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Microbiology 195E

Viruses in Mythology and History

Viruses and viral diseases have influenced both history and form the basis of many legends, which arise when the current state of science cannot explain present-day events. The course will explore legends and historical events that were caused or influenced by viruses and the germane biological properties which underlie the phenomena.

Max Schreck as the vampire Count Orloff in F. W. Murnau classic silent film Nosferatu (1922). And two images of the broad host range rabies virus that produces vampire-like symptoms in human infections.







Dr. Fane
Office: 102A VetSci / Micro Building
Phone: 626-6634
Email: bfane@u.arizona.edu
Office hours: Wednesday 2:00-3:00 or by appointment.
Note: Emails answered promptly, telephone messages may not.

Readings and texts: Links to required readings have been placed directly into the schedule of classes (see below). Several assignments involve reading a novel or watching a film. In these instances, each student is to chose what s/he wishes to do. If one chooses the option of doing nothing, then one also chooses the associated consequences.

Objectives: Viruses and viral diseases have influenced both history and form the basis of many legends, which arise when the current state of science cannot explain present-day events. The course will explore legends and historical events that were caused or influenced by viruses and the germane biological properties which underlie the phenomena.

Grading and exams: There will be two take home exams, each worth 50% of the final exam. However, meaningful class participation can have a very positive effect on the final grade, raising it as much as 10 points. For example, a student with an 80% exam grade, but has added significantly to class discussion could receive a final grade of 90%, hence earning an A in the course. Grades will be determined on a standard curve: 90-100 A, 80-90 B, and so on.

The exams will will contain essays, each essay is limited to one double-spaced typed page, unless otherwise indicated. All exams are open book, open notes, open web, open library. Hence essays will be expected to be well reasoned. Students will have at least two weeks to complete an exam. Often during the course, I will raise a question and say, "expect it on your take home exam." In other words, start thinking. Thinking not memorization is the key to success in college, life and this course.

Exam grading is anonymous. Student numbers, not names, are placed on exams. I will not know who you are when grading your exams. Therefore, students should not feel inhibited to speak freely and frankly in class. If you disagree with one of my hypotheses, do not be afraid to offer an alternative one(I do enjoy a good a debate). If you have a question, do not feel inhibited to ask it .

Warning: Some of the topics discussed in this course will involve candid discussions of morality, sexuality and religion, especially when discussing the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Some students are offended by these topics. Others object when their religious beliefs are challenged. However, these topic will be discussed. Religious beliefs will be treated merely as one point of view, among many. If you believe that this will inhibit your participation or cause you discomfort, please drop the course.

Code of Academic Integrity: University standards for ethical behavior are outlined under "The Code of Academic Integrity" (http://w3.arizona.edu/~studpubs/policies/cacaint.htm). Additional department statement on academic honesty: All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited, including , but not limited to: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, modifying any academic work to obtain additional credit without the approval of the instructor, or attempting to carry out any of the above. Committing any of the above will result in sanctions being imposed on the student's scores or grade up to and including the assignment of an "E" for the entire course.

An encounter with a ghost shipped, piloted by Captain Hendrik van der Decken, the Flying Dutchman. Mariners who encountered this ghost ship, or more likely a drifting ship with a dead crew, were destined to die due to the curse. However, their death was most likely caused by the Yellow Fever Virus transmitted by mosquitoes, which laid their eggs in the ship's stagnant drinking water.

Syllabus

Date Lecture topic

Assignment to be completed before class.

August 28

General introduction.
What are myths and legends and how do they arise?
Ockham's Razor.

September 4 Viruses and the history of virology.

September 11

Dracula had rabies.

1. Read a novel or watch a move about a vampire, make a list of characteristics associated with these creatures. Two excellent but lessor known cinematic depictions include Dracula (1931, director: Browning; vampire: Bela Lugosi) and Nosferatu the Vampire (1922, director: F.W. Murnau. vampire: Schreck.

2. Then read: Gomez-Alonso, Rabies a Possible Explanation for the Vampire Legend.

September 18, 25

1.The Legend of the Flying Dutchman and the Yellow Fever Virus.

2. Epidemics and genetic selection in human populations.

3. Old World viruses and the American conquest and the history of slavery in the United States.

4. Scientific breakthroughs, vector transmission.
http://www.stonerope.com/dutchman.htm

October 2 The immune system and vaccine development.

October 9

1.Ethics in scientific research and the experiments of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and The Princess of Wales.

2.The future of small pox: bioterrorism?

Grundy, Montagu's Variolation.

October 16, 30.

October 23
No Class

1. 1918! The Great Flu Pandemic.

2. Influenza, still the greatest viral killer of all time, why won't it go away?

3. Antagenic shift, drift, and animal resevoirs.

4. SARS, in context.

http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/uda/

November 3

First exam due in my email inbox by 9:00 AM.

Exams should be in word rich text format and attached to the email. Name the document should be your student number.

If you do not receive an email confirmation by noon, I DID not receive your exam.

November 6, 13, 20
December 4

November 27
No class.

HIV/AIDS

Read "And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts (Highly and strongly recommended)

Or search the web for

1. The history of HIV and AIDS, when did the epidemic really start in the West, in the third world?

2. Early myths about the causes of AIDS.

3. Present day myths regarding alternative infectious agents that cause AIDS.

4. Transmission, therapies, and testing.

December11

Second exam due in my email inbox by 9:00 AM.

Exams should be in word rich text format and attached to the email. Name the document should be your student number.

If you do not receive an email confirmation by noon, I DID not receive your exam.

Date	Lecture topic	Assignment to be completed before class.
August 28	General introduction. What are myths and legends and how do they arise? Ockham's Razor.
September 4	Viruses and the history of virology.
September 11	Dracula had rabies.	1. Read a novel or watch a move about a vampire, make a list of characteristics associated with these creatures. Two excellent but lessor known cinematic depictions include Dracula (1931, director: Browning; vampire: Bela Lugosi) and Nosferatu the Vampire (1922, director: F.W. Murnau. vampire: Schreck. 2. Then read: Gomez-Alonso, Rabies a Possible Explanation for the Vampire Legend.
September 18, 25	1.The Legend of the Flying Dutchman and the Yellow Fever Virus. 2. Epidemics and genetic selection in human populations. 3. Old World viruses and the American conquest and the history of slavery in the United States. 4. Scientific breakthroughs, vector transmission.	http://www.stonerope.com/dutchman.htm
October 2	The immune system and vaccine development.
October 9	1.Ethics in scientific research and the experiments of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and The Princess of Wales. 2.The future of small pox: bioterrorism?	Grundy, Montagu's Variolation.
October 16, 30. October 23 No Class	1. 1918! The Great Flu Pandemic. 2. Influenza, still the greatest viral killer of all time, why won't it go away? 3. Antagenic shift, drift, and animal resevoirs. 4. SARS, in context.	http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/uda/
November 3 First exam due in my email inbox by 9:00 AM.	Exams should be in word rich text format and attached to the email. Name the document should be your student number.	If you do not receive an email confirmation by noon, I DID not receive your exam.
November 6, 13, 20 December 4 November 27 No class.	HIV/AIDS	Read "And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts (Highly and strongly recommended) Or search the web for 1. The history of HIV and AIDS, when did the epidemic really start in the West, in the third world? 2. Early myths about the causes of AIDS. 3. Present day myths regarding alternative infectious agents that cause AIDS. 4. Transmission, therapies, and testing.
December11 Second exam due in my email inbox by 9:00 AM.	Exams should be in word rich text format and attached to the email. Name the document should be your student number.	If you do not receive an email confirmation by noon, I DID not receive your exam.