The Virology and Gene Therapy program provides the opportunity to do research in molecular virology, as well as applied research in gene therapy using both modified viral and non-viral vectors. Faculty members are associated with the UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center (in Houston, Bastrop, and Smithville), the UT-Houston Health Science Center, the UT School of Public Health (in both Houston and Brownsville), and the Texas A&M University Institute of Biosciences and Technology. Research is currently underway in the molecular genetics of arteriosclerosis, vascular targeting using phage display, controlling the expression of oncogenes by delivering proteins using viral and non-viral vectors, vaccine development, as well as conducting basic and translational research in both HIV and HPV, just to name a few.

Virology and Gene Therapy is a truly unique inter-institutional multi-disciplinary program encompassing fundamental basic research, translational research and clinical research. Courses offered in the program combined with the tutorial research in the laboratories of various program faculty offers the best possible training to the students interested in the biology and pathophysiology of viruses and/or novel approaches to use viral and non-viral agents to repair/treat genetic and immune abnormalities.

Quantitative

• GS010014 Biomedical Statistics

Molecular (choose one)

• GS030014 Metabolic Biochemistry
• GS030024 Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (alternative course for students with demonstrated proficiency in biochemistry)

Cellular (choose one)

• GS040013 Cell Biology
• GS060014 Immunology I

Systems (choose one)

• GS040043 Molecular Principles of Virology
• GS040063 Cancer Biology
• GS040073 Developmental Biology
• GS040083 Basic Concepts of Tumor Biology [taught in Smithville Texas]
• GS040203 Experimental Genetics
• GS120254 Cell and Systems Physiology
• GS140017 Neuroscience

Courses Run By The Program In Virology And Gene Therapy

• GS040043 Molecular Principles of Virology
• GS040153 Human Gene Therapy: Basic Science to Clinical Trial
• GS040711 Seminars in Virology and Gene Therapy (fall and spring)
• GS040052 Virology II (This course will run only sporadically.)

Other Relevant Courses

• GS060122 Vaccinology: Biomedical Research, Clinical Trials, Public Health Implications

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