BIOL 114 - Understanding Viruses

Designed for non-science majors, this is an introduction to the foundation of modern virology from smallpox to AIDS. The approach will be both historical and experimental, emphasizing the discovery of viruses as a biological form, the role of viruses in disease, and the impact of viruses in the development of modern cell and molecular biology. Various aspects of AIDS as a viral disease will be explored. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101/ENGL 011. Three hours lecture/discussion each week.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Describe the contributions of Pasteur and Koch to the Germ Theory of disease.
Describe Koch’s Postulates and how they are used to determine the etiology of a disease.
Discuss the global aspects of viral diseases and human welfare.
Discuss the theories regarding the origin of AIDS and its epidemiology.
Explore various therapies and vaccines now under investigation to treat AIDS.

View Schedule of Classes