Virology

The aim of this course is to acquire knowledge of fundamental and applied virology, with an emphasis on an integrative vision of the discipline. It will present the specific features of host-virus interactions and the pathophysiology of viral infections in different host types (vertebrates/insects/plants). It will cover aspects of viral ecology, emergence and associated risks for human and animal health. Finally, the course will present the study methods used in research, virological detection and diagnosis tools, and the applications of viruses in biotechnology.

The course will include lectures, tutorials (analysis of current scientific articles and oral presentations) and practical work illustrating the lectures and tutorials (virus amplification and purification, and quantification using reference techniques).

Knowledge :

- Gain an integrated view of how viruses function at different scales (cell, organism, host and reservoir populations) and their impact on human and animal health, as well as on the environment.

- Understand the impact of the environment on the transmission and spread of viruses.

- Master the principles of reference techniques used in virology (virus amplification, purification and quantification, detection and screening) in the fields of health, agronomy and the environment.)

 Know-how :

- Use the fundamental concepts and techniques of virology to address a simple or complex problem in the field, or to analyze a document (clinical case studies, analysis of theoretical and experimental data, etc.).

- Master basic virology experimental techniques (virus amplification, purification, quantification and detection).

- Know and implement the main preventive measures in terms of virology hygiene and safety.

- Follow an experimental protocol.

- Write a report on practical work.

- Identify and select various specialized resources to document a virology topic or support a virology argument.

- Synthesize knowledge for written or oral use.

- Use digital reference tools to acquire, process, produce and disseminate written and spoken information.

- Use your knowledge to develop a critical argument (about your own results, scientific publications, etc.).

- Use the different registers of written and spoken French with ease.

People skills :

- Work in groups as well as independently.

- Know how to organize your time.

- Develop your ability to synthesize information.

- Deepen your scientific curiosity.

L1 and L2 majors, have taken the S3 Microbiology course HAV318V, or an equivalent Microbiology/Virology course.