BIOL 4090 Virology

Upon completing this course, students will be able to: summarize the ways in which viruses differ from cellular organisms, explain how viruses hijack host cells to ensure their own survival, describe the replication and immune evasion strategies of major viral pathogens of humans, and describe how viruses emerge, spread and adapt to their hosts. Students will also become familiar with current strategies for preventing and treating viral infections, including vaccinations and antiviral drugs. This course is ideal for students considering careers in biological or biomedical research, as well as those with specific interests in virology, microbiology, immunology or infectious disease. Prerequisites: BIOL2000 and a minimum of one 3000-level course.

Course overview

Department
Biology
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Fall

Catalog details

Prerequisites
BIOL2000

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.49 / 5

Based on 139 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Welkin Johnson
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025 · Official rating 4.97/5
  • Jeremy Eberhard
    Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.44/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Welkin Johnson · Higgins Hall 310 TuTh 09:00AM-10:15AM · Offered