Listed in: Biology, as BIOL-110
Alexandra E. Purdy (Section 01)
Infection by contagious microorganisms remains a leading cause of death in many parts of the world. This course will explore the biological mechanisms of infectious diseases, as well as the challenges associated with fighting their emergence and spread. We will focus on diseases of global health importance, such as HIV/AIDS, cholera, and tuberculosis, to discuss the strategies pathogens have evolved that ensure their successful transmission. In light of their ability to effectively outwit our own immune systems, we must devise new means to overcome these disease-causing microbes. Here, the challenges are legion. We will see that the answer lies not only with an understanding of biology to formulate treatments and prevention measures, but this knowledge must be integrated with awareness of complex societal issues to inform and implement solutions. Discussions will focus upon the many perspectives from which infectious diseases are encountered, drawing on resources from the literature on microbiology, ethics, and policy, as well as personal accounts and current news stories. Three hours of lecture and discussion per week. This course is for non-science majors and will not count toward the Biology major.
Limited to 40 students. Spring semester. Professor Purdy.
If Overenrolled: Preference will be given to non-science majors, upperclassmen, and those who have not had previous courses in biology.
Section 01
M 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM CHAP 201
W 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM CHAP 201
F 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM CHAP 201
ISBN | Title | Publisher | Author(s) | Comment | Book Store | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic | W. Norton & Company, 2012 | Quammen, David | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic... | Riverhead Books, 2006. | Johnson, Steven | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
The Coming Plague: Newly Emergin Diseases in a World Out of Balance | Penguin Books, 1994. | Garrett, Laurie | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer | Random House, 2003 | Kidder, Tracy | Amherst Books | TBD |
These books are available locally at Amherst Books.