Course unit details:
Viruses and Disease 3
| Unit code | BIOL65231 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Virology and clinical features
Diagnosis including molecular diagnosis
Epidemiology and global Impact
Treatment, management and prevention of diseases
In the following disease settings:
Viral infections of the central nervous system
Viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract
Emerging and re-emerging viral infections
The unit will also cover current areas of research interest in each of these viral areas.
Aims
Provide a detailed and applied understanding of viral infections in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract and diseases caused by them. The unit will also consider the concept of emerging and re-emerging infections, the tools used to identify and monitor them and the impact of these infections on global health.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and Learning processes will include lectures, structured practical laboratory classes, and student-led seminars and presentations. Resource materials will be provided via Blackboard.
Knowledge and understanding
Be able to identify and show depth of knowledge of viruses that infect the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract and of the diseases they cause.
Understand the concept of emerging and re-emerging infections and of the ways that these types of infections may arise and how they are detected and monitored.
Have a critical understanding of the particular problems and ongoing challenges that these types of viral infections cause.
Understand how the above viral infections are diagnosed including the importance and current limitations of molecular methods.
Demonstrate a knowledge of current viral treatment and prevention strategies, how they are applied with respect to these infections and how effective they are in each context.
Understand transmission methods for these viruses, focusing particularly on emerging infections and how they impact on global public health.
Identify a current area of research in at least one of these areas of viral infection.
Intellectual skills
Synthesise and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature.
Present scientific and clinical data in an appropriate format.
Deal with complex concepts and make independent judgements
Demonstrate originality in problem solving, working independently or as part of a group
Practical skills
Independently design and carry out an experimental plan to diagnose a viral infection
Demonstrate competence and confidence in the virology laboratory environment.
Keep clear records of methods and data collection in the laboratory.
Present information clearly and concisely in written and oral form
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Critically evaluate information from a variety of sources.
Interpret data and understand its significance to a particular viral infection
Demonstrate good time management and organisational skills in the laboratory setting.
Take personal responsibility for their own learning
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% |
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Pamela Vallely | Unit coordinator |