BIO-106 - Principles of Infectious Disease

3 credits

Principles of Infectious Disease will provide a broad understanding of the biology of pathogenic (disease causing) organisms and their impact on human health. Designed for the non-biologist, the course will begin with some basic aspects of cell biology before moving on to the major groups of pathogens and their characteristics. Through looking at examples from each group, students will be engaged in the exploration of how pathogenic organisms infect individuals and their effects at the level of the cell, organ, organ system and whole organisms. Molecular mechanisms of infection and effects of disease causing organisms will be discussed. Additional attention will be paid to prevention of disease for the individual as well as strategies and responses that public health agencies use to manage and prevent disease. Several examples of common human pathogens and their biology will be explored in detail while historical examples of disease outbreaks and their epidemiology will be discussed. Written and oral presentation of student work will be an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite(s): MAT-073 or MAT-078 (minimum grade C-) or placement at MAT-081 or higher. Take DRG-091 (minimum grade C-) or placement at DRG-092 or higher.

Mass Transfer Block: Credits earned in this course are counted towards the MassTransfer Block Natural or Physical Science requirements.