MIC3022 - Molecular virology and viral pathogenesis

Leader: Associate Professor Peter Wright

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit 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. 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.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will have gained an understanding of the expression strategies of RNA- and DNA-containing viruses, the interactions between viral and cell components that lead to disease in animal and human hosts, the suitability of viruses as gene delivery vectors, the threat to world health of emerging viral diseases, and the methods used to study viral genomes. Students will have skills in the proper preparation and submission of laboratory reports, the purification and assay of animal viruses, and the molecular techniques used to analyse viral genomes.

Assessment

Written theory examination (2 hours): 50%
Theory of practical examination (1.5 hours): 32%
Laboratory reports and practical class assessment: 18%

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class or tutorial presentation per week

Prerequisites

At least two of BMS2052, BMS2062 MIC2011, MIC2022, MOL2011 or MOL2022.