BIOC 3500 Molecular Virology
Course Description
Changing climates and environmental conditions, increased human traffic, altered human behavior and intensified agricultural practices are only a few factors that have led to the emergence of multiple viruses that occupy expanded ecologic niches, producing diseases in parts of the world where they had never before existed. Importantly, most emerging viral diseases in humans in the 21st century have been zoonotic and plant viruses continue to disrupt food supply. This course will detail the main mechanisms engaged by most viruses for successful reproduction within a host cell and for survival and spread within a host population. The molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles and the genetic plasticity of viral genomes and the role in virus evolution are important aspects that will be covered. The course will address both sides of the dynamic interplay between pathogen and host including pathogenesis, oncogenic involvement, detection and control of viruses using vaccines and new antiviral strategies and finally, the potential and real applications of manipulating viruses for use in bioengineering and gene therapy. The course directly contributes to the thematic understanding of immunology and biochemical/molecular methods taught in Semester I as pre-requisite courses. The course will be fully myeLearning-supported and a combination of pedagogical approaches will be used; assessments will be based on in-course exams, group assignments and individual student reports.
Assessment
