Pathogens, Pathology, and the Next Pandemic

Dates:
July 8 – 19, 2024
Time:
1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Category:
Philosophy and Society
Science
Instructor:
Ruth Elliot
Description:

Pathogens, Pathology, and the Next Pandemic will give students an opportunity to understand the basic cell and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology, and public health initiatives surrounding the study of infectious disease. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, influenza, smallpox as well as other endemic and pandemic species, both old and new will be highlighted. The central dogma of molecular biology, the basics of the structure of the cell, the life cycle of pathogens, and the mammalian immune system will be covered in enough depth to give students the tools to comprehend the different strategies for preventing, testing, treating and educating the public on infectious disease. Students will listen to or participate in interviews with a variety of experts whose work intersects with infectious disease, public health, or pandemic response each day of the course. Students will be asked to prepare a final public service announcement for their peers, friends, and family to educate them on what they need to know about responding to the next pandemic.