Summer College- Common Cold or Cancer Cure? The Discovery and Evolution of Virus based Therapeutics

Historically viruses are microscopic disease causing vectors that make headlines around the world as they emerge, spread, and evolve. More recently, viruses are being used as therapeutic agents to treat disease. The proposed course will provide a historical perspective of viruses past to present. Student will learn virus history, molecular biology of viruses and infection, discovery and treatment of emerging viruses, and the impact of viruses on society. Additionally, students will examine modern uses of viruses and the technologies used to create new vaccines, gene therapies, and cancer therapeutics. This student-centered class will provide an environment open for students to expand their communications skills through live discussion with current researchers, and writing activities meant to explore the current scientific literature, discuss viruses in the news, and the ethics of viral treatments. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss virus biology and current treatment options, how clinical trials work, the ethics of treatment on society (including prohibitive cost and access), and the future landscape of virus-based therapies.