GMS 6034: Molecular Virology I - Genetics and RNA Viruses


Catalog description:  This course will provide a theoretical frame work for understanding the fundamental concepts of viral genetics and the methods of analysis that have been employed to elucidate the mechanisms of virus reproduction.

Prerequisites/corequisites: GMS 6001 and 6002 or consent of instructor.

Expanded description and explanation: This five week course, the first in a 3-course sequence (GMS 6034, GMS 6035 and GMS 6036), will concentrate on the basic genetics of viral systems.  There will be a series of lectures to introduce viruses, methods of analysis including tissue culture systems and basic and applied genetics.  These lectures will be followed by discussion of (+) strand RNA viruses, emphasizing structure, replication and genetics.  The course will concentrate on the study of the primary literature.

Summary of Topics: (15 meetings)

1.    Introduction to viruses
2.    Virus cultivation and assay
3.    Basic genetics I
4.    Basic genetics II
5.    Basic genetics III
6.    Targeted genetics
7.    Extragenic suppression
8.    (+) Strand RNA viruses I
9.    (+) Strand RNA viruses II
10.  (+) Strand RNA viruses III
11.  (+) Strand RNA viruses IV
12.  (+) Strand RNA viruses V
13.  (+) Strand RNA viruses VI
14.  (+) Strand RNA viruses VII
15.  Exam


Evaluation of student performance:  By one examination (80%) and by oral discussion (20%).

Faculty: Dr. Sue Moyer will be the course director. She will be assisted by staff from the College of Medicine who are expert in viral genetics.

Assigned readings:  Knipe, D.M., Howley, P.M. (Eds.), 2001.  Fundamental Virology, Fourth Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA.  This is the major reference book in this field and will be used as the point of departure for the study of the current primary literature.

10-29-02