Topics in Virology 2008
24621/24675 - BIOL 6000/8000
This is a discussion-oriented course with an emphasis on new trends in Virology. All students interested in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and gene therapy are encouraged to participate. The course will begin with introductory lectures in Virology to provide background for more advanced readings. Students will lead the discussion of selected research papers in different areas of Virology including:1. Viral vectors and gene therapy;
2. Virus-host interactions;
3. Oncoviruses;
4. Oncolytic viruses;
5. Viruses and immunodeficiency;
6. New advances in viral vaccinology;
7. Chemotherapy against viral infections;
8. Exploiting bacteriophages and plant viruses to combat human and animal diseases;
9. Emerging viruses and potential bioterrorism agents;
Prerequisite: basic molecular biology background is expected !
Instructor: Valery Z. Grdzelishvili, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
486B Woodward Hall (office), 471 Woodward Hall (laboratory),
Phone: 704-687-7778 (office)
http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/Faculty/Grdzelishvili
E-mail:
vzgrdzel@uncc.edu
Term: Spring
2008 Levels: Graduate
Registration Dates: Nov 12, 2007 to Jan 18, 2008
Credits: 3.000
Scheduled Meeting Times: 11:00 am - 12:15 pm, Tuesday/Thursday,
Woodward Hall 354
January 10, 2008 - April 29, 2007
Final EXAM: May 1- May 8
Important dates:
January 15 Last day to drop all courses with a $25 withdrawal fee
January 18 Last day to drop a course with no record (w/cont. enrollment) with 100% refund
ReCOMMENDED Textbook (not required)): Introduction to Modern Virology 2007, 6th Edition, by N. Dimmock, A. Easton and K. Leppard. ISBN: 1405136456
Syllabus (spring 2008)
DATE TOPIC
01/10 – 1. General Meeting.
01/15 – 2. Basics of Virology 1. Introduction to Virology/Viral structure PDF
01/17 – all UNCC classes cancelled (weather...)
01/22 – 3. Basics of Virology 2. How to study viruses: general virological methods PDF Quiz ?
01/24 – 3. Basics of Virology 3. Virus genome replication and gene expression mechanisms PDF Quiz ?
01/29 – 4. Basics of Virology 4. Viruses and the immune system PDF Quiz ?
01/31 – 5. Basics of Virology 5. Pathogenesis of viral diseases PDF Quiz ?
02/05 – 6. Basics of Virology 6. 1. Virus entry and exit; 2. Subviral agents PDF Quiz ?
02/07 – 9. TEST 1 ( 1h 15’)
02/12 – 10. Special topic 1 “Viral vectors and gene therapy” Lecture by VG PDF
02/14 – 11. Paper 1 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Greg Benedetto, PDF
02/19 – 12. Paper 2 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Natasha Dixon, PDF Quiz
02/21 – 13. Special topic 2 “Interplay between viruses and immune system” Lecture by VG PDF
02/26 – 14. Paper 3 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Judy Oakes, PDF
02/28 – 15. Paper 4 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Samantha Furr, PDF Quiz
03/04- Spring Break - no classes
03/06- Spring Break - no classes
03/11 – 16. Special topic 3 “Human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS” Lecture by VG PDF
03/13 – 17. Paper 5 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by David Sterka, PDF
03/18 – 18. Paper 6 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Nirav Shah, PDF Quiz
03/20 – 19. Special topic 4 “New advances in viral vaccinology” Lecture by VG PDF
03/25 – 20. Paper 7 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Jessica Dennis, PDF
03/27 – 21. Paper 8 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Andrea Murphy, PDF Quiz
04/01 – 22. Special topic 5 “Emerging virus diseases” Lecture by VG PDF
04/03 – 23. Paper 9 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Sumida Urval, PDF
04/08 – 24. Paper 10 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Jason Tucker, PDF Quiz
04/10 – 25. Special topic 6 “Viruses and cancer: oncoviruses and oncolytic viruses” Lecture by VG PDF
04/15 – 26. Paper 11 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Kaveh Daneshvar, PDF
04/17 – 27. Paper 12 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Abid Khan, PDF
04/22 – 28. Paper 13 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Bhawana Bariar, PDF Quiz
04/24 – 29. Special topic 7 “Chemotherapy against viral infections” Short Lecture by VG PDF
04/29 – 30. Paper 14 Discussion, 30 minute presentation by Rita Bagwe, PDF Quiz
05/01 – 05/08 FINAL EXAM possibility……
Grading:
a. Test 1 grade 25%
b. Quizzes 25%
c. Your presentation (grading by VG and other students) 30%
a. Participation 20%
Important: Three absences are allowed without a penalty, four and five absences will result in 5 and 10 points deductions from your final grade, respectively.
Important:
1. Attendance is required (see 20%)! Two absences are allowed without a penalty, three and four absences will result in 5 and 10 points deductions from your final grade, respectively (or you will have to take the Final Exam).
2. Do not schedule your "doctor appointments"/etc. during my class.
3. Do not be late for my class – plan your lab experiments correspondingly.
4. No walking in/out during the class (unless an emergency).
5. Any lecture or paper material can be in your Test or quizzes.
6. Concepts are the key – try to understand not memorize.
7. I expect you to have a basic knowledge of Molecular Biology. It is your responsibility to revisit it if you need.
8. Slides will be posted to my page: http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/Faculty/Grdzelishvili/topics_in_virology.htm