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Rob DeSalle, Ph.D.
This course covers the science and social impacts of viral infectious diseases. We will begin by covering the basics: what a virus is, the structural and functional diversity of viruses, and how viruses use our bodies and the bodies of other organisms to replicate. Then we will dive into the human response: how our immune systems work to protect us from pathogenic viruses and how we use science and social systems to fend off viruses through vaccines and public health measures. We will look closely at the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the development of the vaccines, and how social and economic disparities influenced risk during the pandemic. Throughout the course, we will hear from experts in the fields of molecular biology, epidemiology, environmental biology, medicine, and public health to learn how technology and engineering solutions are helping scientists understand, track, and model viruses and disease outbreaks.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/68lh4j/virology
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What's inside
Syllabus
What is a Virus?
Course author Dr. Rob DeSalle starts by posing a few seminal questions: What is a virus? Are viruses alive? What even is life? While there are no simple answers and much is still unknown, scientists have developed frameworks to understand how viruses fit into the complexity of life on Earth. In the first essay of the course, we cover virus basics: the difference between viruses and microorganisms such as bacteria; viral geometry and structural diversity; and viral life cycles and replication. Next, virologist Dr. Koenraad Van Doorslaer explains how viruses are classified and why this classification is important. When COVID-19 became a pandemic, understanding how viruses are related to one another enabled scientists to quickly identify SARS CoV-2 and its variants. This week’s video explores the connections among humans, viruses, other organisms, and the ecosystems we all inhabit.
Read more
Syllabus
What is a Virus?
Course author Dr. Rob DeSalle starts by posing a few seminal questions: What is a virus? Are viruses alive? What even is life? While there are no simple answers and much is still unknown, scientists have developed frameworks to understand how viruses fit into the complexity of life on Earth. In the first essay of the course, we cover virus basics: the difference between viruses and microorganisms such as bacteria; viral geometry and structural diversity; and viral life cycles and replication. Next, virologist Dr. Koenraad Van Doorslaer explains how viruses are classified and why this classification is important. When COVID-19 became a pandemic, understanding how viruses are related to one another enabled scientists to quickly identify SARS CoV-2 and its variants. This week’s video explores the connections among humans, viruses, other organisms, and the ecosystems we all inhabit.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores a scientific social impact of viral infectious diseases
Is instructed by Rob DeSalle, a recognized molecular biologist
Has a multi-modal and includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, discussions, etc
Offers valuable perspectives on health inequities
Gives learners an edge in understanding innovation and groundbreaking topics
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Reviews summary
Accessible virology and pandemic insights
According to learners, this course offers an exceptionally clear and accessible overview of virology and epidemiology, particularly relevant to COVID-19. Students praise the engaging lectures featuring diverse expert perspectives, effectively blending scientific understanding with crucial social impacts. While it provides a strong foundation for a broad audience, some with prior science backgrounds felt the depth could be expanded in certain molecular areas. The timely relevance of COVID-19 content and discussions on health inequities are consistently valued. Overall, it's a highly relevant and comprehensive resource for understanding pandemics.
Provides current and crucial understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and its broader impacts.
"The COVID-19 specific content was highly relevant and helped me understand the pandemic better."
"Highly relevant and engaging. ... The discussions on health inequities were thought-provoking."
"I appreciated the focus on public health and social impacts, not just the science."
Features multiple experts, enriching the content with varied professional viewpoints.
"The integration of different expert perspectives was fantastic."
"The way it covered both the science and the societal implications of the pandemic was truly unique and valuable."
"The expert interviews add so much value."
Complex scientific concepts are explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
"The explanations from Dr. DeSalle and other experts were incredibly clear and made complex topics accessible."
"Excellent course for a general audience. I had no science background, but I could follow along."
"The course effectively breaks down complex biological processes and epidemiological concepts into understandable segments."
Quizzes and assignments are generally considered light, possibly limiting deeper knowledge checks.
"I wish there were more quizzes or assignments to test understanding, as the current ones are quite light."
"The quizzes were too simple."
"I would have preferred more challenging exercises to solidify my learning."
While excellent for beginners, some advanced learners desired more scientific depth.
"Good content, but sometimes a bit basic for those with a science background. I was hoping for more in-depth molecular biology."
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the later modules on modeling."
"I found some topics less detailed than I would have preferred, given my existing scientific knowledge."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Virology and Epidemiology in the Time of COVID-19 with these
activities:
Review previous knowledge of viruses and pandemics
Show steps
Refreshes learners' knowledge of viruses and pandemics, enhancing their understanding of the course content.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Retrieve and review notes from previous courses on virology and epidemiology.
-
Look up recent news articles and scientific studies related to viruses and pandemics to update knowledge.
Review past coursework and study materials
Show steps
Review past coursework and study materials to refresh your knowledge of the basics of virology, the immune system, and public health.
Show steps
-
Gather your materials.
-
Scan through your notes.
-
Review your old assignments and quizzes.
Engage in collaborative discussions with peers
Show steps
Fosters peer learning, knowledge sharing, and critical thinking through collaborative discussions.
Show steps
-
Join or form study groups with classmates.
-
Set regular meeting times to discuss course materials, share insights, and work on assignments together.
-
Take turns leading discussions, presenting ideas, and facilitating group learning.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Create a poster or infographic on a specific virus
Show steps
Create a poster or infographic on a specific virus that you are interested in to deepen your understanding of its structure, life cycle, and how it causes disease.
Show steps
-
Research your chosen virus.
-
Gather data and images.
-
Design and create your poster.
Volunteer at a local health clinic or organization
Show steps
Volunteer at a local health clinic or organization to gain practical experience in public health and disease prevention.
Show steps
-
Find a local health clinic or organization that you can volunteer at.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend training sessions.
-
Carry out your volunteer duties.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Encourages learners to actively engage with course materials and organize their knowledge for effective review.
Show steps
-
Gather lecture notes, textbook readings, and any additional resources related to the course.
-
Organize the materials into logical sections based on the course outline.
-
Summarize key concepts, definitions, and examples from each section.
-
Include diagrams, charts, or other visuals to enhance understanding.
Write a blog post or article about a current event related to viruses
Show steps
Write a blog post or article about a current event related to viruses to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhance your understanding of the impact of viruses on society.
Show steps
-
Choose a current event related to viruses.
-
Research the topic and gather information.
-
Write your blog post or article.
-
Publish your work and share it with others.
Practice answering multiple-choice questions on viral topics
Show steps
Practice answering multiple-choice questions on viral topics to improve your understanding and retention of the material.
Show steps
-
Find a practice question bank.
-
Set a timer and answer the questions.
-
Review the correct answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Research recent advancements in viral vaccine development
Show steps
Keeps learners updated on cutting-edge research and promotes critical thinking in exploring vaccine development.
Browse courses on
Vaccines
Show steps
-
Identify reputable scientific journals or databases specializing in virology or immunology.
-
Search for articles published within the last two years on viral vaccine development.
-
Read and summarize the findings of the articles, focusing on new technologies and approaches.
-
Present the research findings to the class or in a discussion forum to share knowledge and insights.
Develop a plan for a public health campaign to promote vaccination
Show steps
Develop a plan for a public health campaign to promote vaccination to apply your understanding of viral diseases and public health measures to a real-world problem.
Show steps
-
Define the target audience for your campaign.
-
Create a message that resonates with the target audience.
-
Develop a distribution plan for your message.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Review previous knowledge of viruses and pandemics
Show steps
Refreshes learners' knowledge of viruses and pandemics, enhancing their understanding of the course content.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Retrieve and review notes from previous courses on virology and epidemiology.
- Look up recent news articles and scientific studies related to viruses and pandemics to update knowledge.
Review past coursework and study materials
Show steps
Review past coursework and study materials to refresh your knowledge of the basics of virology, the immune system, and public health.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather your materials.
- Scan through your notes.
- Review your old assignments and quizzes.
Engage in collaborative discussions with peers
Show steps
Fosters peer learning, knowledge sharing, and critical thinking through collaborative discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or form study groups with classmates.
- Set regular meeting times to discuss course materials, share insights, and work on assignments together.
- Take turns leading discussions, presenting ideas, and facilitating group learning.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Create a poster or infographic on a specific virus
Show steps
Create a poster or infographic on a specific virus that you are interested in to deepen your understanding of its structure, life cycle, and how it causes disease.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research your chosen virus.
- Gather data and images.
- Design and create your poster.
Volunteer at a local health clinic or organization
Show steps
Volunteer at a local health clinic or organization to gain practical experience in public health and disease prevention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local health clinic or organization that you can volunteer at.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend training sessions.
- Carry out your volunteer duties.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Encourages learners to actively engage with course materials and organize their knowledge for effective review.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather lecture notes, textbook readings, and any additional resources related to the course.
- Organize the materials into logical sections based on the course outline.
- Summarize key concepts, definitions, and examples from each section.
- Include diagrams, charts, or other visuals to enhance understanding.
Write a blog post or article about a current event related to viruses
Show steps
Write a blog post or article about a current event related to viruses to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhance your understanding of the impact of viruses on society.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a current event related to viruses.
- Research the topic and gather information.
- Write your blog post or article.
- Publish your work and share it with others.
Practice answering multiple-choice questions on viral topics
Show steps
Practice answering multiple-choice questions on viral topics to improve your understanding and retention of the material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a practice question bank.
- Set a timer and answer the questions.
- Review the correct answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Research recent advancements in viral vaccine development
Show steps
Keeps learners updated on cutting-edge research and promotes critical thinking in exploring vaccine development.
Browse courses on
Vaccines
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable scientific journals or databases specializing in virology or immunology.
- Search for articles published within the last two years on viral vaccine development.
- Read and summarize the findings of the articles, focusing on new technologies and approaches.
- Present the research findings to the class or in a discussion forum to share knowledge and insights.
Develop a plan for a public health campaign to promote vaccination
Show steps
Develop a plan for a public health campaign to promote vaccination to apply your understanding of viral diseases and public health measures to a real-world problem.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the target audience for your campaign.
- Create a message that resonates with the target audience.
- Develop a distribution plan for your message.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Career center
Learners who complete Virology and Epidemiology in the Time of COVID-19 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Virologist
Virologist
A Virologist studies viruses and viral diseases. This course may be useful to you because it covers a variety of topics directly related to your work, including the basics of viruses, the human immune response, the development of vaccines, and public health measures to prevent viral outbreaks.
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physician
An Infectious Disease Physician is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. This course may be helpful as it explores virology and epidemiology in the time of COVID-19, which will inform your work as you treat patients with infectious diseases.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist studies the causes and distributions of various diseases and injuries. This course may help you in this career because it explores the science of viral diseases, including how they spread through populations, and the social impacts created by viral outbreaks.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa. This course may help you in this career because it delves into the basics of viruses, their structural and functional diversity, and their replication cycles.
Health Informatics Analyst
Health Informatics Analyst
A Health Informatics Analyst collects and analyzes health data to improve healthcare delivery. This course may be useful to you in this career because it explores the science of viral diseases, including how they spread through populations, and the social impacts created by viral outbreaks.
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analyst
A Public Health Policy Analyst collects and analyzes data to develop and evaluate policies that promote public health. This course will be beneficial as it covers how viral diseases spread through populations, the social impacts of viral outbreaks, and how social and economic disparities influence risk during a pandemic.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
A Public Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote public health. This course may be useful to you in this career because it explores the science of viral diseases, including how they spread through populations, and the social impacts created by viral outbreaks.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
An Environmental Health Scientist investigates and solves environmental health problems. This course may be useful to you because it explores how viral diseases spread through populations, and how environmental factors, such as climate change, can influence the spread of disease.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to biological data. This course may help you in this career because it covers topics such as how viruses spread through populations and how scientists use statistical models to monitor and control viral outbreaks.
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialist
A Health Communications Specialist develops and implements communication strategies to inform and educate the public about health issues. This course may help you in this career because it explores the science of viral diseases, including how they spread through populations, and the social impacts created by viral outbreaks, all critical to your work communicating health-related information.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
A Veterinarian diagnoses and treats diseases in animals. This course may be useful to you in this career because it explores the basics of viruses, including their structural and functional diversity, and how the immune system responds to viral infections, all critical knowledge to effectively treat viral diseases in animals.
Science Writer
Science Writer
A Science Writer communicates complex scientific concepts and information to the public. This course may be useful to you because it provides a more in-depth look at the science of COVID-19 and vaccinations, which should help build a foundation to accurately convey scientific information.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Laboratory Scientist
A Medical Laboratory Scientist performs laboratory tests to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful to you in this career because it explores the basics of viruses, including their structural and functional diversity, and how the human immune system responds to viral infections.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator plans, directs, and coordinates healthcare delivery systems. This course may be useful to you as it covers how viral diseases spread through populations, the social impacts of viral outbreaks, and how social and economic disparities influence risk during a pandemic, all critical to your work managing healthcare delivery.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist investigates and studies a particular scientific discipline (like the biological, chemical, or physical sciences. This course may be useful to you because it provides a more in-depth look at the science of COVID-19 and vaccinations, which should help build a foundation for your work studying vaccines and virology.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/68lh4j/virology
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Virology and Epidemiology in the Time of COVID-19.
Examines the origins of viral outbreaks in non-human animals and their potential to spill over into human populations, providing insights into the emergence of novel pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of pandemics throughout history, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and offering insights into the challenges and strategies for managing such outbreaks.
Provides a historical perspective on the impact of viruses on human populations, making it particularly valuable for understanding the broader context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This textbook focuses on the mechanisms by which viruses cause disease, providing a detailed examination of viral pathogenesis and the immune response to viral infections.
Save
Offers a firsthand account of the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, providing a valuable perspective on the science, logistics, and global collaboration involved.
Outlines a plan for preventing future pandemics, drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and proposing strategies for strengthening global health systems and preparedness.
Save
Explores the complex interactions between viruses and human societies, highlighting their impact on public health, culture, and the economy.
Tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cervical cancer cells were used without her consent to create the HeLa cell line, which has been essential for medical research but has also raised ethical and social concerns.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/68lh4j/virology
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
American Museum of Natural History
Instructor
Rob DeSalle, Ph.D.
Language
English
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