Virology

Virology Course

What is Virology?

Virology is the study of viruses.

Virology Course Description

This Virology Course provides a foundation for understanding:

  • virus architecture and nomenclature
  • virus replication cycles
  • mechanisms of viral entry and spread of infection
  • host responses to viral infections
  • laboratory research and diagnosis of viral diseases
  • epidemiology of viral infections.

Several topics focus on specific viruses that cause disease in humans.

Virology Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Contrast differences in virus architecture and classification
  • Diagram transmission and replication for medically important viruses
  • Distinguish characteristics of normal cells and virus-infected cells
  • Explain and apply methods used in research and diagnosis of viral diseases
  • Describe cellular and therapeutic antiviral strategies
  • Explore social stigmas against infected individuals

 

Typical Schedule of Virology Course Topics

Week Day Topic
1

M

W

Lec 01: Introduction to Viruses
Class Discussion: U.S. Policies and Preventing New HIV Infections

Lec 02: Virus Architecture and Nomenclature
Lec 03: Virus Replication Cycles
2

M

W

 —

Lec 04: Mechanisms of Viral Entry and Spread of Infections
3

M

W

Lec 05: Host Response to Viral Infections

Lec 06: Laboratory Research and Diagnosis and Epidemiology
4

M

W

Exam 1: Lectures 01-06

Exam 1 Feedback
Lec 07: Viruses and Cancer
5

M

W

Lec 08: Polioviruses and other Enteroviruses

Primary Literature / Student Lectures Session 1
6

M

W

Lec 09: Influenza Viruses

Primary Literature / Student Lectures Session 2
7

M

W

Lec 10: Rabies

Primary Literature / Student Lectures Session 3
8

M

W

Lec 11: Poxviruses

Primary Literature / Student Lectures Session 4
9

M

W

Exam 2: Lectures 07-11

Exam 2 Feedback and Flexible Schedule*
10

M

W

Lec 12: Herpesviruses

Lec 13: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Retroviruses
11

M

W

Lec 14: Hepatitis Viruses

Lec 15: Baculoviruses Special Lecture with Dr. Rathburn
12

M

W

Lec 16: New and Emerging Viruses; Prions and Viroids

Lec 17: Plant Viruses
13

M

W

Lec 18: Bacteriophages

 —
14

M

W

Frontline, The Vaccine War, part 1 and Class Discussion

Frontline, The Vaccine War, part 2 and Class Discussion
15

M

W

Flexible Schedule*

Flexible Schedule*
16

M

W

Special Lecture on Vaccine Aversion Research

Cumulative Final Exam

*Flexible Schedules are designed:

  • to accommodate university closings and
  • to discuss new developments in Virology that occurred during the semester