Overview:

This is the second module of the BioMechanics Minor, which is a group of three modules:


	MECH0018 Fundamentals of Biomechanics
	MECH0028 Biofluid...

The course starts with the basics of general topology. The fundamental group is then defined and studied, with an emphasis on examples: graphs and their...

The course starts with the basics of general topology. The fundamental group is then defined and studied, with an emphasis on examples: graphs and their fundamental groups, free groups, are especially motivating. Fundamental groups of general complexes are discussed, along with group presentations. Some applications will be given, such as winding number and the Brouwer Fixed point theorem. Students should finish the course able to compute: bases for the subgroup of a free group corresponding to an explicit covering space of a graph; presentations for fundamental groups of cell complexes; Cayley graphs of finite groups. The course could be taken as a complement to the course Algebraic Topology.

Geometry attempts to describe and understand the space around us. It is a central activity and main driving force in many branches of mathematics and physics....

Geometry attempts to describe and understand the space around us. It is a central activity and main driving force in many branches of mathematics and physics. In this course we will meet some of the basic examples in geometry, build up fundamental understanding of curvature, and enhance familiarity with groups and group actions outside of pure algebra.

What are viruses? How do they replicate? Where do they come from? How do they enter the human population? How do they cause disease? Why do they cause...

What are viruses? How do they replicate? Where do they come from? How do they enter the human population? How do they cause disease? Why do they cause epidemics? Why are some viruses much more dangerous than others? How do we control and prevent infections?

At a time when the importance of virology does not need to be emphasised, this module will address these questions by exploring the remarkable and intimate interaction between virus and host at many levels: molecular, cellular, host organism and population. We will discover how viruses have adapted to optimise survival and replication in the fundamentally hostile environment that their host provides and we will discuss the many effector mechanisms that hosts deploy to prevent viral infection or control it once established. The module is centred on the idea that an understanding of basic virology is essential for understanding viral disease. Drawing on a major strength in virology at UCL, the module will provide an advanced understanding of the principles of virus replication and structure, insight into the virus-host interaction and a broad knowledge of individual virus infections, their treatment and prevention.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to answer the following questions:

What are viruses?
	How do they replicate?
	How do they enter the human population?
	How and why do they cause disease?
	Why do they cause epidemics?
	How do we control and prevent infections?
You will also become familiar with current thinking in virology through discussion and presentation of a journal article.