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 VIRAL DISEASE MECHANISMS
Code LIFE320
Coordinator Dr NW Blake
Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology
Nwblake@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level Three Second Semester 15

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

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

         2

3

 27
Timetable (if known) Timetabled lectures will deliver core knowledge base
  		        Workshop to discuss specilalist topics
Time for scheduled assessment
  		 
Private Study 123
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  3 h  2  80  Yes  N/A  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Coursework Assessment will be a written report (a topical area in virology will be reviewed via discussion of primary research articles in workshops, students will write a News & Views article on the paper for the assessment). Written Examination Assessment will be a written examination  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1000 words  2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 

Aims

This module aims to:

  1. Evaluate the latest research on the role of viruses as important pathogens of humans and animals;
  2. Explain in detail, viral virulence mechanisms, immune evasion and vaccine development;
  3. Develop knowledge and deep understanding in microbiology and the ability to apply, evaluate critically  and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:

Explain the mechanisms of replication and pathogenesis of different virus families and evaluate modern approaches to investigating virus pathogenesis and their control by immune processes, preventative measure sand treatments

​Critically discuss current hypotheses on the evolution of viral virulence, the contribution of virus infection to diseases in both humans and animals and current theories on the importance of globalization and climate change in the emergence and re-emergence of virus disease

​Synthesise information, critically review evidence to support conclusions, and define complex problems by applying appropriate knowledge and skills.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Timetabled lectures will deliver core knowledge base

Workshop -

Workshop to discuss specilalist topics

Assessment -

Time for scheduled assessment

Syllabus
1   

Virus Classification: Overview of different virus families, principles of virus taxonomy.  Properties used in classifying viruses.

Principles of Virus Pathogenesis: Key features associated with virus-host interactions.  Main factors associated with development of virus disease.  The existence of normal mammalian viral flora.

Specific Examples of Virus Pathogenesis: Examples of viral pathogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels for a range of virus families.  The evolution of virus virulence.

Viruses and epigenetic changes: Viral manipulation of host epigenetics. Role of microRNAs.

Zoonotic Infections: Transmission of viral zoonoses.

Genome-based approaches for analysis of virus pa thogenesis: Genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics as applied to different virus infections.  RNA silencing technology to identify host and viral factors associated with pathogenesis.

Immunity to viruses and viral immune evasion: Main host anti-viral mechanisms.  Viral immune evasion strategies: examples from wide range from virus families.

Therapeutic approaches to virus disease: Development of virus vaccines and anti-viral agents.

Emerging and Re-emerging Virus Infections: The effect of urbanisation and globalisation on virus emergence.  Climate change and spread of virus diseases. Recent virus outbreaks.

 

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: