Virology
BIOL-40384
Gain an Introduction to Virology
This undergraduate level course offers a comprehensive introduction to virology, focusing on the fundamental principles governing the structure, replication, interaction with host cells, pathogenesis, transmission, and methods of detection of bacterial and animal viruses. A focus is on the molecular biology of viruses, including mechanisms of viral replication, gene expression, and genetic variation. Additionally, students will explore viral pathogenesis, immune responses to viral infections, and the development of antiviral therapies and vaccines.
Throughout the course, contemporary issues in virology will be discussed, including emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, as well as viral evolution, and the impact of viruses on global health. Carcinogenic and tumor causing viruses will also be studied as well as the utilization of viruses in oncolytic therapy . Students will analyze current research findings to understand the dynamic field of virology and its applications in medicine, biotechnology, and public health. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a solid foundation in virology, preparing them for advanced studies in allied health fields.
Prerequisites
This course assumes that students are familiar with college-level Cell Biology and Genetics
Format
This course is offered in an online asynchronous format.There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate.
Transferring for College Credit
Many courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies may be eligible for college credit at UC San Diego or other institutions. Credit transfer is determined by the receiving institution. We recommend consulting with the registrar's office at your intended institution before enrolling to confirm how your courses will transfer.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how viruses evolve.
- Describe a range of viruses causing human disease in terms of genetic material, transmission, host-range, pathogenesis, and prevention.
- Explain stages of viral replication for negative and positive RNA/DNA viruses.
- Summarize host immune responses to viral infections.
- Discuss vaccine platforms and development.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 5/5/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Ivette Nunez
Ivette Ariela Nuñez received her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia, Athens where she studied avian influenza virus H5N1 and vaccine design. Following her defense, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and at Vanderbilt University performing research on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus. She currently works as a Molecular Virologist at the NIH/NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick) in Frederick, MD, USA. Here she studies high consequence pathogens such as Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2 in order to understand, treat and prevent novel emerging viruses.