Medical Virology

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SCI 8036NEF

Course Guide
MEDICAL VIROLOGY

SCI 8036NEF

Course Guide

MEDICAL VIROLOGY

Course Start Date
Spr 2026
Course Level
Postgraduate
Length in Terms
1 term
Credits
3
Language
English
Fees ($) (including lab fees)
Future Terms
Quota and Schedule
Course Start Date
Course LevelLength in TermsCredits
Language
Fees ($) (including lab fees)
Future Terms
Spr 2026
Postgraduate1 term3
English

Course Coordinator:

Dr Cheung Ka Tik, BSc (ENU); MMedSc (HKU); PhD (PolyU)

Course Developer:

Dr Cheung Ka Tik

Aims

The aim of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the biology, classification and clinical significance of viruses. The course is designed to equip students with knowledge of viral replication, genetics and pathogenesis, including the role of viruses in human diseases such as cancer. It emphasises the development of practical skills in laboratory diagnosis, safety protocols and the application of advanced techniques. Additionally, the course focuses on prevention and treatment strategies, including vaccines and antiviral therapies, preparing students to contribute to the control and management of viral infections in clinical and research settings.

Contents

The course consists of the following topics. (Scenarios and topics will be reviewed from year to year, reflecting advances in the field and topical issues, but examples of this presentation are as follows.)

Topic 1. Fundamental virology (basic concepts & structure)

  • General properties of viruses
  • Viral replication and genetics
  • Bacteriophages (viruses infecting bacteria)

Topic 2. Classification & types of viruses

  • DNA viruses
  • RNA viruses

Topic 3. Viral pathogenesis & disease mechanisms

  • Pathogenesis of viral infections
  • Viruses and cancer in humans (oncogenic viruses)

Topic 4. Diagnosis & laboratory techniques

  • The laboratory diagnosis of viral infections
  • Safety precautions (codes of practice, disinfection, sterilisation)

Topic 5. Prevention & treatment strategies

  • Control of viral diseases by immunisation (vaccines)
  • Antiviral chemotherapy (drugs & therapies)

Learning support

Two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorial sessions are adopted for each week, supplemented by laboratory session.

Assessment

Course assessment includes continuous assessment and a final examination. Continuous assessment includes laboratory reports, case study and a mid-term test.

Set book(s)

There are no set books for this course. The following publications will be the main references of the study.

  1. Hewlett, M. J., Camerini, D., & Bloom, D. (2021). Basic virology (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell. (available at HKMU library)
  2. Norkin, L. C. (2010). Virology molecular biology and pathogenesis. ASM Press. (available at HKMU library via Online Access)
  3. Saleh, M. C., and Rey, F. A. (2021). Virology. ISTE. (available at HKMU library via Online Access)
  4. Loeffelholz, M., & Stratton, C. (1st eds.). (2016). Clinical virology manual. ASM Press. (e-Book is available in ProQuest via HKMU Library)
  5. Norkin, L. C. (2010). Virology: Molecular biology and pathogenesis. ASM Press. (eBook is available in ProQuest via HKMU Library)