Viruses have a major impact on humanity. They cause a number of acute diseases which can be serious or even life-threatening, but can also cause long-term complications such as paralysis, are involved in the induction of some cancers and may even cause some forms of diabetes and heart disease. The introduction of molecular approaches over the past 20 years has transformed our understanding of viruses and has provided a number of routes to the development of vaccines and anti-virus therapy. This module will give an introduction to the unique nature and importance of viruses then will show, using a number of detailed, specific examples, how molecular approaches are used in their study and what are the results of these approaches. The module will highlight molecular features which are critical in the induction of disease and also which current approaches are likely to lead to novel ways of controlling virus infections.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. discuss how a molecular approach has enhanced the study of viruses;
2. discuss some of the strategies adopted by viruses to replicate and express their genetic information;
3. discuss the role of viruses in disease and how this relates to molecular interactions with the infected cell;
4. discuss how an understanding of virus infections opens up the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches;
5. demonstrate competence in written communication and data analysis and interpretation.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. discuss how a molecular approach has enhanced the study of viruses;
2. discuss some of the strategies adopted by viruses to replicate and express their genetic information;
3. discuss the role of viruses in disease and how this relates to molecular interactions with the infected cell;
4. discuss how an understanding of virus infections opens up the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches;
5. demonstrate competence in written communication and data analysis and interpretation.