BL4213 Molecular Virology
(BL4213 online module handbook version 101)
Viruses cause clinically and economically important human and animal diseases, examples include influenza viruses, HIV and foot and mouth disease virus, as well as emerging viruses such as ebola virus and coronaviruses. The module will consist of a mixture of lectures, group and student-led learning activities. You will (i) gain knowledge in 4 key topics in molecular virology, (ii) acquire understanding of commonly used molecular techniques used to study viruses (obtained via reading, interpretation and discussion of recent research papers in virology rather than practical class content) and (iii) explore virus-related topics that have made headline news.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3311*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4213: Assessment
90 min Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4213: Contributing Staff †
BL4213: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4213 successfully should be able to:
- Understand the factors that lead to the emergence and re-emergence of viruses and why such viruses remain a continual threat to human health and well-being.
- Appreciate that viruses reprogramme cells in order to promote virus replication and that different viruses reprogramme cells in different ways that affects disease outcomes.
- Recognize the importance of viruses as underlying causes of specific cancers and understand, at the molecular level, how viruses can cause cancer.
- Realize that viruses counteract innate cellular defence mechanisms in different ways and that the way they do so affects disease outcomes.
- Students will gain skills in reading and interpreting recent research papers in molecular virology
- Students will gain an understanding of molecular techniques commonly used to study viruses.
- Students will be able to discuss virus-related topics that have recently made headline news.
BL4213: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- Completing a research paper from which sections have been removed
- Opinion piece
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Generating questions
- Online learning
- Peer assessment
- Problem-solving questions
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/