Outbreaks and Infections: Harnessing History and Preventing Future Epidemics

This senior capstone course will investigate epidemic diseases that have plagued mankind in the past and explore the factors that contribute to the continued spread of diseases today. This course will emphasize the biology of both infectious and noninfectious diseases by exploring mechanisms of spread, pathogenesis, and prevention. Attention will also be given to environmental, economic, geographical, and social contributors to disease. Interactive class discussions, student presentations, analysis of primary literature, and multimedia homework will develop student skills culminating in an independent research project that dissects the life history of a disease and provides a forward-thinking strategy to combat it. The enrollment for this course is 15 students and limited to seniors who are HHB concentrators. Other students should request an override and priority will be given to senior Biology AB students.