The zombie pirate invasion: an introduction to immunology concepts.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The terminology that is used to describe the parts of the immune system can be very intimidating to student learners. We have noticed that some students disengage from the learning process early on in the semester because they are overwhelmed by “jargon” (e.g. CD markers, cytokines). The classroom exercise described here serves to introduce students to the concept of immunology as the body’s defense system as well as to provide a simplified framework for students to refer to as they learn more advanced concepts. Methods First-year medical students at Saba University School of Medicine, located on the small Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, are engaged in this group-based exercise at the beginning of the immunology content block. We present them with the following scenario: “Our island is being invaded by zombie pirates! How can we defend against this attack?” Each learning group is assigned a specific task, such as figuring out how to communicate across the island, determining how to differentiate zombies from residents, or planning how to train the populace in defense. Students then share their answers with the class. Instructors facilitate the linking of student answers with applicable concepts in immunology, e.g. communication = cytokine signaling, zombie identification = MHC presentation, training centers = lymph nodes. Results/Conclusion We have found that students remember this discussion in the following weeks, and that we can use the ideas they presented as a framework for reference as we introduce immunology concepts. This activity could be adapted to a number of different educational settings, contingent on the unique geographic or structural features of the campus on which other students study.