VIR-30806 Fundamental and Applied Virology

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

Thesis Virology.

Contents:

In this course interactions between viruses and their hosts will be discussed, with focus on arthropod-borne viruses of plants and animals (including humans), insect pathogenic viruses and viruses of aquatic organisms. The course starts with an introduction to virology, i.e. the biodiversity and evolution of viruses. With respect to plant-infecting viruses the viral infection process, molecular and ecological aspects of their transmission by insects and their control, including biotechnological approaches, will be discussed. With respect to insect viruses the emphasis will be on the baculoviruses and their interaction with host insects including virus-induced host behaviour. The application of these viruses in biocontrol of pest insects in horticulture, agriculture and forestry. To provide the students with a broad view on virology, a series of lectures illustrates human-infecting gastro-enteritis viruses and the emergence of viruses of aquatic organisms giving insights in the biology of these viruses as well as strategies for the development of vaccines.

Learning outcomes:

After this course the students will be able to:
- comprehend the genetic make-up of viruses;
- prepare purified virus;
- comprehend the mechanisms that drive virus evolution;
- explain the biodiversity of viruses;
- comprehend the interactions between plant-pathogenic viruses and their hosts, i.e. comprehend the infection process;
- explain the behaviour of a virus in the plant host;
- analyse infected host cells and examine principles of virus movement;
- comprehend the mechanisms by which plants viruses are transmitted by biological vectors, especially insects;
- explain how viruses spread in a crop;
- comprehend current strategies for plant virus detection;
- apply several tools for virus detection;
- comprehend strategies of virus control, including biotechnological approaches;
- recognize/analyse resistant mechanisms;
- comprehend interactions between the insect-pathogenic baculoviruses and their hosts;
- comprehend the genetic functions of the genome of these viruses;
- comprehend the biocontrol strategies for pest insects using baculoviruses;
- apply infectivity assays (bio-assays) for analysis of virulence of (recombinant) viruses;
- comprehend the conditions and mechanisms that lead to the emergence of new virus diseases both for plant and animal host organisms;
- report on experiments performed: I.e. describe results, analyse and interpret these results, evaluate and make conclusions in view of literature.

Activities:

Interactive lectures (2.5 credit points, C) provide the theoretical knowledge required. Self-study of selected review papers that accompany the lectures (0.4 credit points, Z). Assignment (1 credit point, PO): each student is assigned to a lecture for which he/she has to prepare an exam question consisting of three sub-questions with correct answers. Questions have to be handed in before Friday 24.00 h of the week of the lecture. Questions are collected in one document and made available to students for self-study. During the practical's (2.1 credit point, PI) the student will be trained in a series of specific technologies and assays as used in virology research. During the practical's two students work together and prepare one report that has to be handed in one week after the practical's.

Examination:

The final exam in (wk 8) consists of 8 or 9 open questions. Students must provide answers to a total of 5 questions, which should include the first two questions. Students are free to choose the remaining 3 questions. The results will be provided by the end of wk 10. Assignment (PO): each student is assigned to a lecture for which he/she has to prepare an exam question consisting of three sub-questions with correct answers. Questions have to be handed in before Friday 24.00 h of the week of the lecture.
Questions are collected in one document and made available to students for self-study. Report of the practical has to be handed in one week after the practical's. Two students work together and prepare one report. The report will be evaluated shortly after the exam. Marks for the exam should be at least 5.2 and can be increased to a final mark > 5.5 by the result of the assignment and practical report. Marks for the exam below 5.2 cannot be compensated. The assessment ratio is 10% (PO), 15% (PI) and 75% exam. There is a 3 years limit to the validity of the results of all parts.

Literature:

A study manual and review articles and practical course text will be handed out prior to the course.