Master in Molecular Virology

Overview

Viruses are a major cause of human high morbidity and mortality. The medical, and economical impact of viral diseases and outbreaks is devastating across the globe. Over the past century, viruses were accountable for more deaths than all armed conflicts that took place during that period (Adda, 2016). Virology is a neglected-disciplinary part of microbiology. There is an ongoing high demand for virology experts with advanced knowledge, and clinical skills dedicated to promote health and wellbeing of humans. Virologists study the nature of viruses, and unravel the mechanisms by which viruses infect cells and cause disease. They recognize relevant problems in biology and are able to plan and conduct experiments using a variety of techniques to address these problems. 

Palestine possesses a severe shortage in the number of experts in the field of virology. Many Palestinian health care professionals addressed the high need for specialty master degree program in virology to prepare professionals that would substantially improve the quality of health care in Palestine. Students of this program are expected to understand complex biological systems and apply methods of molecular and cell biology, immunology, pathology, biochemistry and biophysics, structural biology, systems biology and mathematical modeling. The MSc student in molecular virology will have an opportunity to carry out independent theoretical or experimental work, with a focus on medical diagnosis and research in medical or veterinary Sciences. The master program in molecular virology at AAUP is expected to produce exceptional virology experts who are capable to meet the health care needs in Palestine.

Goals

1. Promote an understanding of the basic and advance principles of molecular virology
2. Equip students with tools for viral diagnosis, prevention, and management.
3. Strength student’s abilities in predicting viral diseases based on the nature of viruses and their role in disease pathogenesis.
4. Develop student’s capacity to evaluate viruses’ epidemiology and evolution
5. Prepare students with strong leadership, ethical, teamwork, decision making, communication, and quality work proficiency in the management of viral diseases.
6. Enable students to integrate and evaluate information and data from of various resources
7. Strengthen student’s knowledge and skills in conducting scientific research and scientific publication.