Description

This course delves into the fascinating world of viruses that specifically target humans. You will explore these invisible invaders—from their molecular structure and replication strategies to how they cause disease and outsmart our immune defenses.Through engaging lectures, visuals, and case studies, you will build a solid foundation in virology and understand the crucial role viruses play in human health, disease, and evolution. Learning Objectives:By the end of this course, students will be able to:Explain the defining characteristics of viruses and how they differ from other microorganisms.Describe the viral replication cycle and its stages within the host cell.Discuss mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and how viruses cause specific diseases.Analyze the human immune response to viral infections.Identify major human viral diseases, their transmission routes, and diagnostic methods.Evaluate strategies for viral prevention, vaccination, and antiviral therapy.Understand viral mutation, evolution, and the emergence of new infectious diseases. Course Modules:Module 1: Introduction to VirologyThe discovery and history of virusesDistinguishing viruses from bacteria and other microbesViral classification systems and taxonomyModule 2: Viral Structure and GenomesDNA vs. RNA virusesCapsids, envelopes, and viral morphologyPrinciples of virus stability and transmissionModule 3: The Viral Replication CycleViral entry and uncoatingGenome replication and protein synthesisAssembly and release of progeny virionsModule 4: Viral PathogenesisMechanisms of infection and tissue tropismHost–virus interactionsClinical outcomes of viral infectionsModule 5: The Human Immune ResponseInnate vs. adaptive immunityAntigen presentation and antibody productionImmune evasion by virusesModule 6: Major Human Viral DiseasesHIV and retrovirusesInfluenza virusesHepatitis viruses (A–E)Emerging and re-emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, Zika)Module 7: Vaccines and Antiviral TherapiesPrinciples of vaccine designTypes of vaccines and their mechanismsAntiviral drugs and resistanceModule 8: Viral Evolution and Emerging ThreatsMutation, recombination, and reassortmentZoonotic spillover and global pandemicsFuture directions in virology and viral surveillance Teaching Methods:Illustrated lectures and animationsLaboratory demonstrations (if applicable)Case studies and real-world outbreak analysesDiscussion forums and reflection assignments Assessment & Evaluation:Quizzes and module testsShort research reports or presentationsFinal written or practical examarget Audience:Undergraduate or graduate students in biology, microbiology, or health sciencesHealthcare professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of viral diseasesCurious learners interested in infectious diseases, pandemics, and global health Course Outcomes:Upon successful completion, learners will be equipped to:Understand viral life cycles and disease mechanismsInterpret laboratory and clinical data on viral infectionsApply virology concepts in public health, diagnostics, or research contexts