Viruses & How to Beat Them I: Introduction to Cell Biology & Viruses from edX

Have you ever wondered what viruses actually are?

Have you been curious about the ways they invade our bodies, attack our cells and make us sick? Come and learn what viruses are made of and understand the mechanisms of how they hijack and take over our cells.

Our bodies are made of cells, which are amazing molecular machines. So long as everything is in working order, we feel great. But surprisingly, these unbelievably tiny parasites, made of protein and genes - viruses - can take control, causing serious damage to our bodies.

Step by step, this course - the first part of the Viruses & How to Beat Them program - will teach you how the cells of our bodies work to keep us healthy. We will then explore the vast kingdom of viruses; especially those that have caused epidemics like the flu, AIDS and Ebola. In the second part of the program, we will learn how our body defends itself against these viruses, with special attention to the latest threat: SARS CoV2 and the disease it causes - COVID-19.

The lectures have been carefully planned to clearly describe basic Cell Biology and Virology in terms that everyone can understand, without compromising scientific correctness. You'll participate in a detailed exploration of the structures of our cells and how they function. You'll learn how viruses replicate as well as how scientists investigate these topics. You'll view laboratory demonstrations that illustrate how cells and viruses are grown and studied. Throughout the course, you will meet leading experts and scientists - some of whom have received the Nobel Prize in recognition of their discoveries and contributions to Chemistry and Medicine.

This course was produced at Tel Aviv University - Innovation in Teaching and Learning.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The fundamental principles of living organisms
Why cells are considered the units of life
How information flows from our genes to produce proteins
Why viruses are not alive

How viruses infect our bodies
The way viruses have changed the course of history
To better understand the process of scientific investigation
To develop critical thinking skills and apply them to problem solving

The fundamental principles of living organisms
Why cells are considered the units of life
How information flows from our genes to produce proteins
Why viruses are not alive
How viruses infect our bodies
The way viruses have changed the course of history
To better understand the process of scientific investigation
To develop critical thinking skills and apply them to problem solving

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Jonathan Gershoni, who are recognized for their work in Virology

Develops fundamental principles of living organisms, which are core skills for Biology

Examines Viruses, which is highly relevant to Medicine

Taught by Tel Aviv University - Innovation in Teaching and Learning, who are recognized for their work in academic research

This course teaches basic Cell Biology and Virology, which are standard in Biology

Takes a creative approach to understanding viruses and their impact on the human body

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 Viruses & How to Beat Them I: Introduction to Cell Biology & Viruses with these activities:

Review basic biology

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Review basic concepts in biology to prepare for in-depth study of viruses.

Browse courses on Cell Biology

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Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
Go through online resources or video lectures on essential biological concepts.
Attend a preparatory workshop or refresher course on basic biology.

Go through Khan Academy's Principles of Biology course

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Review key biological principles that will be foundational for this course

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Sign up for Khan Academy and create an account
Navigate to the Biology section and find the Principles of Biology course
Watch the videos and complete the exercises

Participate in group discussions

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Engage in discussions with peers to enhance understanding and critical thinking.

Browse courses on Virology

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Join online forums or discussion boards related to the course topics.
Participate in live or virtual group discussions organized by the instructor.
Collaborate with classmates on assignments or projects that involve group work.

Six other activities

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Practice Punnett Square Problems

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Punnett squares are an essential tool for understanding inheritance patterns. This activity will help you develop proficiency in solving Punnett square problems, which will strengthen your understanding of genetics.

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Review the basic principles of Mendelian inheritance.
Learn how to set up a Punnett square for a given cross.
Practice solving Punnett square problems for different types of inheritance patterns, such as dominant-recessive, co-dominance, and incomplete dominance.

Practice solving virus-related problems

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Gain proficiency in solving problems related to virus structure, replication, and infection.

Browse courses on Virology

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Work through practice problems and exercises in the course materials.
Utilize online platforms or textbooks to find additional practice questions.
Join study groups or forums to discuss and solve problems with peers.

Solve practice problems for Viruses & How to Beat Them

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Reinforce your understanding of key concepts and prepare for assessments

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Go to the Viruses & How to Beat Them course website
Click on the 'Practice' tab
Select a practice set and start solving problems

Create a mind map of the different types of viruses

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Organize and visualize your knowledge of viral diversity

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Choose a mind mapping tool
Start with the main category: 'Types of Viruses'
Add branches for different classifications (e.g., DNA/RNA, enveloped/non-enveloped)
Include specific examples of viruses within each branch

Develop a virus fact sheet

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Apply knowledge by creating a comprehensive fact sheet on a specific virus.

Browse courses on Virology

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Choose a virus of interest and research its biology, transmission, and impact.
Organize and present the information in a clear and concise manner.
Share the fact sheet with others for feedback and dissemination.

Develop a presentation on the mechanisms of viral infection

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Enhance your understanding and communication skills by explaining complex processes

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Gather information from the course materials and external sources
Organize your content into a logical flow
Create visual aids to support your presentation
Practice delivering your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Viruses & How to Beat Them I: Introduction to Cell Biology & Viruses will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Virologist

As a Virologist, you will be studying viruses, their structure, and how they interact with living organisms. You may work in a research laboratory or a clinical setting, where you will be responsible for developing new treatments for viral infections. This course can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of virology, including the fundamental principles of living organisms, how viruses infect our bodies, and the way viruses have changed the course of history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virologist

Microbiologist

As a Microbiologist, you will be studying microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. You may work in a research laboratory or a clinical setting, where you will be responsible for developing new treatments for diseases. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses infect our bodies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Epidemiologist

As an Epidemiologist, you will be investigating the causes and patterns of disease outbreaks. You will need to understand how viruses spread and how to prevent and control their transmission. This course will help you build a strong foundation in the principles of living organisms, the way viruses infect our bodies, and how viruses have changed the course of history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Cell Biologist

As a Cell Biologist, you will be investigating the structure and function of cells, which are the smallest unit of life. You might specialize in understanding the molecular mechanisms of a disease and developing treatments. You will need a deep understanding of the basic principles of living organisms and how cells work. This course can help you build a foundation in cell biology and provide you with a strong understanding of the role of viruses in causing disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cell Biologist

Immunologist

As an Immunologist, you will be studying the immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection. You may work in a research laboratory or a clinical setting, where you will be responsible for developing new treatments for diseases. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how our bodies defend themselves against viruses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Biochemist

As a Biochemist, you will be studying the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. You may work in a research laboratory or a clinical setting, where you will be responsible for developing new treatments for diseases. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms, including how information flows from our genes to produce proteins.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Molecular Biologist

As a Molecular Biologist, you will be studying the structure and function of molecules, particularly those that are involved in biological processes. You may work in a research laboratory or a clinical setting, where you will be responsible for developing new treatments for diseases. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how information flows from our genes to produce proteins.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Health Policy Analyst

As a Health Policy Analyst, you will be analyzing and evaluating health policies to improve the health of populations. You may work for a government agency, non-profit organization, or research institution, where you will be responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to policymakers. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms, the way viruses infect bodies, and how viruses have changed the course of history. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to analyze and interpret data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Medical Writer

As a Medical Writer, you will be writing and editing medical content for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. You may work for a pharmaceutical company, medical journal, or healthcare website, where you will be responsible for writing articles, brochures, and other materials. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses infect our bodies. It will also help you develop your writing skills and your ability to explain complex medical information in a clear and concise manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Public Health Educator

As a Public Health Educator, you will be promoting health and preventing disease in communities. You may work for a government agency, non-profit organization, or school, where you will be responsible for developing and delivering health education programs. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms, the way viruses infect bodies, and how viruses have changed the course of history. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to explain complex topics in a clear and concise manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Science Teacher

As a Science Teacher, you will be teaching science to students of all ages. You may work in a public school, private school, or homeschool setting, where you will be responsible for creating lesson plans and delivering instruction. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses infect our bodies. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to explain complex topics in a clear and concise manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you will be communicating complex scientific information to a general audience. You may work for a newspaper, magazine, or website, where you will be responsible for writing articles about the latest scientific discoveries. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses have changed the course of history. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to explain complex topics in a clear and concise manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Communicator

As a Science Communicator, you will be bridging the gap between scientists and the public. You may work for a museum, science center, or non-profit organization, where you will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses have changed the course of history. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to explain complex topics in a clear and concise manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Science Librarian

As a Science Librarian, you will be helping scientists and researchers to find and access information. You may work for a university library, a corporate library, or a government agency, where you will be responsible for managing collections of scientific materials and providing reference services. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses infect our bodies. It will also help you develop your research skills and your ability to organize and disseminate information.

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Patent Attorney

As a Patent Attorney, you will be helping inventors to obtain patents for their inventions. You may work for a law firm or a corporation, where you will be responsible for drafting and filing patent applications. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of living organisms and how viruses infect our bodies. It will also help you develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to analyze and interpret scientific information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney