CELL 3230/6230 – Virology

Syllabus - Fall 2018

Location:

Time: TBD

Instructor:Ian Townley, PhD

Office: Stern Hall, Room 4014

Phone:504-862-8725 (office)

Email:

Office hours:By appointment; appointments must be made by e-mail

Prerequisite Courses: CELL 2050 or EBIO 2070

Catalog description:Virology will cover the structural and reproductive cycles for the majorclasses of viruses. You will gain an understanding of the structural and genetic factors involved in the virus-host cell interaction and learn about the techniques used to study viruses. You will be using all this knowledge to identify new viruses, solve viral case studies, hypothesize how specific features of viruses evolved, and propose experiments to study the virus life cycle.

CMB BS Program outcomes:Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • apply an in-depth knowledge of viruses
  • use the knowledge to propose experiments related to virus reproductive cycles
  • use the knowledge to hypothesize how specific features found on viruses evolved
  • use the knowledge to characterize novel viruses

Specific learning outcomes:Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to ….

  • Identify the basic structural features of viruses.
  • Identify the modified Baltimore classification system for viruses and describe the basic reproduction cycle for each of the seven classes of viruses.
  • Identify the structural and genetic features of host cells that are important for virus-host interaction.
  • Understand the techniques used to study the virus-host cell interaction. Use these techniques to propose experiments to study viral life cycles.
  • Apply knowledge gained through the study of model viruses to newly identified viruses.
  • Recall and/or hypothesize why/how adaptations and key characteristics specific to particular viruses may have arisen.
  • Compare and contrast members of DNA viruses with RNA viruses
  • Describe how viruses enter host cells and how they are assembled and released.
  • Describe the effects of viral infection and integration on host cells.
  • Describe how the immune system functions in protecting humans against viruses.
  • Describe how subviral pathogens replicate.

Required student resources:

Book:Understanding Viruses by Teri Shors, 2017, 3rd edition ISBN: 9781284025927(purchase in bookstore)

93.33 / A
90 / A– / 93.33
86.67 / B+ / 90
83.33 / B / 86.67
80 / B– / 83.33
76.67 / C+ / 80
73.33 / C / 76.67
70 / C– / 73.33
66.67 / D+ / 70
63.33 / D / 66.67
60 / D– / 63.33
F / 60

Grading:

Assessment / Undergrad / Graduate
Exam 1 / 20% / 20%
Exam 2 / 20% / 20%
Exam 3 / 20% / 20%
Case Studies/Worksheets / 30% / 10%
Group Presentation / 10% / 10%
Viral Research Proposal / NA / 20%
Total / 100%

Exams

There are three exams during this course and all will consist of multiple choice, short and long answer questions. The exams are not cumulative, although the content does build upon itself. The third, and final, exam covers information from the group presentations as well as the content covered after exam 2.

Case Studies/Worksheets

Every chapter has an associated case study. These must be typed up in your own words and turned in on the assigned due date. Plagiarism will result in an automatic zero on the assignment. There is a 15% penalty for every day it is late.

Group Presentation

You will be assigned into groups and allowed to choose from a series of topics (randomly). Your presentation date will be assigned. Groups are required to research their topic, collaborate on the presentation and give it together in class. More details and the rubric will be presented during the class.

Research Proposal (Graduate Students Only)

This is a 5-page document that must review a viral related field and proposes a research program to address some unanswered question in that field using the appropriate techniques.

Professional Conduct:

  • It is expected that each student gives their attention and respect to the teacher. This includes listening to the presentation, taking notes, and answering questions.
  • Cell phones should be put on silent and kept in your backpack.
  • Asking questions is highly encouraged

Attendance policy: It is expected that you attend every class. At times there will be in-class worksheets which cannot be made up. Roll will be taken and I will consider this information when a student has a final grade which is borderline. Those students who attend class regularly will get the benefit of the better grade

Tentative schedule:This schedule may evolve at any point prior to or during the semester. Proper and sufficient notification will be given if that occurs.

Month / Date / Topic / Chapters/Assignments
August / 28 / Course Intro and Molecular bio Review / 1-3
30 / Viral architecture / 1-3
September / 4 / Viral Replication Cycles: Baltimore classification / 3, handout
6 / Baltimore classification / Handout
11 / Mechanism of viral entry / 4
13 / Host resistance Epidemiology / 5,6
18 / Poliovirus and + RNA viruses / 8
20 / Poliovirus and + RNA viruses / 8
25 / Review for Exam
27 / Exam 1
October / 2 / Influenza (- RNA) / 9
4 / Influenza / 9
9 / Rabies; Other Negative RNA Viruses / 13
11 / No Class – Fall Break
16 / Herpesviruses: ds DNA viruses / 11
18 / Herpesviruses: ds DNA viruses / 11
23 / Pox viruses; ds DNA viruses: Group Presentation assignments discussed and assigned in class / 14
25 / Review
30 / Exam 2 / All information since exam 1
November / 1 / HIV (retroviruses) / 12
6 / HIV / 12
8 / Viruses and Cancer; Case studies due / 16
13 / Prions / 19
15 / Hepatitis Viruses; New emerging viruses (Zika) / 10, 15
20 / Group Presentations (Groups #1 – 3)
22 / No Class – Thanksgiving Break
27 / Group Presentations (Groups #4 – 6)
29 / Group Presentations (Groups #7 – 9)
December / 4 / Group Presentations (Groups #10 – 12)
6 / Group Presentations (Groups #13 – 15); Research Proposal Due (Graduate Students only)
11 / Exam 3 / All material since exam 2 and information from presentations

Code of Academic Conduct: This Code applies to all undergraduate students, full-time, and part-time, in Tulane University. The full text is available at: By accepting admission to Tulane University, each student accepts its regulations and acknowledges the right of the university to take disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, for conduct judged unsatisfactory or disruptive. The student has the right to be heard at an Honor Board hearing and retains the right to appeal a decision of the Honor Board hearing panel.

Graduate Students are subject to the Unified Code of Graduate Student Academic Conduct.

Accessibility statement:Any student with disabilities or other special needs is invited to bring these concerns or requests for special accommodations to the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility. Once accommodations are approved by the Goldman Center staff, the student is encouraged to notify the instructor as early in the semester as possible to avoid unnecessarily delaying accommodations. (504-8)62-8433

Inclusive values:Tulane University recognizes the inherent dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people. As “One Wave,” Tulane is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as all forms of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences discrimination, domestic violence, sexual assault or sexual harassment, know that you are not alone. Resources and support are available. Learn more at and

Because this class needs to be a participatory community where students are able to fulfill their potential for learning, people who disrupt the community by their words or actions will not be tolerated. Rude, sarcastic, obscene, and disrespectful speech and disruptive behavior have a negative impact on everyone’s learning.Any and all of your communications on these matters will be treated as either “Confidential” or “Private” as explained in the chart below. Please know that if you choose to confide in meI am mandated by the university to report tothe Title IX Coordinator, as Tulane andI want to be sure you are connected with all the support the university can offer. You do not need to respond to outreach from the university if you do not want

Confidential / Private
Except in extreme circumstances, involving imminent danger to one’s self or others, nothing will be shared without your explicit permission. / Conversations are kept as confidential as possible, but information is shared with key staff members so the University can offer resources and accommodations and take action if necessary for safety reasons.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (504) 314-2277 or
The Line (24/7) | (504) 264-6074 / Case Management & Victim Support Services
(504) 314-2160 or
Student Health Center | (504) 865-5255 / Tulane University Police (TUPD)
Uptown - (504) 865-5911.
Downtown – (504) 988-5531
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(504) 654-9543 / Title IX Coordinator | (504) 314-2160

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