Molecular Virology
Theory: 2 hours/week | ECTS Units: 3
Tutoring in the English language is offered to Erasmus students
Learning Outcomes
This course introduces students to the basic principles of Molecular Virology which govern the structure of viral genomes, replication, transcription and gene expression of DNA and RNA viruses.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:
- Classify viruses based on their genome
- Understand replication, expression and control of expression based on the above classification
- Understand infections of these viruses in humans and animals
- Understand the usefulness of vaccines and antiviral drugs, distinguish their differences and evaluate the appropriate method of approaching and treating a viral infection
Analytical Description of the Course
- Introduction
In this section, students learn the basic concepts related to the field of Molecular Virology (virus, virion, serotype, genotype, strain, etc.). Also, a historical review is presented from the first discovery of viruses to modern molecular virology. - Viral Particles
Students categorize and learn virion shapes, viral capsid symmetries, the role of capsid and envelope proteins, their interaction with the cell receptor proteins and the entry of the virus into the host cell. - Viral Genome
Students learn about the structure and complexity of viral genomes. The most common way to classify viruses (according to Baltimore). Basic similarities of similar class viruses are described. Also, students learn about the evolution of these genomes through mutations, recombinations and rearrangements. - Virus Replication
In this section students learn about the replication cycle of a virus. All the basic steps from the binding of the virus to the cell receptor until the release of the new viral particle from the infected cell. - Gene Expression
Students learn the different ways in which a virus controls and regulates gene expression. Reference is made to similarities of the mechanisms depending on the location of genome replication in host cells (nucleus/cytoplasm) and to the mechanisms of transcriptional, translational and post-translational regulation of expression. - Infection and Pathogenesis
In this section, students learn about viral infection, the concept of pathogenesis and cellular damage, resulting in the occurrence of disease. The ways in which viruses are transmitted between humans and animals are described. The case of new and emerging viruses, viruses that appear and circulate for the first time or viruses that, although known from the past, suddenly reappear, causing epidemics and/or pandemics, is also described. - Viroids, Satellites and Prions
This section describes viroids, satellites and prions, although not viruses (they do not carry all the properties of a virus) but can cause infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. - Vaccines and Antiviral Drugs
Students learn the importance of vaccines in epidemics. Then the different types of vaccines are described. Regarding antiviral therapy, the molecular targets and stages of the viral replication cycle that antiviral drugs target are described.
Student Performance Evaluation
Course performance is assessed based on the assignment (20%) and a written exam on the theoretical part of the course during the examination period (80%).
The written exam includes:
• open-ended questions (50 points)
• choosing the correct sentence from a number of possible answers (15 points)
• characterizing a sentence as correct or incorrect (15 points)
• targeted questions that require one-word or short and precise answers (10 points)
• correct matching of two categories of sentences (10 points)
The total of correct answers corresponds to 100 points, which are reduced to a grade of 10. Based on this reduction, each student’s grade in the theoretical examination of the course is calculated. This grade corresponds to 80% of the total course grade.
Suggested Bibliography
- Introduction to Modern Virology (1st Greek Edition), Nigel J. Dimmock, Andrew J. Easton, Keith N. Leppard, University Studio Press, 2020
- JAWETZ, MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1st Greek Edition Constantaras Publications 2023
- Principles of Molecular Virology (6th Edition), Alan Cann, Academic Press; 2015.
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturer
