01071 - Virology

Learning outcomes

After completing this module the student knows the principles of taxonomy, the structure of viruses, their replication and  interactions responsible for the onset of illness and recovery. Students will know the principles of viral pathogenesis and undertake the correct strategies to control them.

Course contents

Opening lecture

To explain the course contents and objectives as well as the final exam procedures

1. General Virology

Morphology

The viral structures and symmetries will be explained

Chemical composition

The different chimical components will be illustrated: nucleic acids, proteins and viral membranes

Taxonomy

The basis of viral classification will be illustrated with special reference to the ICTV classification.

Viral genetics

The main feature of the viral genomic properties will be explained   as well as their evolutionary mechanisms. .

Virus-host interactions

The different phases of the replication cycle will be explained: attachment, penetration, nucleic acid replication, protein synthesis, viral assembly and release.

Pathogenesis of viral diseases

the mechanisms of viral infection and dissemination will be explained with veterinari examples.

Diagnosis of viral diseases

A description of collection, packaging and transport  of the specimens will be given and the the methods used for viral identification and serologic diagnosis will be explained.

Control and prevention strategies

Direct and indirect prphyilactic strategies against viral diseases will be explained with particular reference to vaccination

Virus to cure virus for curing: antivirals  and  viral vectors for gene delivery

 To explain how viruses can be used for gene delivery in vaccination and gene therapy. To illustrate the principal antiviral molecules available and their mechanisms of action.

2. Veterinary viruses

RNA viruses

The principal RNA viruses responsible of animal diseases will be illustrated with particular emphasis to their replication strategies and pathogenetic mechanisms 

DNA viruses

The principal DNA viruses responsible of animal diseases will be illustrated with particular emphasis to their replication strategies and pathogenetic mechanisms 

Practicals

Problem solving

This practical exercise, carried out in the computer lab in small groups with tutors, aim at identifying the viral agents responsible for an epidemic in an animal population through the recognition of the causative agent in the electron microscope and using genomic characterization. At the end of the tutorial, the results of each group and the strategies used will be explained to the class

Diagnostic of viral diseases

This practical exercise, carried out in the laboratory in groups is designed to assess the methods of  pathological samples collection and learn how to prepare the sample to be used for several diagnostic  procedures

Readings/Bibliography

Text book and supplementary material available at http://campus.cib.unibo.it , reccommended text book: 

Alessandra Scagliarini, Mara Battilani, Sara Ciulli, Andrea Balboni, Laura Gallina . Manuale di Virologia Veterinaria, Bononia University Press, 2013.

Fenner's Veterinary Virology 4th edition (2011) Academic Press available in the Faculty library.

Teaching methods

The module will comprise academic lectures  (18 hours) aimed at explaining general virology using power point slides and videos. P racticals (4 hours) will complement the academic lectures.

  The objective will be to apply the the theoretical notions into practice and to develop team work and communication skills.  Students will be divided in four groups of 25 persons attending the same lesson.

There will be 2 kind of practicals:

o   Interactive session carried out with computer symulations aimed at problem solving using theoretical notions and explaining the results to the rest of the class mates .

o   Laboratory practicals to learn the principal virological diagnostic's techniques.

 

Practical activities  will be supported by supplementay material such as web sites,  books and scientific publications. 

Assessment methods

Student assessment will be based on a final written test that  will be comprehensive for the entire course. The test  will be aimed at verifying that students have attained the necessary knowledge and skills.

The assessment method comprises:

·       Essay questions, testing understanding, analysis, synthesis and critical thinking

The test will be passed when a minimum mark of 18/30 will be obtained

The written test will include 15 “true/false” questions that will worth 1 if correct and 2 if the answer will be explained and a final open question that will mark 0 to 5. The final mark will represent the average of the marks obtained in the three modules of the integrated course.

The results of the test will be available within 1 week and the student will be encouraged to discuss the results with the teacher to clarify the main gaps.  During the test, no books and  electronic devices will be allowed.

The final grade of the course "Microbiology and parasitology" consists of the synthesis of the final evaluations of the three teachings that compose it. Individual parts of the examination that might be  overcome are not considered valid. 

 

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, informatic laboratory and virology laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Scagliarini