Knowledge of the cellular and molecular bases of viral pathogenicity, of the interactions between virus and host, of genetic variability and its implications in chronic and persistent pandemic viral infections, of the mechanisms of onset of major diseases in viral aetiology and of the applications of biotechnology in diagnosis, prophylaxis and antiviral chemotherapy are essential objectives. These objectives will be achieved through frontal lectures, seminars and interactive teaching activities, designed to facilitate learning and improve the ability to address and solve the main questions of Medical Microbiology.