MED2301 General virology, Parasitology and Immunology

This course is an introduction to virology, parasitology and functional immunology. The course covers the classification and characteristics of viruses and parasites of medical importance, especially of the tropics. It also brings out the characteristics of viruses and parasites that are responsible for diseases causation. Laboratory techniques investigating viral and parasite infections are handled.  The course introduces the immune system as an integrated functioning unit in protection against infections.  
 
Course objectives  
By the end of the course, the student should be able to:  

• To explain the principles of virology, parasitology and immunology   
• To describe the classification and characteristics of viruses and parasites of medical importance 
• To explain the concept of viruses and parasites as agents of disease and their virulence factors  
• To describe the how different components of the immune system function as a protection unit