The concepts and methods of virology are studied with emphasis on animal viruses. A wide variety of DNA and RNA viruses, including some new and emergent viruses, are discussed within the framework of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology and epidemiology. Viral and cellular oncogenes and the processes of oncogenic transformation will be examined. A discussion of prions will also be included. These are novel, proteinaceous, infectious agents which, unlike viruses, lack nucleic acids.
