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STUDY PLAN

Master in Immunology and Inflammatory Disease – University of Glasgow

By : Yunita Suryani

Autoimmune disease is a condition when the altered body’s immune system attacks and
destroys healthy body tissues by mistake. The main etiology of this condition is poorly
understood, however it is acknowledged that upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal
infections have an important role in evoking autoimmune responses. People suffering from
this disease are subjected to a longlife medication and experience a lower life quality since it
is currently incurable. Many research are in progress towards finding its remedy.

Indonesia as one of the biggest tropical country has been renowned as the habitat of many
infectious diseases, which can trigger autoimmune responses as written before. The fact that
the prevalence of autoimmune diseases constantly increases every year is not
counterbalanced by the number of health workers who are expert in Immunology area.
Immunology is one of the most difficult subjects in medicine, thus resulting in low number of
enthusiasm. In Indonesia, the study program on Immunology is very limited, in fact, a
specific program regarding autoimmune disease is not available yet. According to my study
in medicine, I particularly developed a strong passion towards Immunology, since it shows
how amazing our body really is and how destructive it can be to our life if they are altered.
One of my lecturers once said that understanding Immunology meant understanding all
existing diseases in the world. This phrase became a personal inspirational quote for me that
evoked a strong desire to pursue my study in Immunology.

I am planning to pursue a master’s degree in Immunology and Inflammatory Disease at

University of Glasgow as it is recognized as the 9th best university in Europe and placed at
62th best university in the world according to QS World Ranking of Universities’ survey in
2015/2016. Besides, University of Glasgow is one of the world’s leading research institutions
in Immunology. It possesses GLAZgo Discovery Unit, a laboratory which has become a
pioneer in research and innovations regarding immunological diseases. This is the main
reason why I chose this university at first.

I am sure this program will facilitate my passion in Immunology, specifically regarding

autoimmune disease since there are only few universities in the world offer this specific
subject in their study programs. It requires one year to finish the program. I will enter the
university in September 2017 since I have to finish my internship by November 2016. I have
been accepted in the university for academic year 2017-2018.

This master program will be run in two semesters during which I have to study 3 obligatory
subjects and 2 optional subjects. The three obligatory subjects will be (1) Immunology:
Basic, Translational and Clinical, (2) Omic technologies for the biomedical sciences: from
Essay LPDP : Rencana Studi

genomics to metabolomics and (3) Designing a research project: biomedical research

methodology. The two optional ones are (1) Current Trends and Challenges in Biomedical
Research and Health and (2) Drug Discovery where it is the special subject that differs
University of Glasgow from the other universities with similar study program. What I long to
study this program is the opportunity to study the brand new sophisticated omic technologies
as a powerful technique in biomedical science and the development of new drugs that I have
not learnt before. At the end of study period, I will conduct a research project titled “The
Role of Human Antimicrobial at T-Lymphocytes in Autoimmune Diseases”. I will be able to
present my research in one of the prestigious immunology conferences in the world, British
Society for Immunology Annual Congress where I will be able to build up connections with
scientists and clinicians in the same area of interest from around the world.

Beside the academic activities, University of Glasgow also offers an organization called
Medsin Glasgow in which I will be able to build connections with the other medical students
and do social works as a healthcare provider. I also plan to be actively involved in PPI
Glasgow (Indonesian Student Association in Glasgow) to keep contact with other Indonesian
students who study in Glasgow.