Topic 1: Introduction to Virology
VIDEOS FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PART What is a Virus? Unusual Infectious Agents Learning outcomes 1. Define virology and explain its scope and importance in the broader field of microbiology. Key…
Lesson 1: What is a virus?
VIDEOS FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PART What is a Virus? Unusual Infectious Agents A virus is a Latin Word Meaning “poison” Three main criteria are used to define a virus a)…
Lesson 2: Discovery and History of Virology
Discovery of viruses: Where did viruses come from? Viruses are found wherever there is life and have probably existed since living cells first evolved The origin of viruses is unclear…
Lesson 3: Do Viruses Live and or Die?
Are Viruses Alive? Although viruses challenge our concept of what “living” means, they are vital members of the web of life The best analogy is that of a seed that…
Lesson 4: Why study virology?
Virology is all about understanding viruses – from more common infections such as chickenpox to new and emerging infections like Zika and Ebola. Viruses are some of the most diverse…
Lesson 5: Beneficial Uses of Viruses in Biotechnology
Viruses have been utilized in various beneficial ways in biotechnology, leveraging their unique characteristics for different applications. Here are some examples of how viruses are employed in biotechnology: Gene Therapy:…
Lesson 6: Atypical viruses (prions, viroids, virusoids and Satellite Viruses)
The term “unconventional agents” or “atypical viruses” may be used to refer to viruses that possess unique characteristics, deviating from the typical features exhibited by most well-studied viruses. Viroids: Viroids…
Study questions Topic 1 (Introduction to virology)
What is a virus? What are the two facts that provide an underlying simplicity and order to viruses? A viral genome must make mRNA: TRUE OR FALSE? Does it ever…