At the successful conclusion of VIROLOGY A and VIROLOGY B you should be able to demonstrate the following level learning outcomes:
1. Knowledge and understanding: You will understand viral structure, replication, evolution, pathogenesis, immune responses, diagnosis, epidemiology, and therapy for major human viruses.
2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding: You will be able to apply diagnostic methods, interpret tests, and plan therapeutic and preventive strategies.
3. Making judgements: You will be able to assess infection patterns, immune responses, and clinical manifestations to guide disease management.
4. Learning skills: You will be able to use a structured approach to support independent study and advanced learning in Infectious Diseases.
Course Prerequisites
For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods include lectures, discussion and guided independent study. Lectures present key concepts (supports LO.1, LO.2), facilitate interactive discussion of clinical cases and laboratory approaches (supports LO.2-3) and are supported by the e-learning platform (supports LO.4). Teaching will include guidance to help you prepare for the exam and throughout you will be presented with references to further readings and other materials to support your development (supports LO.4).
Assessment Methods
For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus
Texts
For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus
Contents
VIROLOGY A and B are taught together as an integrated module, providing a comprehensive overview of virology and viral infections. You will study viral structure, properties, taxonomy, replicative cycles, and mechanisms of genetic variability and evolution. Virus-host interactions, infection phases, cellular damage, molecular disease mechanisms, and immune responses are explored. Diagnostic approaches—including direct methods (virus isolation, antigen/nucleic acid detection) and indirect methods (serology, functional assays), as well as genetic variability and resistance testing—are covered. The module addresses epidemiology, virulence, and clinical features of major human viruses, including poxviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses, papovaviruses, parvoviruses, paramyxoviruses, influenza virus, rabies virus, reoviruses, rotaviruses, rubella virus, and arboviruses. Clinical topics include HIV, viral hepatitis, respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infections, opportunistic infections, virus-associated tumours, and emerging viruses. Therapeutic and preventive strategies, including antivirals and vaccination, are integrated to provide a thorough understanding of viral disease and its clinical management.
Course Language
English
More information
For further information please see the Integrated Course Syllabus
