| Unit name | Frontiers of Virology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PANM33010 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Matthews |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PANM22041 Infection and Immunity PANM22042 Cellular & Molecular Pathology MOLG22100 Recombinant DNA Technology MOLG22200 Gene Expression and Rearrangement FMVS20001 Biomedical Research, Employability and Enterprise Skills |
| Co-requisites |
PANM33009 Medical Virology PANM33002 Immunopathology and Applied Immunology 1 from level 6/H lecture units and Research Skills unit. |
| School/department | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit will cover selected "cutting edge" issues in modern virology. Firstly, we will explore virus structures, the modes of virus entry into cells, intracellular trafficking of viruses and their exit from the infected cell. Our understanding of viruses is becomingly increasingly important in combating major new threats to public health e.g. HIV, swine flu, bioterrorism, etc. Consequently, we will cover a series of "hot" virology topics that are having a great impact on contemporary society. Emerging viruses, such as Marburg and Ebola viruses, along with arthropod-borne viruses will be discussed. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), including BSE and new variant CJD, will also be investigated as examples of emergent zoonotic infections. Some of the currently insoluble problems in viral vaccine design in relation to HIV, influenza, and herpesviruses will be considered. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the oceans contain a vast quantity and variety of viruses that have an impact on the earth's biogeochemical systems. Lectures will be in weeks 13-16.
Aims:
The unit aims to discuss virus structures, the modes of virus entry into cells, intracellular trafficking of viruses and their exit from the infected cell. New threats to public health will be covered, including emerging viruses and zoonotic infections including transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Lectures on forward genetics, reverse genetics, and viruses in gene therapy will illustrate how viruses can be both the problem and, sometimes, the solution, in the development of new vaccines and therapies.
Knowledge and Understanding of current topics in Virology including emerging viruses and the problems associated with viral vaccine design. Knowledge of the scientific literature pertaining to virus structures, entry into cells, trafficking within cells and exit, and an ability to evaluate this literature critically.
Lectures, Data Handling Session.
Independent study: Students are expected to study the recommended literature.
Summative 3 hour written exam, to include 3 essays chose from 6.
Reviews and primary articles from the current scientific literature.
