260.855.01 PANDEMICS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Focuses on major pandemics in the human population that have occurred in the 20th century: the 1918 influenza pandemic; the emergence of HIV; the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002-03; and viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C viruses). For each pandemic, discussion groups cover a clinical-, public health- and pathogen-oriented reading topic in order to give students a broad understanding of the overall importance of each, as well as to compare and contrast the key aspects of each disease. Focuses on acute and chronic diseases, as well as diseases with different routes of transmission and incubation times between infection and disease. Provides a comprehensive overview of how each pandemic emerged, what key factors dictated spread in the population, and how each pathogen induced disease.

At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Critically evaluate scientific literature on clinical, public health and basic science aspects of major 20th century pandemics. 2. Comprehensively describe how new diseases emerge into the human population. 3. Construct a good oral presentation.