Viruses: From Understanding to Investigation provides students with a map for lifetime learning by presenting the definition and unique characteristics of viruses, including major topics, such as the virus lifecycle, structure, taxonomy, evolution, history, host-virus interactions and methods to study viruses. In addition, the book assesses the connections between, and among, the aforementioned topics, providing an integrated approach and in-depth understanding of how viruses work. - Employs a comparative strategy to emphasize unique structural and molecular characteristics that inform transmission, disease processes, vaccine strategies and host responses - Presents a review of host cell and molecular biology and the immune system - Features topical areas of research, including genomics in virus discovery, the virome, and beneficial interactions between viruses and their hosts - Includes text boxes throughout with experimental approaches used by virologists - Covers learning objectives for each chapter, methods and advances, question sets, quizzes and a glossary