Fundamentals of Infectious Disease

Catalog description

This advanced graduate-level course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of infectious diseases with emphasis on host-pathogen interactions as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern pathogen transmission, replication, and pathogenesis. The course will examine the complex interplay between pathogens--bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and prions--and different arms of the host immune system. The course will also cover various strategies for treatment, control, and prevention, including antimicrobials, vaccines, and public health interventions. The course integrates didactic lectures, in-depth discussion of primary research articles, and special-topic seminars led by subject matter experts to provide foundational knowledge and exposure to cutting-edge research in infectious disease biology across diverse classes of pathogens. Upon completion, students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature, formulate testable hypotheses, and apply interdisciplinary methods to address key challenges in the study and control of infectious diseases.