ADVANCED TOPICS IN VIROLOGY - 2025/6

Module code: BMS3113

Module Overview

This module will explore advanced themes of virology research in the 21st century. Grounded in the specialties of our research-active virologists, this module will equip the students with the knowledge required to understand virus:host interactions at the cellular, host and systems level and the skills to critically evaluate virology research findings. This will build on and enhance the knowledge acquired at level 4 and 5 on general microbiology and virology and complement the global overview of human pathogens explored within the Immunology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases modules at level 6.

Module provider

School of Biosciences

Module Leader

MALUQUER DE MOTES Carlos (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 100

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 14

Independent Learning Hours: 95

Lecture Hours: 18

Tutorial Hours: 4

Guided Learning: 10

Captured Content: 9

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BMS2085: Cellular Microbiology and Virology BMS2036: Molecular Biology and Genetics

Module content

Indicative topics to be covered:
¿ Virus recognition by innate-immune pathways
¿ Virus subversion of host defenses
¿ Immunopathogenesis in virus infections
¿ Systems virology approaches and applications
¿ Viral manipulation and commandeering of host cell gene expression pathways
¿ Virus:host interactions that impact and inform our understanding of cell biology

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
School-timetabled exam/test Exam (90 mins, in-person) 70
Oral exam or presentation Group presentation (15 mins per group) 30

Alternative Assessment

If students missed the group oral presentation (or have particular circumstances recommending no group oral presentations), they will be allowed to present the study on their own on a separate date or alternatively to submit a written summary of the study with a specific deadline.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

  • LO1: Their knowledge and understanding of the course content.
  • LO2: Their understanding of the principles of virology. 
  • LO3: Their ability to read and critically review research papers on current topics. 
  • LO4: Their teamwork and leadership capabilities. 
  • LO5: Their capacity to use digital platforms. 
  • LO6: Their ability to present their work and opinion on a topic. 
  • LO7: Their ability to self-reflect. 
The summative assessment for this module consists of: 
  • Coursework (addressing LO1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) consisting of small team presentation, with slides and an individual self-reflection on role within team. Teams will critically review and present a virology research article, including data interpretation. 
  • In-person exam (addressing LO1, 2, 3, 5) consisting of short answer questions guiding the review of a virology manuscript, provided in advance, as a journal editor. 
The formative assessment and feedback in this module consists of: 
  • Feedback on plan/slides prior to coursework presentation from teaching team
  • Peer feedback on presentations
  • Immediate formative verbal feedback as part of workshop sessions, as we review literature as a group

Module aims

  • Gain student knowledge and understanding of virus:host interactions, focusing on how viruses manipulate cellular processes, subvert host defences and viral immune evasion/ restriction and manipulation of cellular processes
  • Develop understanding of viruses as molecular machines whose study reveals facets of cell and molecular biology
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary virology research experimental approaches including systems virology
  • Engage students in critical analysis of virology research

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key concepts and principles of virology CK
002 2. Develop the ability to apply knowledge of virology concepts to current virology research CKPT
003 3. Develop independence in interpretation of research data CKP
004 4. Demonstrate critical evaluation/analysis of virology research CKPT
005 5. Understand how systems virology approaches contribute to current virology research CK
006 6. Develop the ability to apply systems virology concepts in a practical context PT
007 7. Work productively both independently and collaboratively as a team PT
008 8. Use digital platforms to find appropriate research literature PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
¿ Provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of the host immune response against viruses and examples of viral evasion strategies and how these relate to human disease pathology
¿ Provide knowledge and understanding of the application of systems virology approaches, encompassing aspects of bioinformatics and computational biology
¿ Provide knowledge and understanding of how viruses co-opt cellular processes to facilitate efficient gene expression and viral progeny production
¿ Provide understanding of how the study of virus:host interactions teaches us about fundamental cell biology
¿ Equip students with biomedical knowledge applicable to health and medical sciences and related professions
¿ Provide knowledge of contemporary research techniques in virology
¿ Develop graduate skills in critical appraisal of scientific data and literature

The learning and teaching methods include:
¿ Lectures
¿ Workshops
¿ Tutorials
¿ Analysis of scientific literature
¿ Teamwork
¿ Presentations

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS3113

Other information

The pillars are addressed in this module in the following ways: Resourcefulness and resilience ¿ The module requires students to interpret and understand the content delivered by lecturers and to explore and understand primary research literature, encouraging student-led, independent critical thinking. This is needed to be able to compare and contrast the molecular biology of infection contexts and the strengths of different experimental approaches. Digital capabilities - Students will learn and engage with a range of digital repositories, sources of knowledge and databases that will strengthen their ability to identify relevant biomedical information. Understanding of systems virology approaches will support the development of bioinformatics analysis skills. Employability - The module will provide knowledge and critical skills relevant to the biotechnology, health and medical professions, enhancing the employability of the students in those sectors. It will also develop skills in teamwork and presentation, universal graduate skills.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.