BIO 3910 - VIROLOGY

credits: 3.0
This course will provide a detailed introduction of the biology of viruses and will focus on the major steps of virus reproduction as they occur in bacterial, plant and animal viruses. Among the topics to be covered are the detection and quantitation of viruses, virus structure, attachment of viruses to host cells and entry of viral genomes, replication, transcription, and translation of viral genomes, processing of viral proteins and assembly of virions. The responses of host cells to viruses including their transformation into tumor cells, the prevention and treatment of viral infections, and virus evolution also will be discussed. Objectives: A) To provide a more detailed introduction to the major aspects of virus reproduction than is possible in an introductory course; B) Expose students to the primary literature in virology; C) Illustrate the application of the principles of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to this particular aspect of biology. Method of Instruction: Assigned readings, lectures, class discussions of journal articles, and student poster presentation on individual viruses. Method of Evaluation: Weekly quizzes (50%), journal club participation (25%), and Final presentation (25%).

Prerequisite(s): BIO 3050 - MICROBIOLOGY (or) BIO 3080 - CELL BIOLOGY (or) BIO 3110 - GENETICS (or) CHE 3042 - BIOCHEMISTRY I (or) BIO 3042 - BIOCHEMISTRY I