Tropical Medicine & Neglected Tropical Diseases

This asynchronous/online course uses a biosocial approach to examine tropical medicine and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Students will learn about the troubled origins of tropical medicine and current efforts to decolonize global health. In addition, students will explore the effects of climate change on tropical medicine and neglected tropical diseases. The course will include a focus on global public health and the various interventions used to reduce the impact of neglected tropical diseases. Students will be challenged with a multitude of ethical dilemmas faced by global health practitioners and should expect to think critically about challenging questions. As part of the course, students will also learn about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of several tropical diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Chagas disease, and more. Students will learn using assigned readings, podcast episodes, news articles, research studies, and documentaries.