Molecular Virology

Provide deep molecular knowledge in the field of veterinary virology, driving the students to understand the mechanisms of virus replication, the interaction with cells in which they replicate, the diagnosis, the pathogenesis and the strategies to control viral diseases, including zoonosis. Laboratory practices aim to grow, isolate and characterize animal viruses.

1. Knowledge and Understanding: By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge:
- Viral Structure and Classification: Define the genetic and structural makeup of various DNA and RNA animal viruses.
- Replication Mechanisms: Explain step-by-step viral infection processes, including cellular attachment, entry, genome replication, protein synthesis, and particle release.
- Host-Cell Reprogramming: Understand how viruses manipulate host cell machinery, evade innate immune defenses, and cause cytopathic effects or cellular transformation (oncogenesis).
- Pathogenesis and Evolution: Connect viral transmission, mutation rates, and evolution to disease emergence and cross-species (zoonotic) infections.