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The module will cover fundamental topics and concepts in molecular and cell biology by presenting them in the context of the life cycle of viruses. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and have evolved highly sophisticated ways to exploit the cellular machinery. Indeed, viruses are the ultimate cell biologists! We aim to present to the students the extraordinary elegance of the cell from a new perspective. In addition, we will cover some aspects of viral pathogenesis from a molecular point of view.

The lectures will cover cellular processes according to the life cycle of viruses from entry (membrane proteins and receptors, transporters, membrane sorting, endocytosis) to intracellular trafficking (cytoplasmic transport, cytoskeleton, and nuclear transport) to DNA replication, gene expression and regulation of protein synthesis. There will also be one lecture on antibodies and one on structural biology.

All the lecturers are leading researchers in their own field. In this way, the module will provide core information in a current context, provide training for the students in reading and analysis of scientific papers and embed the idea of science as a tool for discovery.

Learning objectives

The students will acquire knowledge on:

• Key aspects of cell biology and molecular biology pathways with an emphasis on how certain cellular pathways are exploited by viruses and how viruses are great discovery tools.
• Essential tools and techniques used to investigate these key aspects. Understand how they are applied to investigate problems in cell and molecular biology.
• Scientific milestones that changed our perspective on key aspects of cell biology. Understand the context of scientific papers and their impact on the field. Make students familiar with the notion that scientific knowledge is continuously evolving and stimulate critical thinking based on evidence.

Recommended Textbooks:

Molecular Biology of the Cell, by B. Alberts et al. 5th Edition

ISBN-13: 978-0815341055

ISBN-10: 0815341059

Molecular Biology of the Gene, 7th Edition, by Watson et al.

ISBN 978-0-321-76243-6