Ateneo - UPO

The course will deal with the description of the general characteristics of
the viruses, their pathogenicity, their use for research and the most
common diagnostic techniques.

- Brock. Biology of Microorganisms. Vol.1 by Michael T. Madigan, John M.
Martinko
- Introduction to Modern Virology by Nigel J. Dimmock, Andrew J.
Easton,Keith N. Leppard.

Building a mental model that allows understanding, having acquired the
morphological, structural, biochemical and pathogenic characteristics of
the viruses, the mechanisms of action underlying the pathogenesis and
the identification techniques currently used in the microbiology
laboratory.

The student should have knowledge of cell biology and microbiology
(bacteria).

The course comprises 24th of frontal lessons. All the slides of each lesson
will be available to the students on the DIR platform. This material is to
be considered integrative of the textbook and never its substitute.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is a written test, where the knowledge acquired by the student
is evaluated. The exam consists of 4 open questions on these topics (1
question per topic): - Virus structure (Genoma-Capside-Envelope)
- Viral replication / Baltimore classification
- Viral pathogenesis / The innate immune response triggered by viruses
- Virological diagnostics: Cultivation techniques and viral quantification.
Molecular diagnostics.
- Antiviral therapy and Vaccines
- Biotechnological applications of viruses-
8 points are assigned to each question; the written test is considered
passed if the overall score is not less than 18 points. The score will be
numerical and will progressively go to a maximum of 30 Laude (33
points), depending on the knowledge level of the student. During the
written test it is not allowed to consult any microbiology texts.

- Virus structure (Genoma-Capside-Envelope)
- Viral replication
- Baltimore Classification
- Viral pathogenesis
- The innate immune response triggered by viruses
- Virological diagnostics: Cultivation techniques and viral quantification.
Molecular diagnostics.
- Antiviral therapy and Vaccines
- Biotechnological applications of viruses
- Techniques for the study of viruses: transgenic mice, organotypic
cultures, Next generation sequencing ...

Acquisition of in-depth knowledge of general virology and its applications in the scientific field. Acquisition of an appropriate scientific language. Ability to use educational material for critical and reasoned study.