Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - HSCI 441 D100

Virology Laboratory (4)

Class Number: 5652

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 338 and one of: BISC 303, BISC 357, MBB 308, or MBB 309, all with a minimum grade of C-.

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 that they 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:  There will be one 4-hour class each week that includes a short description of the exercise of the day followed by the students’ performance. As this course is intended to provide students with hands-on experience, class attendance is essential. Due to the nature of biological experiments, there will occasionally be extra lab works beyond the regular hours for thorough experiences. Students are encouraged to participate in these. 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:

None.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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