Behavior and Disease

Catalog description

This course focuses on the effects of host and parasite behavior on disease evolution and epidemiology. Topics covered throughout the course include disease ecology and evolution, genetic evolution of pathogens, host range, zoonosis, antibiotic resistance, vaccination, climate change, socio-economic drivers of disease, and animal behavior. The course consists of a combined lecture and discussion session twice per week in which a lecture will be delivered on a certain topic followed by student presentations on papers and case studies related to the topic. Throughout the semester students will be writing an essay relating to the effects of behavior in a chosen disease. This essay will be both peer and faculty reviewed throughout the semester to meet the W requirement. Prerequisites: BIOL 113 and 114 or equivalent. Offered spring only.