Course Catalogue

Medical Virology 4C option BIOL4224

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Infection and Immunity
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course aims to encourage critical analysis of human viruses and their relationship to disease as well as treatment and vaccination strategies. There will be a focus on medically-important viruses that cause disease in both the immunocompetent and the immunocompromised host, and those that are related to cancer. In addition, the course aims to encourage the development of skills enabling acquisition, critical analysis, interpretation and discussion of relevant factual information. 

Timetable

This option is assigned to block S2-C. There are normally 3 hours of teaching on Thursdays, which may be split over more than one session.

Requirements of Entry

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students in a Biomolecular Sciences programme or Infection & Immunity programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Study Abroad Coordinators and the Course Coordinator. 

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment consisting of a written report based on a research paper (33%). Students will choose one paper from a number provided.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to examine medically-important human viruses and their relationship to disease, and potential approaches for prevention, detection and treatment. 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ evaluate the recent scientific knowledge on medically-important human viruses; 

■ appraise the basis of the diseases caused by a range of viruses in both the immunocompetent and the immunocompromised host;

■ evaluate current approaches for disease management, treatment and prevention for medically important viral infections;

■ evaluate vaccine and therapeutic development strategies.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions