Applied and Clinical Virology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This advanced course gives an overview and practical training of various aspects related to the field of virology. During the course, basic aspects of virology will be covered, and focus is put on understanding the methods that are used in current research and in clinical practice. Furthermore, anti-viral drug development and the use of viruses in various biomedical research and development will be discussed, notably based on current research. The learning objectives are achieved via lectures, practical exercises, including laboratory work, and self-studies based on specific home assignments.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course students must be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• show knowledge of virus morphology, replication strategies, viral pathogenesis, disease, and viral epidemiology,
• discuss general strategies for virus disease control, including the mode of action of antiviral drugs and the development of vaccine, 
• explain and suggest techniques and methods for research in virology or for diagnostic purposes (clinical virology),
• reflect on the interpretation, pitfall, and limitations of clinical diagnostic test results.

Skills and abilities

• analyze and interpret complex phenomena in the context of viral infection and pathogenesis,
• implement, and critically evaluate various solutions related to aspects of research, clinical and epidemiological virology, including the design of scientific projects,
• demonstrate the ability to design scientific experiments within virology, 
• conduct laboratory and epidemiological work in research and clinical virology.

Judgement and approach 

• discuss scientific literature and the relevance of scientific methodologies used by others,
• identify their need for additional knowledge and to take responsibility for their knowledge development.

Required Knowledge

180 ECTS, of which at least 60 ECTS in one or more of the following areas: Cell Biology, Biomedicine, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Immunology. English for basic as eligibility for higher education.

Form of instruction

The course takes place on campus. The course is taught through a variety of flexible teaching methods. Teaching is given in the form of lectures, group discussion, scientific paper reading, laboratory-work and literature-based self-studies. Attendance at the course call, laboratory briefings, practical laboratory-work, and the presentations related to the literature-based self-studies is mandatory. The course is given in English.  

Examination modes

Examination of the course is done individually in the form of a written exam (grade: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)). The students will also carry out an individual literature study and a home assignment both will be presented orally during the course and graded (each with grade: VG/G/U). The practical exercises will be graded as G/U. For a passing the course, the grade "pass" is required for the three parts: written exam, practical work and both oral presentations. For the grade "pass with distinction", the student must have VG on the written exam and for at least one more of the graded moments. Grading of the literature study is based on the quality, the clarity and on the content of the oral presentation. A pass to the practical exercises is obtained if the student participates actively during the various moments, by asking questions and performing the tasks in the protocol, and after the individual report has been approved. 

The maximum opportunities of exams are limited to three per academic years, one ordinary occasion and two re-exams. Examinations based on the same syllabus as in the regular exam is guaranteed for at least two years after the student's first-time registration on the course. The student has the right to get a grade reviewed by the examiner. A student who has failed twice is eligible to ask for appointment of new examiner by the head of department. After four failed examinations, the student is offered to participate in scheduled teaching when the course is given next time but can also choose to participate in further re-exams.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

Other regulations see www.umu.se/regelverk