Decoding SARS-CoV-2: Introduction to Viral Genomics

Understanding the molecular biology and genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for anyone interested in modern virology, public health, or bioinformatics. This text-based course guides you through the foundational science of coronaviruses, explaining how the virus enters human cells, replicates, and mutates. You will explore how researchers decode viral RNA and track global variants using modern bioinformatics concepts. What you'll learn: - Understand the structural biology of SARS-CoV-2, including the spike protein and its receptor-binding mechanism. - Explore the viral replication cycle and how the virus interacts with host cell machinery. - Learn the fundamentals of viral genomics, including RNA sequencing and genome assembly. - Analyze how mutations occur and how scientists identify and classify new variants of concern. - Practice using public genomic databases and basic bioinformatics concepts to track viral evolution. The course begins with core biological definitions and the history of coronaviruses, before moving into detailed explanations of genomic sequencing, mutation tracking, and modern surveillance tools. This course is designed for beginners, students, and science enthusiasts who want to understand viral biology without needing a prior degree in biochemistry. Start reading today to demystify the science behind viral genomics and global health surveillance.