Applied Virology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This advanced course gives an overview of various aspects related to the field of virology through lectures, laboratory exercise, and literature-based self-studies. During the course basic and advanced methods in virology, the design of stragegies for anti-viral drug development and the use of viruses in various biomedical settings will be discussed.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After completing the course, the student will:
have good knowledge of virus structure, as well as the chemical and physical properties of viruses,
have basic knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying viral infection and pathogenesis,
understand the interactions of the host immune system and viruses during infection,
understand general strategies for virus disease control, including the mode of action of antiviral drugs and the development of vaccine,
be able to describe and suggest techniques for research in virology or for diagnostic purposes.
 
Proficiency and aptitude
After completing the course, the student will:
demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze complex phenomena, even with limited information,
demonstrate ability to propose and critically evaluate various technical solutions within virology, virus detection and drug development,
demonstrate the ability to design scientific experiments within virology in a goal-oriented manner,
demonstrate the ability to work in teams and collaborate in groups of different composition,
demonstrate the ability to explain and discuss scientific methodology and conclusion in oral and writing,
developed the skills required to participate in virology-related research or other qualified activities.
 
Assessment and approach
At the end of the course, the student will:
demonstrate the ability to critically assess and discuss scientific literature and the relevance of scientific methodologies used by others,
demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of science,
demonstrate the ability to identify their need for additional knowledge and to take responsibility for their knowledge development.
 
 

Required Knowledge

180 credits, including at least 60 ECTS in Biology (for example Cell Biology, Molecular Biology) as well as 20 credits in Chemistry. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

Information under "contents"

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 a literature project that will be presented orally and in written form (each with grade: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)). The laboratory exercise will be graded as Pass/Fail. For a passing the course, the grade “pass” is required for the three parts; exam, laboratory and literature project. For the grade “pass with distinction” for the entire course, the student has to have the grade pass with distinction in the exam and pass with distinction in at least one of the written or oral presentation of the literature project. Grading of the literature project is based both on the quality and clarity of the presentation (in written and oral form) and on the content of the report. A pass to the laboratory exercises is obtained if the student is present to the laboratory and after acceptance of the laboratory report.

Exam can be taken on an ordinary occasion and reexamination opportunity within two months after the regular exam. In case of failed results, the student is offered to take the exam the next time the course /exam is given. 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. After four failed examinations, the student is offered to participate in scheduled teaching when the course is given next time.
 
 

Other regulations

Other regulationswww.umu.se/regelverk
 

Crediting
The student has the right to examine whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application is submitted to Studentcentrum/Examina. Details on crediting can be found at Umeå University’s student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole or part of the application for accreditation is refused.