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Course Catalog


Term: 3rd term
Credits: 1 credits
Academic Year: 2012 - 2013
Course Instructors:

Focuses on major pandemics in the human population that have occurred in the 20th century: the 1918 influenza pandemic; the emergence of HIV; the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002-03; and viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C viruses). For each pandemic, discussion groups cover a clinical-, public health- and pathogen-oriented reading topic in order to give students a broad understanding of the overall importance of each, as well as to compare and contrast the key aspects of each disease. Focuses on acute and chronic diseases, as well as diseases with different routes of transmission and incubation times between infection and disease. Provides a comprehensive overview of how each pandemic emerged, what key factors dictated spread in the population, and how each pathogen induced disease.

Learning Objective(s):
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Critically evaluate scientific literature on clinical, public health and basic science aspects of major 20th century pandemics
Comprehensively describe how new diseases emerge into the human population
Construct a good oral presentation

Methods of Assessment: Students will be evaluated on their preparation and presentation of reading assignments and participation in discussion. Every student will participate in both a presentation and class discussions.
Location: East Baltimore
Class Times:
  • Wednesday 1:30 - 2:20
Enrollment Minimum: 7
Enrollment Maximum: 16
Instructor Consent: No consent required

120.602 Introduction to Molecular Biology OR 260.623 Fundamental Virology

Grading Restriction: Letter Grade or Pass/Fail