INTRODUCTION TO DISEASE BIOLOGY
Introduces the rich biology of infectious disease and how it impacts the biology of humans and other organisms, through the lens of global health. Steps beyond a narrow focus on the biological dimensions of disease to also cover the social, political, and cultural factors that shape the spread and persistence of disease in natural populations. Includes a survey of the various types of pathogens and the science behind infection, transmission, evolution, and virulence.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 , BOTANY/BIOLOGY 130 , ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 , or BIOCORE 381 Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness Breadth - Biological Science Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe different types of parasites/pathogens and their modes of transmission Audience: Undergraduate 2. Summarize the function of the human immune system in protecting against disease and in causing some of the damages associated with disease Audience: Undergraduate 3. Read and analyze data on the health status of populations Audience: Undergraduate 4. Assess environmental, medical and political strategies for controlling infectious diseases Audience: Undergraduate 5. Identify the evolutionary processes that lead to adaptation and biological diversity Audience: Undergraduate 6. Describe the genetic and behavioral reasons why there are increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant infections Audience: Undergraduate 7. Evaluate global progress toward reaching MD6—to reduce the burden of HIV, TB, Malaria and other diseases Audience: Undergraduate 8. Critically evaluate and effectively use textbooks, current research literature, online information, as well as information related to scientific and biological issues in the popular press Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe different types of parasites/pathogens and their modes of transmission Audience: Undergraduate 2. Summarize the function of the human immune system in protecting against disease and in causing some of the damages associated with disease Audience: Undergraduate 3. Read and analyze data on the health status of populations Audience: Undergraduate 4. Assess environmental, medical and political strategies for controlling infectious diseases Audience: Undergraduate 5. Identify the evolutionary processes that lead to adaptation and biological diversity Audience: Undergraduate 6. Describe the genetic and behavioral reasons why there are increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant infections Audience: Undergraduate 7. Evaluate global progress toward reaching MD6—to reduce the burden of HIV, TB, Malaria and other diseases Audience: Undergraduate 8. Critically evaluate and effectively use textbooks, current research literature, online information, as well as information related to scientific and biological issues in the popular press Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027