This course offers a fascinating and in-depth journey into the wonderful and mysterious world of viruses, microscopic entities that dramatically impact our lives and the entire biosphere. Participants will embark on a stunning voyage of discovery, beginning with an impressive visual introduction to the microscopic world, a vivid illustration of organisms hidden from the naked eye. The course will open with a comprehensive historical overview of virus discovery, from the intriguing story of Louis Pasteur to the revolutionary development of the electron microscope, highlighting scientific turning points that transformed our understanding of the microorganism world. We will delve into the precise scientific definition of viruses, engaging in philosophical and scientific discussions about their unique status as entities on the fascinating boundary between living and non-living. An in-depth exploration of the complex molecular structure of viruses will include a detailed analysis of genetic material types (DNA or RNA), protein envelope structure, and various capsid types, utilizing advanced three-dimensional models for demonstration. Participants will learn about the amazing diversity of virus forms, from the simplest to complex ones like bacteriophages, while understanding the evolutionary implications of these structures. The course will deepen the understanding of the virus's complex life cycle, from the moment of host cell penetration to the release of new viruses, with molecular analysis of each stage. A comprehensive review of different virus types, from simple RNA viruses to complex retroviruses, will be accompanied by an in-depth discussion of their effects on humans, animals, and plants, including analysis of current case studies. We will explore the complex interactions between viruses and the immune system, including sophisticated body defense mechanisms and advanced viral strategies to evade them. An in-depth discussion will be devoted to the broad impacts of viruses on society, economy, and environment, analyzing historical and contemporary pandemics and their global implications. A central part of the course will be dedicated to vaccines, including an in-depth explanation of different types of vaccines, their complex development processes, and the challenges facing science in this field. We will explore positive and surprising uses of viruses in medicine, biotechnology, and basic research. Finally, we will discuss future challenges in virology, such as dealing with resistant viruses and preparedness for future pandemics, while examining innovative technologies and groundbreaking research approaches.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.