The objective of the course is to provide the student with a better understanding of the basic principles of human reproduction and its impact on the health of the mother and the child. We will focus on the immunological components that regulate the success of pregnancy, provide protection against infections and determine the immunological health of the newborn.

• To review the basic principles of human reproduction including fertilization; implantation; pregnancy; and parturition

• To understand the role of immunology in the different stages of pregnancy

• To understand the mechanisms of immunological protection against viral infections

• To discuss the impact of viral infections during pregnancy on maternal health

• To understand the impact of maternal inflammation on fetal immune development.