HMX Short Courses - Immunology
Allergy and Asthma: Immunological Principles and Therapeutics
Learn about the immunological principles of allergic diseases, including asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis, and explore how these conditions can be treated and prevented.
Allergic diseases are the most common type of immune disorder—they affect one in three people worldwide and can severely impact quality of life. This short course offers a unique way for professionals to learn from leading Harvard Medical School faculty about the immunological mechanisms underlying allergic diseases. It provides a thorough exploration of the cells and effector molecules that drive the distinct phases of the allergic response, from the initial sensitization to allergens to the immediate- and late-phase reactions that are characteristic of allergic diseases. Learning about these mechanisms is essential to understand how current treatments work and to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Participants will:
- Understand the mechanisms that lead to the sensitization of individuals to allergens.
- Learn about type 2 immunity and the cellular and molecular players that elicit allergic reactions.
- Understand the pathophysiology of different allergic diseases and how they are treated.
Topics covered include:
- Introduction to Allergy and Asthma: Immunological Principles and Therapeutics
- Type 2 Immunity
- Sensitization
- Mast Cells and the Allergic Effector Phase
- In Focus: Granulocytes
- Eicosanoids
- Epithelial Function and Remodeling in Allergic Disease
- Food Allergy, Anaphylaxis, Urticaria, and Drug Hypersensitivity
- Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, and Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
- Therapies for Allergic Diseases
- Clinical Linkage: Mastocytosis
- The Role of the Microbiome in the Development of Allergic Diseases
- In Focus: The Hygiene Hypothesis
HMX Short Courses feature targeted lessons on the latest medical science information and advancements to keep learners up to date.
To learn more about upcoming HMX Short Course sessions, please fill out the form below.
Course Instructors
Carlos Donado, PhD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Immunology Curriculum Lead, HMX
More Information
Frequently asked questions
How much are the courses?
- Individual course: $495
- Two-course bundle: $595
- Three-course bundle: $795
Can I apply for financial aid?
Partial tuition waivers are not available for HMX Short Courses.
What is the course schedule and time commitment?
Most people can expect to spend 3-4 hours total on an HMX short course. In order to be considered for a short course certificate of completion, you must complete your coursework within eight weeks.
Is there a final exam?
There will be graded assessments throughout the course. However, these do not count toward your certificate status; please see below for certificate requirements.
Can I drop a course?
You may withdraw from the course and request a refund up until the drop deadline. Once you are enrolled, you will not be able to drop or request a refund. No extensions will be offered.
How can participants get help?
For technical support, learners can contact the HMX team for assistance throughout the course session. There are no discussion forums in the HMX Short Courses.
What is the criteria to earn a certificate?
In order to earn a short course certificate of completion, you must watch all videos, complete all assessments, and work through all other course material within the active course period. Once you have met the criteria, your certificate will be sent to your email. Certificates of achievement are not offered for short courses.
Will I get a physical certificate?
No, we are only offering PDF versions of certificates for short courses. You will not have the option to request a physical copy from us, but you are welcome to have it printed at your local print shop.
Can I mention my certificate in my LinkedIn profile or on my resume?
Yes. Certificates that you earn are appropriate for inclusion on LinkedIn or on your resume.
If you are listing an HMX course on your resume, we suggest listing it under the education section, below any earned degrees. Courses should be listed as “HMX Short Course (Harvard Medical School online learning platform) – [course titles]”
On LinkedIn, include any courses in the Education section as below:
School: Harvard Medical School
Degree: Other; HMX Short Course – [course title(s)]
Field of Study: leave blank
Start/End Year: Year in which you completed the course(s)
Grade: leave blank
Activities and societies: leave blank
Description: HMX Short Courses are 3-4 hour online courses from Harvard Medical School. I earned a Short Course Certificate of Completion in [course title]
“I appreciate that [HMX] really challenged my understanding of new topics.”
Catherine Gerdt
Research Scientist, Cook Medical
To learn more about upcoming sessions of HMX Short Courses, please sign up below: