Outline

Overview

This unit of study explores diseases in human caused by viruses, with focus on the way viruses infect individual patients and spread in the community, and how virus infections are diagnosed, treated and/or prevented. Host/Virus interactions will also be described with a focus on the viral mechanisms that have evolved to combat and/or evade host defence systems. These features will be used to explain the symptoms, spread and control of the most medically important viruses that cause serious disease in humans. The unit will be taught within the Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Theme in the School of Medical Sciences, with the involvement of associated clinical and research experts who will contribute lectures on their own special interests and with contributions from the Discipline of Microbiology. In the practical classes students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in performing methods currently used in diagnostic and research laboratories such as molecular analysis of viral genomes, immunofluorescent staining of viral antigens, cell culture and the culture of viruses.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points from (IMMU2101 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02 or MICR2X22)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	VIRO3902
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamental concepts of microorganisms and biomolecules
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Barry Slobedman, barry.slobedman@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Theory Exam on the Lecture Content Written exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral presentation Oral presentation	15%	Multiple weeks	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written assignment Written assessment	15%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Theory Test on the Practical Course SAQ	30%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 15:00	1 Hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Lecture exam - theory: This exam will assess the lecture course material.
Practical test - theory: This exam will cover demonstrated practical material, the theory behind practical classes, and implementation of processes used in practical sessions.
Written assignment: A review article that students write on their chosen area of interest under 1 of 2 broad topics.
Oral presentation: Presentations will take the form of a presentation at an international conference. Students will present findings from a scientific publication provided to them.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Lecture exam: Failure to sit this exam without permission will result in a mark of zero.----Practical test-theory: Failure to sit this test without permission will result in a mark of zero.----Written assignment: Late submission without permission will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until the solutions for the assignment are released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. ---- Oral presentation: Failure to present in your rescheduled session without special consideration will result in a final mark of zero.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to UoS; 2. Viruses as pathogens	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Receptors; 2. Transport	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Workshop on continuing assessments	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 03	1. Immune responses to viral infection; 2. Diagnosis of viral infections	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Cell Techniques 1	Practical (4 hr)
Week 04	1. Gastroviruses; 2. Electron microscopy applications in virology research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Cell Techniques 2	Practical (4 hr)
Week 05	1. Epidemiology and outbreak control; 2. Dengue virus	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Cell Techniques 3	Practical (4 hr)
Week 06	1. Vaccines against viruses; 2. Emergence of Coronaviruses	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Cell Techniques 4	Practical (4 hr)
Week 07	1. Alpha herpesviruses; 2. Beta and gamma herpesviruses	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Student presentations	Presentation (4 hr)
Week 08	1. Oncolytic viruses; 2. Virus specific immunotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Student presentations	Presentation (4 hr)
Week 09	1. Antivirals; 2. Influenza viruses	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Molecular virology 1	Practical (4 hr)
Week 10	1. Viral infections of the central nervous system; 2. HIV/AIDS	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Molecular virology 2	Practical (4 hr)
Week 11	1. Viruses and cancer; 2. Vector-borne viral diseases	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Molecular virology 3	Practical (4 hr)
Week 12	1. Gene therapy; 2. Hepatitis viruses	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Molecular virology and exams review session	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 13	Medical virology in the 21st Century	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: For this unit of study, satisfactory attendance is defined as ≥ 80% which means that if you miss more than 2 practical class sessions (including oral presentation sessions), without approved special consideration for illness or misadventure, or pre-approved special arrangement, you will not be allowed to pass this unit of study. Students who arrive more than 30 min late to a practical class will be recorded as being absent. An attendance roll will be taken.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Fields Virology. 6th Edition. Edited by David M Knipe, Peter M Howley et al. Published in 2013.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scientific foundations and clinical applications of medical and applied virology
LO2. define prevention strategies to the control of viral infections
LO3. demonstrate knowledge of, and training in, laboratory techniques used to diagnose infections caused by viruses
LO4. develop effective skills in problem-solving and self-directed learning
LO5. demonstrate advanced oral communication skills as a presenter in a virology conference style setting
LO6. demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate the scientific literature on a virology topic and present this in a written form as a scientific review article.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor changes to the lecture schedule.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VIRO3002: Medical and Applied Virology

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links