Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
Molecular Virology - Course Information
UMDNJ-GSBS MICR 5231
Summer 2012
| Instructors: | Hua Zhu, Ph.D. ( zhuhu@umdnj.edu, 973-972-4483, ext. 2-6488) |
| Ian Whitehead, Ph.D. ( whiteip@umdnj.edu, 973-972-5215) | |
| David Lukac, Ph.D. ( lukacdm@umdnj.edu, 973-972-4483, ext. 2-0907) | |
| Diana Palmeri, Ph.D. ( palmerdi@umdnj.edu, 973-972-4483, ext. 2-8734) |
Teaching assistant: Benjamin Silver (benjamin.silver.88@gmail.com, 973-972-4483, ext. 2-3160)
Lecture time: 5:30-8:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Lecture room: ICPH Auditorium (225 Warren Street)
Office hours: By appointment
Credits: 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes lectures and student presentations based on recent research publications. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basic principles of virus-host cell interactions and the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis. All important human viruses will be discussed, including papilloma, herpes, smallpox, polio, measles, West Nile, HIV, influenza, SARS and hepatitis viruses. Lectures cover viral structures; viral strategies of invasion, transcription, replication, and dissemination; viral offense and host defense; prevention and control of viral diseases; and approaches for studying viruses.
REFERENCE TEXTBOOK
PRINCIPLES OF VIROLOGY: Molecular, Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal Viruses, 3rd Edition, 2009 by Flint, Enquist, Racaniello and Skalka.
COURSE WEB SITE
All lectures will be posted on the web:
Both User Name and Password to read the PDF files are "MOLVIR" (case-sensitive).
EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING
Students are responsible for and will be tested on all lecture contents and reading materials. Two exams, a midterm, and a final are scheduled. Each exam will stress the preceding block of lectures and readings. Students are required to complete all multiple-choice questions independently (closed book) in class. Make-up exams will only be given if the student has a valid excuse.
Grades:
Midterm Exam: 40%
Final Exam: 50%
Readings: 10%
Grading scale:
90% and above: A
85% to 89.9%: B+
80% to 84.9%: B
75% to 79.9%: C+
70% to 74.9%: C
60% to 69.9%: D
<60%: F
READINGS
In addition to the research papers assigned and discussed in particular classes, two related papers will be distributed. Each student is required to write a maximum one-page summary. This summary should briefly describe the background, purpose of study, hypothesis, methodology, major findings, and conclusion. Discussions on problems the paper may have and on potential future experiments are encouraged. The summary must be typed with a 12-point Times New Roman font. This paper is due at the Final Exam. Points will be deducted from papers that are handed in late or are over the one-page limit.