56-2100 Epidemics: History of Disease and Response

This course examines well-known epidemics. Classes of pathogens, modes of transmission, pathology of illness, and the immune response are investigated. Each epidemic is discussed through the lens of the public health response and the impact of concurrent scientific breakthroughs. This class considers the nature and challenges of contemporary global diseases and the responses of the public health, medical, and philanthropic communities. The course assesses how colonialism and globalization help spread disease and the co-evolution of infectious agents and humans. It is recommended that students have a strong background of biology from high school or have taken a previous biology course in college (e.g. Biology the Living World, Microbiology, Brave New World of Medicine).

3 Credits
SC
Requisites PREREQUISITES: 52-1151 Writing and Rhetoric I or 52-1111 Writing and Rhetoric I - Enhanced or 52-1121 Writing and Rhetoric I for Non-Native Speakers of English or COMPASS Placement Test score >= 97 or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) score >= 710