Introduction to Virology

BIOL21381 Introduction to Virology 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 2 Nicola High Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Virus infections can range from a brief, superficial interaction between the virus and its host to a lifelong infection from before birth. Many different tissues and organs may be affected. Although only a small minority of virus infections give rise to any disease symptoms, this minority is of major medical importance. This unit will provide you with an introduction to viral structure and function and explain how viruses subvert host cell function to generate viral factories. Details of the pathogenic mechanisms used by viruses to cause disease will be explained using examples such as the influenza virus and HIV. The design of viral vaccines will also be covered and their use in eradicating viral infections such as polio discussed. Virus infections can range from a brief, superficial interaction between the virus and its host to a lifelong infection from before birth. Many different tissues and organs may be affected. Although only a small minority of virus infections give rise to any disease symptoms, this minority is of major medical importance. This unit will provide you with an introduction to viral structure and function and explain how viruses subvert host cell function to generate viral factories. Details of the pathogenic mechanisms used by viruses to cause disease will be explained using examples such as the influenza virus and HIV. The design of viral vaccines will also be covered and their use in eradicating viral infections such as polio discussed. The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of viruses and viral disease. It will provide an introduction to viral structure and function and explain how viruses subvert host cell function to generate viral factories. Details of the pathogenic mechanisms used by viruses to cause disease will be explained using examples such as the influenza virus and HIV. The design of viral vaccines will also be covered and their use in eradicating viral infections such as polio discussed. At the end of the course students will have an appreciation of:• Viral structure• The interaction of virus and host• The mechanisms of viral replication in host cells• Viral pathogenesis                                                                                                                                                • Immune response to viral infections• Acute, chronic and latent viral infections• Viral vaccines and anti-viral drugs• Viral epidemiology Analytical skills The students have to think about Duesberg's comments and analyse what they mean to select the correct facts from the literature to demonstrate that Duesberg's comments about HIV are wrong. Research The student has to use text books and journals to respond to the points raised in the assignment. Written communication 1000 word assignment in which the students have to respond to the nine assertions by Duesberg in which he claims that HIV does not cause HIV. • What is a virus?• Viral structure• Viral genomes and replication• Viral interactions with the host• Acute viral infections• Latent and persistent viral infections• Viruses and immunodeficiency• Viral vaccines• Anti-viral therapy• Viral evolution• Emerging viral infections• Zoonotic viral diseases  e-Learning ActivityThis assessment will involve outlining the steps of the intracellular life cycle of a selected virus ranging from adhesion to the host cell to the release of mature virions into the extracellular environment. 0 Other 30% 1 Written exam 70% 1.5 hour (closed book), on campus, written examination at the end of the unit.  Exam format – 1 essay from a choice of 5 (70%) Duesberg E-learning assessment (30%) Feedback will be provided on the e-learning projects. Knowledge will also be assessed by 4 MCQ exams set at intervals throughout the course. N Assessment written exam 1.3 Lectures 22 0 76.7