| Coordinator: | Dr. K.M. Coombs |
| Time: | Three hours per week, one term. |
| Start Date: | Tentative: November 2013. This course usually runs Nov. - April |
| Prerequisites: | Virology 7010 (or equivalent), or by consent of coordinator |
| Evaluation: | Oral presentations (4) of research papers (40%) Research grant proposal in lieu of final exam (35%) Student evaluations (25%) |
| Minimum number of students: | Four |
| Description: | An advanced level lecture and conference course. Recent advances and current problems in the molecular aspects of virus structure, replication, tumorigenesis, genetics and pathogenesis in relation to the various types of virus-host cell interaction |
| Objective: | The principle aim is to make the student fully cognizant of the major issues in virology, particularly at the molecular level. The secondary aim is to develop in the student an appreciation of the mutual interdependence of the discipline of virology and molecular biology in both conceptual and methodological aspects. |
| Content: | Organization of virus genomes and gene mapping methods: general and particular aspects for selected DNA and RNA viruses. Virus replication and regulation of gene expression: identification of regulatory sequences. Genetic bases of (a) oncogenic transformation by viruses, and (b) virus virulence and pathogenicity. Animal viruses as vectors in recombinant DNA technology. Molecular structure of the virion in relation to attachment, uncoating, action of neutralizing antibody and assembly. New taxonomic relationships perceived by comparative studies of genome organization and of sequence homologies. |