B8458 - Virology and Vaccinology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows the principles of virology and the basics of vaccinology and is able to apply the main tests used for the diagnosis of viral infections. In particular, the student: knows the principles of taxonomy, structure and morphology, biology and interactions with the host of viruses of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health; knows the basic principles of vaccinology and the main methods of immunisation; is able to collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests used in virology, as well as interpret and understand the limitations of the test results.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B8346 - IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND PARASITOLOGY”.

The integrated course "Immunology, microbiology, and parasitology" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the taxonomy, structure and morphology, biology, and host interactions of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi of veterinary relevance, as well as the associated sampling and analysis techniques. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation, immune defenses, and immunology, including the principles of vaccinology.

The Integrated Course “B8346 - IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND PARASITOLOGY” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.04, 1.10, 1.12, 1.22, and 1.35.

COURSE CONTENT:

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Fundamentals of viral characteristics and taxonomy (2 hours)
• Viral genetics and mechanisms of viral evolution (1 hour)
• Viral tropism, infection, replication cycle, and pathogenesis (3 hours)
• Diagnosis of viral infections (3 hours)
• Vaccinology (3 hours)
• DNA viruses, RNA viruses, and reverse transcriptase (RT) viruses of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health (2 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Sampling, viral isolation, and cytopathic effects (2 hours)
• Interpretation of diagnostic tests (2 hours)
• Diagnostic workflow and viral characterization (2 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Supplementary reading:

• Fenner's Veterinary Virology (Fifth Edition) 2017 Edited by: N. James Maclachlan and Edward J. Dubovi. Academic Press.
• Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease (Third Edition) 2026 Edited by: Quinn PJ, Markey BK, Leonard FC, Cassidy JP, Gordon SV, Fanning S, Barry G, Fitzpatrick ES, Kelly AP, Meade KG. Wiley-Blackwell.

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures delivered through PowerPoint presentations, video materials, and innovative teaching tools such as online group quizzes (Kahoot!).

In addition, practical sessions are organized by dividing students into four groups. These sessions include interactive computer-based activities and laboratory exercises designed to apply the concepts covered during the lectures. The practical activities aim to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills, enhance their ability to synthesize information, and foster effective communication and teamwork.

Considering the activities and teaching methods adopted in this course, students are required to successfully complete Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the e-learning safety training for study environments before attending the course.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course unit “B8346 - IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND PARASITOLOGY” consists of 3 parts, aimed at assessing the acquisition of expected knowledge:

• First part: a written multiple-choice test including 30 questions covering all topics of B8433 BACTERIOLOGY (12 questions), B8433 IMMUNOLOGY (6 questions) and B8458 VIROLOGY AND VACCINOLOGY (12 questions). Each correct answer grants 1 point, while incorrect or blank answers grant 0 points. No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.
• Second part: a written test covering all topics of B8449 PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY composed by 1) 4 open-ended questions on parasite identification, provided at the exam in the form of an image or a specimen (Taxonomic classification max 3 points, Morphology max 3 points, Host(s) max 3 points, Life cycle max 5 points); and 2) 9 true/false or multiple-choice questions, worth 1 point each if answered correctly, or 2 points if also correctly justified, while incorrect or blank answers grant 0 points.
• Third part: a written test including 12 questions covering all topics of B8443 INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY, aimed at assessing the acquisition of expected knowledge. Six out of 12 questions are multiple choice questions and six are short answer questions. One question includes one or two macroscopic or microscopic images similar to those discussed during the theoretical lectures and the practical sessions. Each correct answer grants 1 point, while blank or incorrect answers grant 0 points.

The written test lasts 2 hours. A minimum score of 36/66 is needed to pass the exam. The final grade is expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 (corresponding to a minimum score of 36/66) is required. A score equal or higher than 61/66 correspond to 30+Laude. Furthermore, to pass the exam, for each teaching a minimum grade is needed: 6 points for B8433 BACTERIOLOGY, 3 points for B8433 IMMUNOLOGY, 6 points for B8458 VIROLOGY AND VACCINOLOGY, 12 points for B8449 PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY, and 6 points for B8443 INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

The final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam. Grades for the individual parts will be available for review together with the tests on a date set by the teachers. Students may reject the final grade by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Andrea Balboni

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

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.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, video materials, online quizzes, computer-based learning resources, and a virology laboratory.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Balboni