IN PERSON: Pathogens, including viruses, are ubiquitous and can profoundly impact both our individual health and society's quality of life, in the short and long term. This six-session introductory virology course provides an overview of key concepts in the field. In weeks 1 to 3, microbial pathogens will be introduced, with a focus on the unique characteristics of viruses. We will cover how viruses are classified, their replication and evolution, and the types of viral infections and their potential outcomes. In weeks 4 to 6, we will dive deeper into specific viruses. Week 4 will focus on long-standing respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu) and measles. Week 5 will cover SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, and HIV, a retrovirus. Finally, in week 6, we will explore HPV, a cancer-causing virus, and investigate the role of viruses as potential therapeutic agents. Much of the information referenced in the course will be from the recommended book. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 40.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
Margaret Quinlan has a Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics from Harvard Medical School, where she did her thesis work on herpes simplex virus. She conducted her postdoctoral research in DNA tumor viruses at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. She has done research in virology, cell and cancer biology, and therapeutics for 30 years in academia and biotechnology. She has taught virology to medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing and graduate students, and cell biology to graduate students.