Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - HSCI 441 D100

Virology Laboratory (4)

Class Number: 2843

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 338 and one of: BISC 303, BISC 357, MBB 308, or MBB 309.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Study, in a laboratory environment, of animal viruses as infectious agents that threaten human health as well as their use as biomedical tools. Includes cell culture methods, virus amplification, titration, purification, and identification, etc.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:  This laboratory course will focus on two animal viruses: AcNPV, an insect virus commonly used in biomedical fields to produce recombinant proteins and influenza A virus. By using real live animal viruses, students will learn basic skills specific to the field of animal virology research. We are using level 2 pathogens. Therefore, students taking this course are expected to have some previous experience in handling common laboratory equipment such as pipettors, though previous formal safety training is not expected. Basic virological knowledge is essential. By the nature of animal virology knowledge in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry and basic immunology will greatly help.
Format and Organization: HSCI 441 Virology Laboratory course will be offered in a modified format due to COVID-19 in a combination of in-person lab exercises and online modules for 2021 sparing semester. Eight 4- or 2-hour in-person lab classes are planned during the semester. The duration of each lab exercise session will be determined based on the number of student enrollments. In addition, there will be online materials that complement the lab exercise. Some online materials will be offered synchronously through Zoom while some others asynchronously on CANVAS. As this course is intended to provide students with hands-on experience, class attendance is essential. Also, with the modified format prior self-learning is critically important. All the students are requested to write 7 lab reports individually to complete the course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the completion of this course it is expected that the students will be knowledgeable in the very basic experimental techniques used in animal virology through laboratory exercises.

Grading

  • Class participation 30%
  • Assignment (lab reports on the experiments) 70%

NOTES:

IMPORTANT:  If you have any health problem related to your immune system, please contact the instructor before registering for this course.
The instructor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary within Faculty/University regulations.



Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Please bring a lab coat that can be left in the teaching lab.

REQUIRED READING:

None.  A lab manual will be supplied.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Baculovirus and Insect Cell Expression Protocols
EDITION 2
EDITOR: David W. Murhammer
PUBLISHER: Humana Press
PRINT PUB DATE: 2006-12-01
e-book available through SFU library
 
 
 

ISBN: EBOOK 9781597454575

Manual for the laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance of influenza
World Health Organization
2011
available on line (free access)


ISBN: 978 92 4 154809 0

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).