Virology 1 - How Viruses Work

Explore the fundamental mechanisms of viral reproduction and survival through this comprehensive virology course taught by Vincent Racaniello, Higgins Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Examine the common reactions that all viruses must complete for successful reproduction within host cells and understand how they survive and spread within host populations. Discover the molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles and learn about the complex interactions between viruses and their host organisms that lead to disease development. Study representative examples from animal and human viruses, with selected bacterial viruses also covered to provide a complete understanding of viral behavior across different systems. Master the principles of viral pathogenesis and control mechanisms through detailed analysis of how viruses manipulate cellular processes for their own replication. Gain insights into the structural and functional diversity of viruses while understanding the universal strategies they employ for infection and propagation. The course spans 11 weeks of structured content, providing a thorough foundation in virology principles that applies to both research and clinical contexts.