The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the biology of viruses. We will emphasize the nature of viruses on a molecular level. In so doing we will:
1. We will discuss how viruses gain access to cells, replicate themselves, and then leave the cell to infect new cells.
2. We will also describe differences and similarities that the different categories of viruses have.
3. We will discuss how viruses participate in host-virus interaction with emphasis on what immune responses are generated and how viruses attempt to avoid those responses.
4. We will also specifically discuss both HIV and tumorigenic viruses.
5. Finally we will discuss vaccination and drug therapies that have been developed to defeat viruses.
Each class will involve both lecture and discussion of relevant publications to that topic. There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final exam. Keep in mind that the course is designed so that each class, to one degree or another, builds on the previous material and so it is important to fully understand what we have already covered.
This course does not count toward the undergraduate biology major. MA in Biology students should register for the IDENT 5438. Undergrads and PBPM students should register for 4438.
Course Attributes: AS NSM; BU SCI
