MIC3022 Molecular virology and viral pathogenesis
Faculty of Science
MIC3022 Molecular virology and viral pathogenesis is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
Viruses include major pathogens that can cause severe diseases in humans and many other species. Thus, viral infections pose grand challenges to global health. However, viruses are also critical to our existence, with essential roles in biology and evolution in all kingdoms of life. Viruses also provide important tools in research and medicine, including potential treatments for cancer and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In this unit, you will gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of virology, our relationship with viruses, and methods by which we can control viral spread and disease. You will gain practical research skills in state-of-the-art virology techniques used in research and diagnostic laboratories, crucial to our responses to infections and outbreaks, including virus culture, purification and identification. This unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand how viruses impact on all species on our planet, and ways that we can safeguard society against existing and future global threats, including pandemics such as COVID-19.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Mid-semester testQuiz / Test10%
- Applied session and workshop assessmentProjectCompetency hurdle35%
- Laboratory assessmentsWrittenCompetency hurdle25%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 30 minutes)Examination30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the fundamental principles underlying infection by all major groups of viruses, and apply this knowledge to understand infection and disease caused by specific pathogenic viruses;
- 2
Explain how viruses interact with target host cell components and defence mechanisms and how this can lead to disease;
- 3
Describe specific strategies used to limit and control viral infections;
- 4
Demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of molecular virology laboratory techniques;
- 5
Apply knowledge of molecular virology and viral pathogenesis to critically analyse interpret and discuss experimental data and scientific literature;
- 6
Demonstrate a range of scientific communication skills, developed through oral presentations, participation in applied sessions and written laboratory reports.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops12 hours
- Assessments1 hours
- Laboratories18 hours
- Applied sessions18 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
A total of 12 hours per week including 6 hours of directed learning (such as lectures, laboratories, workshops and applied sessions) and 6 hours of self-directed study.
This unit uses a student-centered, active learning approach which aims to encourage the build-up of knowledge and understanding that is required to achieve a deeper level of learning to facilitate efficient use of knowledge.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Flint et al. (2020) 5th edition, Principles of Virology.
Where it fits
MIC3022 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Gregory Moseley
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Gregory Moseley
- Professor Stephen Turner
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MIC3022?
MIC3022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MIC3022 offered?
In 2026, MIC3022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is MIC3022?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MIC3022 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MIC3022?
MIC3022 is part of Biochemistry and Microbiology.