Osher Online - Going Viral: An Introduction to Virology
Meets: Th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Location: Osher Online
Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2023-2024 OLLI at MSU Membership
Description
This program will not be recorded.
"Going Viral" implies explosive growth and spread -- like bad news on social media. Or Covid-19. Safe to say, viruses have been around way longer than people. They're everywhere! But what ARE viruses? Are they mini cells? Are they even 'alive'? We naturally focus on those that infect humans, but they have ramifications far beyond us. They DO indeed infect us and can cause diseases, but we humans use viruses as well in basic research and even clinical practice. In this class, we'll investigate how viruses work in the biosphere - extending even to the 'calling cards' of viral DNA that makes up a significant fraction of our human genome.
No previous science background is required. Some basic background on cells and microbes will be provided. This class is primarily lecture with directed discussions.
The National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (Osher NRC) is offering this presentation in collaboration with Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.
About the Osher Online Program
Experience shared online presentations with OLLI members from coast to coast! As part of the Osher Online program, OLLI at MSU members will enjoy national speakers and interact with fellow OLLI members across the nation.
Scholarships
Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.
Meet the Instructor
| Fee: | $75.00 |
Osher Online
This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.John Kloetzel
John Kloetzel studied biology at USC (A.B.) and Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D.). He then taught for 37 years in cell and molecular biology at UMBC, a University of Maryland campus. His research utilized techniques that varied from electron microscopy to gene sequencing. In retirement, Dr. Kloetzel has taught OLLI courses through Southern Oregon University in subjects ranging from basic cell biology through gene editing and the human microbiome. The microbiome course revealed that viruses deserve separate treatment; their importance extends far beyond their effects on human health. Viruses are everywhere, populating the land and sea in vast numbers, infecting all living organisms. How much, or how little, do we know about them?| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/28/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |
| 10/05/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |
| 10/12/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |
| 10/19/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |
| 11/02/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |
| 11/09/2023 | Thursday | 11 AM to 12:30 AM | Osher Online |