A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the study of viruses, their interaction with their hosts, and the effect on the environment. Themes include pathogenicity of viruses, vaccination, and emerging viruses. In addition, a special topic relating to recent scientific findings will be chosen on a yearly basis. Lab includes the preparation of media, and the isolation, detection, cultivation, and characterization of viruses. Prerequisite: “C” or better in BIOL 244.