BMB4300063 ECTSQ1EnglishMaster
Virology
FaculteitFaculty of Medical Sciences
NiveauMaster
Studiejaar2026-2027
Beschrijving
Course goals
At the end of the course, the student is able to:Knowledge and Insight
- give a definition of what a virus is and to indicate the differences between viruses on the one hand and toxins, cellular life forms and prions on the other;
- explain how viruses multiply and name each of the separate steps of the viral replication cycle;
- describe the differences between the main groups of viruses with respect to virion structure, genome structure/organization and replication strategy, also in connection with virus classification;
- provide a detailed description of the replication cycle for a number of model viruses;
- describe how viruses regulate the expression of their own genes and of those of their hosts, and provide examples of (post)transcriptional and (post)translational regulation;
- name the various routes of transmission and describe how viruses spread within and among hosts and host populations;
- explain how viral infections cause disease and render examples;
- describe the mechanisms that lead to genetic variability of viruses and the consequences thereof for viral pathogenesis and epidemiology;
- name the different types of vaccines and discuss the strengths and limitations of vaccination strategies;
- describe how viruses modulate and evade the immune system and provide examples thereof;
- describe the principles of antiviral therapy, discuss the phenomenon of resistance and, for selected antivirals, explain their mode of action at the molecular level.
- prepare and give oral presentations on virological topics at the level of a junior scientist.
- demonstrate a fact-based critical and inquisitive attitude towards opinions, claims and legislation concerning virology-oriented topics, such as measures and strategies to combat viral infections, genetic modification, vaccination, gene therapy, xenotransplantation, bioterrorism;
- engage into respectful interactions/discussions with other students.
Content
Period (from – till): 12 October - 23 October 2026 (BMS_P1_A)
Faculty:
dr. Daniel Hurdiss (course coordinator and content): d.l.hurduss@uu.nl
dr. Kristin Denzer (course registration): secretary.iimaster@umcutrecht.nl
Course description:
Aim of this course is to provide an overview of the field of virology.
After a general introduction on structure, replication cycle and virus taxonomy, the entry, replication and assembly of specific examples of DNA, RNA and retrovirusses are studied in greater detail.
Furthermore pathogenesis and epidemiology will be part of the course and virus-host interactions are studied on the level of cells, individual hosts and host populations. This will lead to the topics of prophylaxis and therapy of viral diseases (vaccinatie, antiviral therapeutics). Finally, the use of viruses is in molecular biology, vaccin development and gene therapy is discussed.
Exam
The learning material of the complete course will be assessed by means of multiple choice and open questions. In order to successfully complete the course, the grade for the end-of-term exam has to be at least a 5.5. (Dutch grade, equivalent of 50% correct). Only if this prerequisite is met, the grades of tutorials and class room assessment are taken into account. In order to pass for the course a minimum average score of 5.5 is required (Dutch grade, equivalent of 55% correct).
Students that have taken the BMW Infection and Immunity Bachelor course are excused from the lectures on day 1 (An introduction to Virology; HC1-4). During the remainder of the course, presence is compulsory and will be checked after each session. If the overall presence is below 80%, the student is excluded from participation in the written exam.
Tutorials: presentations and active participation
The aim of the tutorials is to deepen and broaden the student’s knowledge by means of presentation assignments and round-table discussions. The sessions are chaired by experienced virologists from the Veterinary Medicine Virology division. This offers the opportunity to ask questions about the learning material and the lectures. In the lectures and in the accompanying text book (Principles of Virology), the various aspects of virology are treated with the main emphasis on general mechanisms, processes and concepts. It is, however, also instructive to get an overview of the biology of individual viruses. During the tutorials, the “virus-of-the-day” will be discussed on the basis of fixed assignments
Literature/study material used:
Mandatory :
Principles of Virology, Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal
Viruses. S.J. Flint, V.R. Racaniello, G.F. Rall, T. Hatziioannou and A.M. Skalka, 5th edition 2020, ASM Press, ISBN 978-1-683-67358-3
Registration:
Automatically after acceptance to the I&I programme.
You can register for this course via Osiris Student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site. The maximum number of participants is 50.
Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
Yes
Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences
Prerequisite knowledge:
Students are expected to have prior knowledge at Bachelor’s level in the following areas:
Students who have completed a Bachelor-level course in Infection and Immunity (or equivalent) will have an advantage and may be exempt from introductory lectures of the first day.
dr. Kristin Denzer (course registration): secretary.iimaster@umcutrecht.nl
Course description:
Aim of this course is to provide an overview of the field of virology.
After a general introduction on structure, replication cycle and virus taxonomy, the entry, replication and assembly of specific examples of DNA, RNA and retrovirusses are studied in greater detail.
Furthermore pathogenesis and epidemiology will be part of the course and virus-host interactions are studied on the level of cells, individual hosts and host populations. This will lead to the topics of prophylaxis and therapy of viral diseases (vaccinatie, antiviral therapeutics). Finally, the use of viruses is in molecular biology, vaccin development and gene therapy is discussed.
Exam
The learning material of the complete course will be assessed by means of multiple choice and open questions. In order to successfully complete the course, the grade for the end-of-term exam has to be at least a 5.5. (Dutch grade, equivalent of 50% correct). Only if this prerequisite is met, the grades of tutorials and class room assessment are taken into account. In order to pass for the course a minimum average score of 5.5 is required (Dutch grade, equivalent of 55% correct).
Students that have taken the BMW Infection and Immunity Bachelor course are excused from the lectures on day 1 (An introduction to Virology; HC1-4). During the remainder of the course, presence is compulsory and will be checked after each session. If the overall presence is below 80%, the student is excluded from participation in the written exam.
Tutorials: presentations and active participation
The aim of the tutorials is to deepen and broaden the student’s knowledge by means of presentation assignments and round-table discussions. The sessions are chaired by experienced virologists from the Veterinary Medicine Virology division. This offers the opportunity to ask questions about the learning material and the lectures. In the lectures and in the accompanying text book (Principles of Virology), the various aspects of virology are treated with the main emphasis on general mechanisms, processes and concepts. It is, however, also instructive to get an overview of the biology of individual viruses. During the tutorials, the “virus-of-the-day” will be discussed on the basis of fixed assignments
Literature/study material used:
Mandatory :
Principles of Virology, Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal
Viruses. S.J. Flint, V.R. Racaniello, G.F. Rall, T. Hatziioannou and A.M. Skalka, 5th edition 2020, ASM Press, ISBN 978-1-683-67358-3
Registration:
Automatically after acceptance to the I&I programme.
You can register for this course via Osiris Student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site. The maximum number of participants is 50.
Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
Yes
Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences
Prerequisite knowledge:
Students are expected to have prior knowledge at Bachelor’s level in the following areas:
- Cell Biology
Understanding of eukaryotic cell structure and function, including membranes, organelles, and intracellular processes such as transcription and translation - Basic Immunology
Familiarity with innate and adaptive immune responses, including key cell types, antibodies, and antigen recognition - Molecular Biology (recommended)
Basic concepts of DNA, RNA, gene expression, and protein synthesis
Students who have completed a Bachelor-level course in Infection and Immunity (or equivalent) will have an advantage and may be exempt from introductory lectures of the first day.
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