MIC3021

Molecular virology and viral pathogenesis

(SCI)

Associate Professor Peter Wright

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class or tutorial/video presentation per week + First semester + Clayton (on campus) + Prerequisites: None + Highly recommended: MIC2011, MIC2022, MOL2011, MOL2022 or BMS2052

Synopsis: The subject will cover molecular aspects of virus replication and introduce the students to the mechanisms used by viruses in causing disease in infected hosts. The focus will be on human and animal viruses, with lesser emphasis on plant viruses. The molecular properties of RNA- and DNA-containing viruses will be presented. The lecture material will be supported by practical experiments which demonstrate both classical techniques in animal virology and the methods of recombinant DNA used to analyse virus replication.

Assessment: Written theory examination (2 hours) 50% + Theory of practical examination (1.5 hours) 35% + Laboratory reports and practical class assessment 15%