This graduate-level course provides a comprehensive foundation in the epidemiology of communicable (infectious) diseases, with an emphasis on understanding transmission dynamics, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and evidence-based control strategies. Designed for Master of Science students in public health, epidemiology, global health, and related disciplines, the course integrates core epidemiological principles with real-world applications to address current and emerging infectious disease threats.
Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will explore the biological, environmental, social, and behavioral determinants of infectious disease spread. Key topics include pathogen characteristics, reproduction numbers, surveillance systems, mathematical modeling, vaccination and herd immunity, antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses, vector-borne diseases, pandemic preparedness, and health equity. The course emphasizes a One Health perspective and draws on historical and contemporary outbreaks?including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and antimicrobial-resistant infections?to illustrate core concepts and challenges in infectious disease control.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically analyze infectious disease data, contribute to outbreak response efforts, and design effective, equitable public health interventions in local and global contexts.