Immunology Major Unveiled

A new major, Immunology and Infectious Disease, was recently unveiled in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Immunology, the study of how animals and humans protect themselves from pathogens, provides insights into how blood cells develop and how pathogens are recognized and attacked, explains program coordinator Andrew Henderson, associate professor of veterinary science.

According to Marcos Fernandez, associate dean for undergraduate education, the new major reflects the college’s commitment to developing and offering relevant educational programs that incorporate cutting-edge science and principles. “A world-class faculty is coming together in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences under the leadership of Channa Reddy,” he says, “and this new major will provide students interested in pursuing careers in the veterinary, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields— including premed and prevet students—an opportunity to learn from internationally recognized scientists.”

“Understanding basic mechanisms of immunity and the concepts behind immunology is necessary for drug and vaccine design,” Henderson points out. “A breakdown of the processes that regulate immunity can contribute to uncontrolled inflammation, tissue destruction, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, leukemia, and related cancers,” he says.

“Immunology includes a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to microbiology, virology, animal health, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology. Students enrolled in the Immunology and Infectious Disease major will develop an understanding of normal immune responses to bacterial, fungal, and viral agents and appreciate the potential pathological outcomes of these responses.”

In the new major, Henderson notes, students will learn about events that shape the immune response—the general biology of pathogens and the mechanisms by which they cause disease. “In addition, they will acquire basic skills in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry,” he says. “Students completing a bachelor of science degree in Immunology and Infectious Disease will be well prepared for veterinary, medical, or other professional schools.

"They will also be ready for master’s and doctoral training programs in a wide variety of areas, including immunology, microbiology, virology, molecular medicine, animal science, molecular biology, and biochemistry, or for highly competitive jobs as research technicians, laboratory assistants, or sales representatives with a pharmaceutical company.”

—Jeff Mulhollem