Biology of Viruses

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Viruses hover just below the definition of life, yet they are a fundamental part of it. While you fight a cold, your gut bacteria fight bacteriophages. While new pandemic viruses emerge, ancient virus fossils lie scattered in our genome. In this course, we will explore biology principles through the theme of virology. Methods of inquiry and laboratory techniques will be an integral part of the class structure. Through lectures, discussions, research papers, and popular science content, we will learn the fundamentals of cell biology, the immune system, types of viruses, genetics, virus evolution, infection spread, and other relevant topics. In lab you will explore and apply the principles of clinical testing, make observations and test hypotheses, and learn how to analyze data and communicate science. Assessments will include discussion posts, lab reports, short exams, and a final paper. This course meets the science-for-all requirement.