Course unit details:
Viruses and Disease 2
| Unit code | BIOL65221 |
|---|---|
| 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:
HIV and other Retroviruses
Hepatitis viruses
Viral infections in immunocompromised patients
The unit will also cover current areas of viral research interest in each of these three areas.
Aims
Provide students with a detailed and applied knowledge and understanding of the viruses which cause hepatitis, the human retroviruses including human immunodeficiency virus and of the role of viruses in causing disease in immunocompromised persons.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and Learning processes will include lectures, structured practical laboratory classes, and seminars and student-led presentations. Resource materials will be provided via Blackboard.
Knowledge and understanding
Be able to identify and show depth of knowledge of the hepatitis viruses, of HIV and other retroviruses and of the viruses that are particularly problematic in immunocompromised patients.
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.
Understand how the above viral infections are transmitted and how they impact on and affect global 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.
Understand ethical issues associated with virology, particularly with regards to diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection, including different cultural and societal viewpoints and be able to articulate these.
Practical skills
Manipulate and analyse bioinformatic data and be able to use it to identify antiviral drug resistance
Work with increasing independence to design and carry out laboratory assays.
Carry out routine laboratory techniques competently and safely.
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.
Demonstrate oral presentation skills.
Make a valuable contribution within a team
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 50% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 50% |
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Pamela Vallely | Unit coordinator |