Fall 2006
Principles of Virology (BioMI 409/VetMI 409)
This undergraduate course covers the principles of virology, focusing mainly on animal viruses but also including plant viruses and bacteriophage. Topics include the classification of viruses, virus entry, genome replication and assembly, and virus pathogenesis. Particular emphasis is placed on virus-host cell interactions and common features between different viral families. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BioMI 290 & 291 or permission of instructor.
The Biology of Plant and Animal Viruses (VetMI 700)
This graduate course covers topics that are more selective and taught in greater depth than in the 409 course. It examines current topics in studies of animal viruses, as well as studies of some plant viruses. After a brief introduction to the general properties of viruses, selected topics that are of contemporary interest in virology are examined in depth. Topics to be explored include the structures of viruses and their components; selected viral replication strategies; viral evolution and selection; the cell biology of the interactions between viruses and cells; novel approaches to vaccine development; methods for antiviral chemotherapy; and the use of viruses in gene therapy approaches. Many topics will be covered from examples or well established model systems. References are given to review articles on the various topics discussed and literature references to greater depth of some subject areas will also be given during the sessions.