule may be changed depending on the papers chosen for class discussion.