Cph 2212 Infectious Diseases

CPH 2212: Infectious Diseases

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of the process by which disease is transmitted. Topics to be covered include the microbiology of viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents; host-parasite relations and coevolution; vectors of transmission; and social network models of transmission. These concepts are applied to real world case studies where students learn how to prevent the spread of disease, handle highly infectious patients, and deal with the social ramifications of interventions such as quarantines.

Required Textbook and Materials:

The main required textbooks for this course are listed below, and can be readily accessed using the provided links. There may be additional required/recommended readings, supplemental materials, or other resources and websites necessary for lessons; these will be provided for you in the course’s General Information and Forums area, and throughout the term via the weekly course Unit areas and the Learning Guides.

This course does not contain a main textbook; resources to all required reading will be provided in the course Learning Guide for each week.

Software Requirements/Installation:

No special requirements.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Give examples of infectious diseases and their routes of transmission.
2. Relate the principles of immunity to the resistance, treatment, and prevention of disease.
3. Describe the consequences of various pathogens for the individual infected or the community.
4. Apply knowledge of disease characteristics to recommend actions in various scenarios.
5. Demonstrate appropriate research, writing, and citation skills.

Course Schedule and Topics:

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Infectious Disease: Past and Present

Week 2: Unit 2 – Immunity, Disease Prevention, and Challenges

Week 3: Unit 3 – Infections Spread Through the Air

Week 4: Unit 4 – Infections Transmitted via Skin, Mucous Membranes, or Fomites

Week 5: Unit 5 – Infections Acquired via Body Fluids, Tissue, or Blood

Week 6: Unit 6 – Infections Spread via Sexual Contact

Week 7: Unit 7 – Infections Due to Contact with Animals, Insects, Water, or Soil

Week 8: Unit 8 – Infections Caused by Ingestion of Food, Water, or Fecal Material

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam