Virology Program of Study

Graduate Curriculum.

Students usually take 3 courses per semester and conduct a laboratory rotation during each semester of the first year, and a laboratory rotation in the following summer.During the second year, they start their dissertation research in the fall semester and take one course. Preliminary qualifying exams are held during December of the second year. Following successful completion of the PQE, students continue their dissertation research and within 6 months establish their dissertation advisory committee (DAC) in consultation with their advisor and the approval of the Program Chair.The individual components of the curriculum are discussed more fully in the sections below.

Expectations

Seminars, student journal clubs, and program retreats are an integral part of the scientific and educational experience of the Virology Program. Therefore, students are expected to attend and participate fully in all of these activities. Graduate study is a full-time professional endeavor. To this end, graduate students have vacation breaks only during the normal University holidays or equivalent periods of time, as per DMS policy.

Virology Required and Recommended Courses

All students are expected to be knowledgeable in the following areas: virology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Students must take a total of 7 courses. Virology 200, Virology 201, Virology 202 are required courses for all students in the Program. Quarter-courses (Virology 330 Critical Readings in Virology and Medical Science 300 – Conduct of Science discussion forum) will also be taken by all students in the Program. These two courses do not count towards the 7-course requirement. Depending upon students’ interests and background, additional courses frequently including a course in immunology or genetics are selected to meet the 7-course requirement. Students frequently take the courses listed below.

FALL – YEAR 1

Virology 200 – Introduction to Virology

Elliott Kieff (Medical School), David M. Knipe (Medical School) Karl Münger (Medical School), and Max L. Nibert (Medical School) half course (fall term). M.,2:30-4:00, W., 3–5.

The objective of the course is to gain knowledge of the principal groups of Animal Viruses and Themes of Virus research from a Monday lecture, a Wednesday detailed discussion of a relevant research article, and preparation of a research proposal. Note: The course is open to Virology, Immunology and BBS students. Other graduate or undergraduate students should contact Elliott Kieff prior to registration.

BCMP 200 - Molecular Biology

Johannes Walter (Medical School), Stephen Buratowski (Medical School), David E. Fisher (Medical School), Ralph Scully (Medical School), William Shih (Medical School), and Gerhard Wagner (Medical School) Half course (fall term). M., W., F., 10:30–12.

An advanced treatment of the Central Dogma of molecular biology. Considers the molecular basis of genetic information transfer from DNA to RNA to protein, using current examples from eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Lectures, discussion groups and research seminars.

Note: Prerequisite: Intended primarily for graduate students familiar with basic molecular biology or with strong biology/chemistry background.

MCB 169 - Molecular and Cellular Immunology

Th – 10:30 – 12:00

Basic elements of the immune system. Molecular biology of antigen recognition structures on B and T lymphocytes. Cellular and genetic basis of immunity. Regulation and development of the immune system.

Immunology 201 - Principles of Immunology

Michael C. Carroll (Medical School), Ulrich H. Von Andrian-Werburg (Medical School) and members of the Faculty. Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3, with section Tu., Th., 3–4.

Comprehensive core course in immunology. Topics include a broad but intensive examination of the cells and molecules of the immune system. Special attention given to the experimental approaches that led to general principles of immunology. Note: Intended for students who have had prior exposure to immunology on the undergraduate level. In the absence of such exposure, students must obtain the permission of the Course Director. Prerequisite: A background in genetics and biochemistry strongly recommended.

Genetics 201 - Principles of Genetics

Fred Winston (Medical School), Anne C. Hart (Medical School), Ann Hochschild (Medical School), and Mitzi I. Kuroda (Medical School) Half course (fall term). M., W., F., 9–10:30.

An in-depth survey of genetics, beginning with basic principles and extending to modern approaches and special topics. We will draw on examples from various systems, including yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, mouse, human and bacteria. Note: Intended for first-year graduate students.

“Interim Session”

Virology 330 – Advanced Topics In Virology

Alan N. Engelman (Medical School) and members of the Virology faculty (fall term). Tu., Th., 5–6:30.

Critical evaluation of virology-related papers reporting a seminal contribution, strong methodological approaches, or in some cases due to errors in methodology or author interpretation. Requirements include written critiques and class participation.

Note: Given in the month of January.

SPRING – YEAR 1

Virology 201 – Virology

Sean P.J. Whelan (Medical School, Welkin Johnson (Medical School) and James M. Cunningham (Medical School) Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4.

Course focuses on virus-host interactions. Topics include virus structure/replication, pathogenesis, evolution (“emerging viruses”), chronic infection and latency, innate and adaptive immunity, anti-viral drugs/vaccines. Literature-based critical reading and discussion. Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 723.0.

Prerequisite: For undergraduates, junior standing and permission is required.

Cell Biology 201 – Molecular Biology of the Cell

Daniel Finley (Medical School), John Blenis (Medical School), Joan S. Brugge (Medical School), Timothy J. Mitchison (Medical School), Danesh Moazed (Medical School), Benjamin Neel (Medical School), David Pellman (Medical School), Tom Rapoport (Medical School), and Pamela A. Silver (Medical School) Half course (spring term). M., W., 10:30–12; and sections F. at 10:30–12.

Topics include the molecular basis of cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, mitosis, cell locomotion, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, and the cellular/biochemical basis of diseases. Methods covered include protein purification, mass spectrometry, and microscopy.Prerequisite: Basic knowledge in biochemistry and genetics.

BCMP 201 – Proteins: Structure, Function and Catalysis

Michael J. Eck (Medical School), Stephen C. Blacklow (Medical School), Jarrod Marto (Medical School), Frederick P. Roth (Medical School), and Michael S. Wolfe (Medical School) Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11, W., 4:30–6.

Protein biochemistry with emphasis on the interrelated roles of protein structure, catalytic activity, and macromolecular interactions in biological processes. Course provides the core background and perspective required to consider and dissect biological problems at a mechanistic, molecular level.

Note: The course is intended for all DMS graduate students and is open to advanced undergraduates.

FALL - YEAR 2

Virology 202 - Seminar in Animal Virology

Michael R. Farzan (Medical School), Welkin E. Johnson (Medical School), and Frederick C. Wang (Medical School) Half course (fall term). W., 1:30–4:30.

Students will write, present, and evaluate research proposals in the areas of virus replication, viral pathogenesis and treatment and prevention of viral infections. The course will be devoted to the formulation and writing of research proposals in virology. Students will have opportunities to present proposals and to evaluate proposals, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Note: Prerequisite: General background in biochemistry and virology.

Laboratory Rotations

Students are expected to rotate in three laboratories before selecting a dissertation laboratory. Students may initiate rotations as early as July 1 in the summer before they start graduate school. This provides an early start on full time research before classes begin. Rotations are often approximately one semester long, but should be at least 8-12 weeks long, the shorter period being during full time research in the summers. Frequently, the first year Fall rotation gets short changed because of the intensity of course work, and students extend this rotation through the semester break. Similarly, the Spring semester rotation can be extended into summer. If students are certain that they have found a suitable dissertation advisor in their first two rotations, a third rotation may not be mandatory. However, even students who have decided on an advisor may elect a third rotation to gain experience with different approaches. Students should normally choose a laboratory for their dissertation research by the start of the second year of graduate school.

The faculty members of the Virology Program are selected for their ability to serve as mentors for graduate student rotations and dissertation research. Students are encouraged to pursue research in laboratories of the program faculty, but rotations and dissertation research are available in any laboratory in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences program. The Student Advisory Committee and the Program Chairperson are available to discuss rotation plans. Rotations in labs of faculty outside the Virology Program must be approved in advance by the Student Advisory Committee and Program Chair. A Rotation Registration form must be completed and returned to the Virology Program office before the start date of the rotation.

Students are encouraged to write a brief proposal within the first three weeks of their rotation and submit the proposal to their rotation mentor. The proposal can be developed with input from the mentor or the mentor’s other trainees. The proposal should be no more than two single spaced pages in length and include brief statements of the relevant background, the rationale for the proposed experiments, the specific aim of the experiments proposed, the technology that will be used, the anticipated result, and how it will advance the field. No more than 10 references. The mentor should review and critique the proposal. Students should present their experimental results at the mentor’s laboratory meeting at the end of the rotation. The mentor will provide the student with a brief written critique of the experimental accomplishments and presentation and will forward a copy to the Program Office.

Annual Virology Retreat

The annual Virology retreat is organized by the 3rd year students and typically takes place in September prior to the commencement of classes. This year the Retreat will be held at the Capecodder Resort and Spa. Hyannis-Cape Cod, MA. The event lasts for two days and is an opportunity for the incoming class to be exposed to current areas of research that are the focus of students and faculty in the Virology program. Students (typically in the 4th or 5th year of graduate school) and faculty present their research findings and ongoing projects in the laboratory, respectively, thereby allowing the incoming class to survey thesis lab options prior to starting the fall laboratory rotation. The retreat also includes an informal poster session in which students and faculty learn about the work of their peers. The retreat provides a great way for the incoming students to interact with the rest of the program in an informal and fun setting.

Student Advisory System

Faculty members provide advice and guidance to students throughout their graduate career. Each student is initially paired with a faculty member, who meets with the student on an as-needed basis. Faculty committees also provide advice, guidance and support to graduate students. In the pre-dissertation period, the Graduate Student Advisory Committee meets with students at the beginning and end of each semester to offer guidance on choices related to courses, laboratory rotations and potential dissertation advisors. This committee also works in conjunction with the Preliminary Examining Committee to oversee the Preliminary Qualifying Exams, in which students prepare and defend a research proposal before faculty experts in the field. Following the successful Preliminary Exam, the student and dissertation advisor select a Dissertation Advisory Committee, which meets every twelve months to assess progress on dissertation research and to provide advice. The Dissertation Advisory Committee and the dissertation advisor decide when the student should write and defend the dissertation. One member of the Dissertation Advisory Committee may sit on the Dissertation Defense Committee, which examines the student on the contents of the dissertation.

Virology Student Data Club

The Virology Student Data Club is organized and run by the students of the Virology Program at Harvard. In this club, which meets every other week, students in the program present their current research. In the second semester of the first year of study Virology students present a practice talk of their proposals for the current Virology course. In the first semester of the second year of study Virology students present a practice talk of their Preliminary Qualifying Exam proposals. The Virology Student Data Club is meant to allow students an opportunity to receive feedback from their peers regarding their current research or proposals for courses and the PQE. In addition the audience learns about a variety of methods and techniques, as well as the current research that takes place in different laboratories on and off campus.