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Continuing Professional Development: MSc Programme Modules (London-based)

MOLECULAR VIROLOGY (3140)

ORGANISER: Dr Ursula Gompels

11 January 2012 to 10 February 2012 (Wednesdays 2pm to Fridays 5pm)


AIM
To develop a broad understanding of molecular viral strategies and their applications; to provide theoretical knowledge of virus groups which are pathogens, including analyses of emerging infections, through an in depth study of selected viruses.


OBJECTIVES
The learning objectives include:

  1. knowledge and understanding of basic molecular virological strategies and mechanisms and their relationship to current paradigms in virus pathogenesis;
  2. analysis of experimental design to answer specific questions in virological research;
  3. use of computer aided analyses of virus genomics relevant to current research, diagnoses and treatment;
  4. ability to research literature and databases on relevant topics and present the data;
  5. ability to critically assess data and findings of current publications on virus research.


CONSTITUENCY
This module is intended for students with a basic background in both virology and molecular biology (i.e. have attended the General Virology (in Bacteriology & Virology core) and Molecular Biology modules in Term 1).  The module will extend this basic background to a more advanced level focusing on selected contemporary molecular issues in virology. The students should have a basic understanding of biochemistry and genetics.


CONCEPTUAL OUTLINE
This module will be divided into five teaching blocks covering current research areas in virology using a particular virus family as an example for each theme. Areas covered include: gene expression/therapy and virus persistence/ latency; protective immunity and vaccines, immune evasion; virus receptors, cell fusion and tissue tropism; viral oncogenes and tumorigenesis;and molecular evolution, virulence and emergent infections.  Teaching includes lectures by specialists in each field, a student "journal club" for discussion of selected recent research articles complementing the study areas (copies of all articles provided), and a computer initiated research project.  Emphasis will be on student participation with time for library/internet-based research.


TEACHING STRATEGY
Teaching includes: lectures followed by discussion; journal club with presentations of research articles by groups of students followed by discussions; a problem based approach where students will choose an unidentified virus nucleotide sequence fragment from a list compiled by the Organiser.  This will be followed by tutorial sessions and use of computer based analyses leading to selection of a research problem for further literature based study.


LEARNING TIME
The module is made up of 150 Notional Learning Hours – 50 hours contact time, 20 hours directed self-study, 30 hours self-directed learning, and 50 hours assessment, review and revision.


ASSESSMENT
One presentation and one written assignment:

  1. Journal club oral presentation, group mark - 40%
  2. Written/oral assignment on computer (bioinformatics) and literature based research question, individual mark - 60%

FEE

£1,600 including access to LSHTM library and learning resources, study materials and assessment.

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