MIC3022 · Molecular virology and viral pathogenesis

Overview

Viruses include major pathogens that can cause severe diseases in humans and many other species. Thus, viral infections pose grand challenges to global health. However, viruses are also critical to our existence, with essential roles in biology and evolution in all kingdoms of life. Viruses also provide important tools in research and medicine, including potential treatments for cancer and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this unit, you will gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of virology, our relationship with viruses, and methods by which we can control viral spread and disease. You will gain practical research skills in state-of-the-art virology techniques used in research and diagnostic laboratories, crucial to our responses to infections and outbreaks, including virus culture, purification and identification. This unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand how viruses impact on all species on our planet, and ways that we can safeguard society against existing and future global threats, including pandemics such as COVID-19.

Areas of study: Biochemistry Microbiology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the fundamental principles underlying infection by all major groups of viruses, and apply this knowledge to understand infection and disease caused by specific pathogenic viruses;
2. Explain how viruses interact with target host cell components and defence mechanisms and how this can lead to disease;
3. Describe specific strategies used to limit and control viral infections;
4. Demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of molecular virology laboratory techniques;
5. Apply knowledge of molecular virology and viral pathogenesis to critically analyse interpret and discuss experimental data and scientific literature;
6. Demonstrate a range of scientific communication skills, developed through oral presentations, participation in applied sessions and written laboratory reports.

Workload

A total of 12 hours per week including 6 hours of directed learning (such as lectures, laboratories, workshops and applied sessions) and 6 hours of self-directed study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.