McDermott is an active teacher of university undergraduate courses, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows . Additionally, he has taught at the community college level, supervised senior thesis research work undertaken by hospital technical staff, and was coach and facility advisor for McMaster University Squash team . This is problem-based learning course for undergraduate students who have completed an introductory immunology course. Immunoassay development, autoimmune diseases, mucosal immunology, oral tolerance, infectious diseases, allergy, cancer, reproductive and vaccine immunology are just some of the problem topics. Students are guided to develop a methodological approach, to work in a team, to use library and on-line resources, to do data analysis, and to acquire effective oral and written communication.
Evaluation is based on weekly group participation and oral and written presentations.
McDermott is the course coordinator and instructor. This lecture format course is for undergraduate students who have completed an introductory immunology course. Lectures address specific areas of immunology. McDermott lectures on Immunity to Virus Infection and on Development and Use of Vaccines. Dr. Denis Snider from the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine is course coordinator and is the person to contact for additional information.