LF303-15 Medical Virology
Introductory description
Our aim in this module is to consider some of the key processes and strategies that shape our interaction with medically significant viruses, things such as virus evolution and vaccination, in the context of some of the main viral pathogens that afflict us today.
The virology landscape is ever-changing and this module will address some of the reasons for that and consider how that change occurs.
Module aims
The module covers important examples of human viral pathogens and some of the underlying principles that underpin our understanding of these pathogens. Its aim is to introduce students to the current and potential future pandemic viral pathogens and to provide insight into the principles that govern the emergence, evolution, transmission and control of these viruses.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
HIV - evolution, quasispecies, transmission • Hepatitis viruses – B, C and others • Influenza A virus - shift, drift, emergence and zoonosis, evolution, vaccines • A selection of other (incl emerging) viruses: rotaviruses, flaviviruses, dengue, WNV, Ebola, SARS, Nipah etc, considering emergence, spread, disease potential, prevention etc • Cross- cutting themes of virus variation, evolution, vaccination and epidemiology
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- An understanding of the major global viral health threats, and how further viruses can emerge to contribute to the human health burden
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Subject specific skills
a. Demonstrate clear understanding of the scientific topic
b. Contain evidence of extended reading and lateral integration of material not covered in the lectures
c. Demonstrate independent thought and deep understanding
d. Specifically answer the set question using information from multiple lectures and sources
e. Be structured and formatted in a way that demonstrates understanding and logical flow
f. Use multiple sources to construct complex scientific arguments and integrating these to build and develop the student's own scientific conclusions.
Transferable skills
- Critical appraisal of source material
- Self directed learning
- Adult learning
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 14 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Work-based learning | 6 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 130 hours (72%) |
| Assessment | 30 hours (17%) |
| Total | 180 hours |
Private study description
130 hrs of self-study and directed reading to prepare for the open book assessment
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Activity | 10% | 10 hours | No |
|
Two workshops and Virology Diary (forum contributions) & (written group contributions) |
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| Open Book Assessment | 90% | 20 hours | No |
|
Final assessment for the module will be on open book assessment. This is an essay based assessment consisting of 4 questions- students need to answer 2. The essays cannot be answered using lecture notes alone- students will need to perform background research and essays will need to be fully referenced. |
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Assessment group R
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Book Assessment | 100% | No | |
|
Final assessment for the module will be on open book assessment. This is an essay based assessment consisting of 4 questions- students need to answer 2. The essays cannot be answered using lecture notes alone- students will need to perform background research and essays will need to be fully referenced. |
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Feedback on assessment
Group-level feedback on workshop contributions. Class-level feedback on examination answers.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.