Casework 2

Viruses

Overview
Viruses intrigue most biologists today. The very fact that they are just infinitesimal,
floating pieces of genetic information makes you think that they are “non-living.” But then, these
viruses are capable of infection and reproduction – clear indications of “life.” In this casework,
you will investigate the different aspects of viruses and try to settle the debate whether they are
“living” or not.

Description
This casework is designed to test your researching, reasoning, and presentation skills.
You are given a set of questions to research on and answer. Your task is to give a 30-minute
presentation in front of the class.

Scope and Limitations

1. You have a time limit of strictly 30 minutes to present your work. Presenting your
work in less than 30 minutes is okay, as long as you cover all the things that are
assigned to you. However, exceeding the time limit is not acceptable.
2. You will be graded based on the following criteria: aesthetics (25%), content (50%),
and audience evaluation (25%). Aesthetics include the manner of presentation, the
visual aids used, and all things that pertain to how you presented your work. Content
pertains to how sufficiently and convincingly you answered the assigned set of
questions. Finally, the audience evaluation criterion will come basically from your
classmates (whether they understood your report or not). Tentatively, there will be
also a guest audience who will evaluate your reporting.
3. Your presentation maybe in the conventional style (manila paper, then discuss-
discuss), technological style (films and powerpoints), or the kakaiba style (games,
skits, drama, etc). Be creative! (and just remember not to exceed your time limit.)
4. No OHP presentations please… (as in acetate then project sa OHP)
5. You are to submit a detailed task distribution report. Failure to submit such will mean
a demerit of 20% for your CW2 grade.
6. You are also to submit a written summary report for your presentation. This will
include your written answers to the set of questions assigned to you, the agenda for
your presentation, and citation of references used. Minimize the use of internet
sources. Failure to submit such will mean a demerit of 20% for your CW2 grade.
7. Submit the two reports (as described in items 5 and 6) before you present. They
must be typewritten (Arial 11, single-spaced, justified, 1-inch margin on all sides) on
short bond paper. Include the names of all the members of your group.
8. Materials you used for your actual presentation will also be collected.
9. Presentations will be on May 17, 2007, starting at 9:30am. Use the 9:00am-9:30am
slot to make final preparations for your presentation. You may use the computer
during this time slot if you need to. The sequence of presentations will be determined
randomly.
10. For any questions, feel free to contact me at 0906-5758624 or 0915-4090820.
Please, just introduce yourself cordially when you contact me. Do not expect me to
reply immediately (I don’t check my phone every second, dude). At the most, I will
reply to you after 12 hours.
11. Enjoy this casework! (and remember, this makes up 25% of your final grade!)
Question Set
1. What are the basic types of viruses? (1pt)
2. Give a short history of how viruses were discovered. Who were the significant
men/women in the development of virology? (1pt)
3. Discuss the morphology and physiology of viruses. What are the properties and
structures that are unique to them? (2pts)
4. Discuss the viral life cycle and infection scheme. What significant role does each part
of the virus play in these processes? (2pts)
5. (Follow-up question to items 3 and 4) What if a virus lacked a certain part (say, for
instance, its capsid)? Would it still be able to function effectively and efficiently as a
virus? Justify your answer. (3pts)
6. Give some of the significant/important roles that viruses play in modern life. (1pt)
7. How did viruses evolve/come into being? Discuss their phylogeny and their origins.
Trail through the evolutionary pathway leading to the virus. What is so intriguing
about this pathway? (4pts)
8. In your opinion, are viruses living beings or not? Defend your answer. (4pts)