Natural Science 0353 - Disease Ecology

The effects of emerging wildlife diseases are global and profound. They can result in economic and agricultural impacts, declines in wildlife populations, ecological disturbance and even the loss of human lives. Disease dynamics are governed by species interactions and the abiotic environment. We will consider the synergistic effects of globalization, climate change, and agriculture on the spread of pathogens. This course will focus on both wildlife diseases and the ecological context of vector borne human pathogens including but not limited to the Sylvatic plague, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease and the newly emergent Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Keywords:biology, health science, wildlife, ecology

Environments and Change Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.