Virology in the Plant Environment

Catalog description

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth and play vital roles in health, disease, and ecosystems. This course explores the diversity, ecology, and evolution of plant viruses, insect viruses, mycoviruses, and viruses of microbes. Students will study molecular strategies viruses use to infect hosts, replicate, and manipulate host metabolism. The course also highlights the ecological significance of the virome. A major component will be a team-based genome analysis project. Students will annotate a viral genome, investigate its evolution and host interactions, and present findings in a scientific poster and research paper. The project emphasizes bioinformatics tools and science communication. This course is ideal for those interested in virology or microbial ecology.