The immune system is complex and fascinating. Cells of our immune system encounter and destroy bacteria and viruses daily, most often without our even being aware of their presence. This course will emphasize how cells of the immune system recognize their microbial targets and communicate to coordinate a (hopefully) successful outcome. We will begin by covering the basic components of the vertebrate immune system and move on to look at how cells interact with one another to produce an immune response to a foreign invader. We will put it all together by looking at the role of the immune system in infectious disease, allergy and asthma, autoimmunity, vaccination, obesity, and immunotherapy. In addition to learning the basics of immunology, you will have the opportunity to improve your research and writing skills as you develop into public scholars.