Fundamentals of Immunology, Part 1

I took this course in March/April of 2014 for its first run. Immunology is a complex field that requires learning an awful lot of terminology, most of it obscure and illogical (names were given when things were discovered, not afterwards when we understand how it all fits together). So this course necessarily includes a lot of memorization; the weekly exercises and the final are all "closed-book" (students are duty-bound not to look for answers in the lectures, notes, or other resources, using their brains only). This may be discouraging at times, but generally the professor takes pains to use models, metaphors, and all possible learning aids, to help with the "memory load" (as she says in the afterword). Some may object to the use of flimsy cardboard or papier-mâché models (of antibodies, for instance), but I found it to be more helpful than distracting.

All in all, a course requiring a lot of work and motivation, but which pays (the memories do stick!) The course will mostly be of use to pre-med students, although the "general public" (like myself) may find it a great intro to immunity too.

The course misses out on the fifth star due to a number of small technical issues, which will probably be corrected by the time of this second run.

Great course by a great teacher! While having learnt some bits and pieces about this subject many years ago, I am extremely motivated now to really dive into it and to get the complete picture. Dr Novotny tells things in a well-structured, clear and at times very funny way and in addition, the videos are accompanied by great outlines. So indeed - as stated in one of the other reviews - the memories stick. And Dr Novotny is very active on the forum, so when you have questions or suggestions, she (and her colleague staff members) will always be around to give quick replies. Very much recommended (but do get up to date with basic cell biology - e.g. by following some other MOOC - first, otherwise you will have a hard time following the pace). I already signed up for the second part!