Molecular Virology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to help the student learn molecular virology by general principles as opposed to describing each virus family. The rules for viral replication that all viruses follow are illustrated and discussed: while pointing out to the specific features of each virus, the course aims to reveal unity in the virus world rather than diversity. Host-pathogen interactions and examples of viral diseases will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the main principles of vaccine and antiviral drug development.
Expected learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- Describe the diversity of virus structures and the various molecular strategies viruses use to infect and replicate in the host cell;
- Explain the molecular details of the life cycle of selected pathogenic virus and identify the implications for human disease;
- Comprehend the nature of the antiviral immune response;
- Understand the mechanism of action of antiviral vaccines and drugs;
- Describe the biotechnological importance of viruses, in particular their usage in gene therapy;
- Read, analyse and critically evaluate scientific papers in the field of virology.
- Describe the diversity of virus structures and the various molecular strategies viruses use to infect and replicate in the host cell;
- Explain the molecular details of the life cycle of selected pathogenic virus and identify the implications for human disease;
- Comprehend the nature of the antiviral immune response;
- Understand the mechanism of action of antiviral vaccines and drugs;
- Describe the biotechnological importance of viruses, in particular their usage in gene therapy;
- Read, analyse and critically evaluate scientific papers in the field of virology.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1. Nature of viruses
-Introduction to virology: What is a virus?
-Experimental approaches to studying the viral replication cycle
-Virus classification according to the Baltimore system
-Viral genetics and genomics
2. Viral replication cycle in cells
-Structure and organization of virions
-Viral attachment, entry, and uncoating
-Genome replication of DNA viruses
-Genome replication of RNA viruses
-Genome replication of reverse transcriptase-encoding viruses: retroviruses and hepadnaviruses
-Viral gene expression
-Virion assembly, maturation, and release
3. Virus-host interactions
-Molecular interactions between viruses and the host cell
-The immune response to viral infections
-Principles of antiviral vaccination and immunoprophylaxis
4. Viral diseases and antiviral drugs
-HIV and antiretroviral therapy
-Chronic viral hepatitis: anti-HBV and anti-HCV therapies
-Herpesviruses and anti-herpesvirus drugs
-Influenza viruses and anti-influenza drugs
-Coronaviruses and anti-coronavirus drugs
5. Biotechnological applications of viruses
-Applications of viruses and bacteriophages in biotechnology
-Viral vectors for gene therapy and vaccine development
-Introduction to virology: What is a virus?
-Experimental approaches to studying the viral replication cycle
-Virus classification according to the Baltimore system
-Viral genetics and genomics
2. Viral replication cycle in cells
-Structure and organization of virions
-Viral attachment, entry, and uncoating
-Genome replication of DNA viruses
-Genome replication of RNA viruses
-Genome replication of reverse transcriptase-encoding viruses: retroviruses and hepadnaviruses
-Viral gene expression
-Virion assembly, maturation, and release
3. Virus-host interactions
-Molecular interactions between viruses and the host cell
-The immune response to viral infections
-Principles of antiviral vaccination and immunoprophylaxis
4. Viral diseases and antiviral drugs
-HIV and antiretroviral therapy
-Chronic viral hepatitis: anti-HBV and anti-HCV therapies
-Herpesviruses and anti-herpesvirus drugs
-Influenza viruses and anti-influenza drugs
-Coronaviruses and anti-coronavirus drugs
5. Biotechnological applications of viruses
-Applications of viruses and bacteriophages in biotechnology
-Viral vectors for gene therapy and vaccine development
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have a solid background in Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This knowledge is essential for a full understanding of the topics covered in the course.
Teaching methods
The course will be organized as follows:
4 lectures (16 hours) will be delivered through asynchronous online learning.
The remaining lectures will be delivered either synchronously online or in person.
The asynchronous component is designed to provide students with greater flexibility, allowing them to access the learning materials at their preferred time and pace. This approach supports more effective time management and promotes a personalized learning experience.
Teaching materials consist primarily of slide presentations and/or short video lectures, which will be made available through the course Ariel website.
Participation in the practical exercises is mandatory. The practical exercises will be delivered primarily through asynchronous online platforms, including JoVE and Labster. These activities will allow students to explore experimental methodologies and virtual laboratory procedures through interactive multimedia content. Each practical exercise will be accompanied by quizzes designed to assess students' understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts, the experimental methodologies presented, and their application to molecular virology.
Active participation in the synchronous sessions is strongly encouraged, as these sessions provide opportunities for discussion, critical analysis of the scientific literature, and in-depth exploration of the topics covered during the course.
4 lectures (16 hours) will be delivered through asynchronous online learning.
The remaining lectures will be delivered either synchronously online or in person.
The asynchronous component is designed to provide students with greater flexibility, allowing them to access the learning materials at their preferred time and pace. This approach supports more effective time management and promotes a personalized learning experience.
Teaching materials consist primarily of slide presentations and/or short video lectures, which will be made available through the course Ariel website.
Participation in the practical exercises is mandatory. The practical exercises will be delivered primarily through asynchronous online platforms, including JoVE and Labster. These activities will allow students to explore experimental methodologies and virtual laboratory procedures through interactive multimedia content. Each practical exercise will be accompanied by quizzes designed to assess students' understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts, the experimental methodologies presented, and their application to molecular virology.
Active participation in the synchronous sessions is strongly encouraged, as these sessions provide opportunities for discussion, critical analysis of the scientific literature, and in-depth exploration of the topics covered during the course.
Teaching Resources
-Textbook (recommended):
Flint S. Jane; Racaniello V. R.; Rall G.F.; Hatziioannou T.; Skalka A. M.
Principles of Virology - 5th Edition (2020)
ISBN-13 : 978-1683672845
- ViralZone WEB site: https://viralzone.expasy.org/
-The iconographic materials shown during the lectures and exercises will be available on the myAriel portal.
Flint S. Jane; Racaniello V. R.; Rall G.F.; Hatziioannou T.; Skalka A. M.
Principles of Virology - 5th Edition (2020)
ISBN-13 : 978-1683672845
- ViralZone WEB site: https://viralzone.expasy.org/
-The iconographic materials shown during the lectures and exercises will be available on the myAriel portal.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment consists of a 45-minute written examination including multiple-choice questions and/or open-ended questions designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course, as well as their ability to critically interpret and integrate the course content. The written examination will be followed by an oral discussion, aimed at further assessing the student's understanding of the subject matter and their ability to integrate concepts across the different topics covered in the course.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and will be based on the scientific accuracy of the answers, the understanding of the fundamental principles of molecular virology, the ability to critically analyze experimental data and primary scientific literature, the ability to integrate concepts across different areas of the course, the clarity, precision and effectiveness of scientific communication, and the appropriate use of discipline-specific scientific terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and will be based on the scientific accuracy of the answers, the understanding of the fundamental principles of molecular virology, the ability to critically analyze experimental data and primary scientific literature, the ability to integrate concepts across different areas of the course, the clarity, precision and effectiveness of scientific communication, and the appropriate use of discipline-specific scientific terminology.
BIOS-15/A - Microbiology - University credits: 6
Exercises: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
De Francesco Raffaele
Professor(s)