SPHU 2016 Evolution, Microbes, and Disease Emergence

SPHU 2016 Evolution, Microbes, and Disease Emergence
Evolution, Microbes, and Disease Emergence
This course covers the basic concepts of infectious disease, dynamics of disease transmission, and the emerging and reemerging infectious diseases from an evolutionary perspective. The course's main focus is on the dynamic nature of host-pathogen relationships and the biological phenomena behind the emergence of new microbial threats. From an initial review of some core evolutionary concepts, the students will progress into detailed discussions on how particular pathogens evolutionary strategies allow them to establish within human populations. The course encourages a wider conversation on the implications of infectious diseases in the broader context of public health, and challenges students to think creatively about solutions for prevention and control.
credit hours: 3