iTunesU Post Three

        For the iTunesU course selection of our unit, I chose the course of university level Virology. Virology is the study of viruses, while the course I chose is entry level, it still has a very in depth analysis of viruses and their mechanics. As of the current date, I have watched the first two lectures of the course. The two lectures were labeled "What is a Virus" and "The Infectious Cycle".

       In the first lecture, "What is a Virus", the professor starts off by introducing himself and explains both his love of his subject alongside his current studies and works. The lecture itself is, as expected, about what exactly a virus is. He begins with the notion that currently, what the common public's idea of a virus is completely false. He explains that the media and cinematic portrayal of viruses is completely inaccurate but expected for their purpose of providing fear to the public. In truth, most viruses are harmless and boring, while the media has portrayed them as evil and deadly, possibly worthy of bio-terrorism. An interesting fact is that viruses truthfully have no goal whatsoever and are not living. Their only "purpose" is survival, in which they are extremely efficient.



        
         In the second lecture, "The Infectious Cycle", the professor deals more on the technicalities of how viruses are classified, and how classification has advanced over the years. The lecture teaches both about size and strength of viruses, alongside the structure and infectious potential. Below is the mathematical equation of infectious potential.


         Although much of this course is study work, there is a high level of math aspect in order to determine much of the virus properties. Such things intrigue me, because I did not expect to have the ability to use a mathematical method to determine properties of viruses, such tiny objects that we cannot even perceive under microscopes.

       I chose this subject of study because it relates closely to toxicology, a subject of interest for me. I've always been interested in poisons and viruses alongside chemistry, so I decided to choose virology as an iTunesU course.