98159 - Viral Genetics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the Student knows the characteristics of viruses and sub-viral agents and their peculiarity in the biological world. The Student knows the basics of the biology of viruses and their interaction with host cells; the organization of viral genomes and replicative strategies of different classes of viruses; the theories of the origin of viruses; viral genome evolution; the technologies for viral genome engineering; the applications of genetically engineered viruses; the applications of viral genomic information in epidemiology and outbreak tracing and prediction.

Course contents

PART 1
INTRODUCTION
Viruses defined, the criteria of virus classification, virus structure and composition.
The phases of the viral replication cycle.
Viral growth curve. Methods of virus culture and identification.
Different outcomes of virus infection: productive, abortive, persistent and latent infections. Mechanisms of virus entry into the host cell and transport of subviral components to different cellular compartments.

VIRAL GENETICS
The viral replicative groups I-VII (Baltimore system).
Replication and gene expression strategies in relation with the organization of the viral genome (RNA viruses with positive or negative polarity, monopartite or segmented genomes; retroviruses, hepadnaviruses; DNA viruses with double-stranded or single-stranded genome).
Genetic economy strategies.
Subviral agents, definitions and properties: viroids and satellites.


PART 2
VIRUS GENOME EVOLUTION
Origin of viruses.
Origin of diversity in virus genomes.
Mutations rate versus genome stability and/or size.
Viral quasispecies.
Paleovirology.
Endogenous retroviruses and non-retroviral integrated genomes.
Emerging viruses.
Pandemic viruses.
VIRUS GENOMICS
The macro-evolution perspective: understanding the virosphere (virus origin, genome evolution, evolution time scales, and virus-host interactions)
Applied perspective: epidemiologic transmission and pathogenesis of viral infections; patient management and public health; prediction of virus emergence.
Resources and applications for viral genomics.
VIRUS GENOME ENGINEERING
Recombineering technologies, infectious cDNA clones, replicon systems.
Applications of genetically engineered viruses (phages, animal viruses, plant viruses).
Viruses and nanotechnologies: virus-based nanoparticles.


PART 3
Group activities and seminars on updated literature.
Invited seminar lectures.

Readings/Bibliography

Principles of Virology, 4th Edition (2015), S.Flint et al, ASM Press.

"FIELDS Virology", Sixth Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013.

Online resources (NCBI, ViralZone, etc.).

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures with Powerpoint presentations
Interactive lectures, polls
Self-evaluation tests
Group activities
Student Journal Clubs
Lectures will not be recorded

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of three parts that contribute to the final grade:
1) written exam on course part 1 (test on EOL platform, max 8 points);
2) written exam on course part 2 (test on EOL platform, max 8 points);
3) oral exam ("Student Journal Club, max 15 points).
The total of points, 31/30, equals to 30 cum Laude.

Dates will be published in AlmaEsami or in Virtuale moodle.

Written exams (EOL tests; points: min 5, max 8).

The tests are related to knowledge verification. There are 16 multiple-choice quizzes per test, and the score is +0.5 if correct, 0 if wrong and 0 if absent (no penalty for wrong answers). The time available to the student for the test is 15 minutes. The use of supporting material such as textbooks, notes, computer media is not permitted during the test.

Class attendance is strongly recommended in order to facilitate the learning process through interaction with the teacher and the class, and to participate in mid-term collective self-assessment tests.

 

Oral exam (Student Journal Club; points: min 8, max 15).

The Student Journal Club consists in a presentation to be given by the student during class time. The activity is compulsory to pass the exam as a whole, and is related to the verification of both knowledge and the ability to compare sources and analyze scientific literature on an assigned topic, as well as the ability to present in public a topic studied individually and in group.

To prepare for the Journal Club, students work in groups. The lecturer provides background scientific literature, the students do their own literature search for background and introduction, and further deepening. The lecturer provides guidance on how to correctly cite sources. Each student has to present part of the group work, for approximately 20-25 minutes. Participation in the presentation of the other groups is strongly recommended.

For evaluation, it is necessary to be in presence in class during your Student Journal Club presentation. It i not possible to present remotely. The Student Journal Club exam requires the submission of an assignment (powerpoint presentation) prior to the examination date. The teacher carries out an anti-plagiarism check on the presentation. Any use of generative AI tools must be declared and must be in accordance with the University's policy (see this LINK).

 

Final grade classification

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to analyse emerging issues only with the help of the teacher, expression in overall correct language → 8-9;

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to independently analyse only purely executive issues, expression in correct language → 10-11;

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to analyse independently and critically, mastery of specific terminology → 12-13;

Comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to analyse and link independently and critically, complete mastery of specific terminology and ability to discuss and self-reflect → 14-15.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Power-point presentations
Multimedia (movies)
Online polls

Office hours

See the website of Laura Menotti