Class Virology

The Virology curricular unit essentially intends to introduce concepts and knowledge knowledge about viruses, at a theoretical and practical level, not only from a fundamental point of view, but also from the point of view of the countless applications and research of these biological entities in several areas. 

1. Introduction to the Study of Virology: objectives, importance and areas of application; Historical perspective

2. General characteristics of viruses

2.1. Structure and morphology

2.2. Molecular biology

2.3. Viral spread;

2.4. Virus / virus and virus / cell interaction; Types and effects of viral infection

3. Bacterial viruses:

3.1. Structure and morphology

3.2. Classification

3.3. Viral replication: lytic and lysogenic cycles

3.4. Bacterial cell defenses

3.5. Experimental use of bacterial viruses

4. Eukaryotic virus

4.1. Structure and morphology

4.2. Main groups:

4.2.1. RNA virus (ssRNA and dsRNA)

4.2.2. DNA virus (ssDNA and dsDNA)

4.2.3. Retrovirus

4.2.4. Hepatitis B virus

4.3. "Giant" viruses and other viral agents

5. Viral control methods.

6. Virology methodology: detection, isolation, maintenance and viral spread.

Use of IBL methodology with exploratory and research activities in the theoretical and practical components.

The use of active methodologies, such as exploratory and group work and the IBL methodology will develop research skills, selection and interpretation of information and scientific methodology, as well as interest in the topics covered.

Thus, the assessment will consist of a theoretical component (50% of the final grade) and a practical component (50% of the final grade), each with an average of 9.5 or higher.  Theoretical assessment - test (60%) and presentation and discussion of a research paper (IBL methodology) (40%).

Practical Assessment: Laboratory classes, with 2/3 compulsory attendance. Realization, presentation and discussion in class of reports/records/research activities (equal weighting). The assessment considers the performance during the practical activities. All support material related to the classes will be made available through the Moodle platform.

• Cann A.J. (2016). Principles of Molecular Virology (6th ed). Elsevier Academic Press. (ISBN: 978-0-12-801946-7) 
• Flint, J., Racaniello, R.., Rall, G.F., Hatziioannou, T., & Skalka, A.M. (2020) Principles of Virology (Multivolume. 5th ed). ASM Press. (ISBN: 978-1-683-67358-3)
• Shors, T. (2016). Understanding viruses (3rd ed). Jones & Bartlett Learning. (ISBN 9781284057447)