Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Virology
Code LIFE209
Coordinator Dr B Ebrahimi
Functional and Comparative Genomics
Ebrahimi@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE101; LIFE103 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
LIFE320 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

         3

 27
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		        This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments
  		 
Private Study 123
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  2 hours  Semester 1  80  Yes    Assessment 1 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1000  Semester 1  15  Yes    Assessment 2 
Coursework  10 min presentation  Semester 1  5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 209 will be short answer questions. Assessment 209.1 will be an extended written exercise Assessment 209.2 will be an oral presentation.  

Aims
  • This module aims to develop in students:
     
    The ability to explain the fundamental features and properties of viruses and viral infections;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the use and development of mo lecular biology technologies in virology;
  • The capacity to describe problems associated with viruses and their control, and identify positive applications of viruses;
  • Knowledge and understanding in virology, and the ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in virology.
    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this module, the students should be able to:
     
    Explain basic terms and terminologies used in virology and describe virus particle structure;
    Identify different virus infection life cycles in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, describing the role of key viral proteins in viral life cycles;

    Describe impact of viruses on public health, explain how viruses may spread between different species and the concept of species-barrier;
    Describe the use of diagnostic tools to detect, quantify, and monitor viruses;
    Explain the role of immune system in combating viral infections in plants, invertebrates and mammals;

    Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of virology, and how this knowledge has been applied to solve problems.

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Assessment -

    This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments

    Syllabus
    1 
    Virus taxonomy and classification: Review of virus taxonomy and nomenclature and recent use of genome sequence information in virus classifications.
    Virion structure and genome organisation: Nucleic acid and protein arrangements of viral particles.
    Viruses and public health: Global distribution of viruses and their impact on health and wealth.
    Species-specificity: Viral and cellular factors explaining why viruses target specific cells and species.
    Lytic versus lysogenic versus latent versus persistence: Molecular basis of differen t routes taken by different viruses once inside cells.
    Virus tropism: Viral and cellular determinants of tropism.
    Key features of virus genome replication strategies: cytoplasmic versus nuclear, concept of reverse transcription, sense versus anti-sense genome replication, episomal and integration.
    Concept of species barriers: Basis of species barriers, jumping species, and their consequences.
    Tools to detect, identify, and monitor viruses: Technologies and advances in viral diagnostics.
    Vectors as virus carriers: Roles played by vectors and carriers in maintaining viral populations and spread.
    Host defences against viruses: Review of key components of host-derived defence mechanisms against viruses in plants, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
    Cellular sensors of viruses: Review of recent discoveries as to how cells sense viruses.
    Superviruses, sub-viruses and other biological anomalies: virusoids, viroids, mobile genetic elements, endogenous viruses, and prions.
    Co-existence and co-evolution: Concept of pathogen co-existence and its impact on host survival.
    Global warming and viruses: Overview of emerging concepts of global warming and its potential influence on virus spread and likely impacts for the planet.


    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: