Biology 110 - Contagion

Fall
2017
01
4.00
Alexandra Purdy
MWF 12:00PM-12:50PM
Amherst College
BIOL-110-01-1718F
CHAP 201
apurdy@amherst.edu

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. Fall semester. Professor Purdy.


 
Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.