Biology 321id - Seminar: Topics in Microbiology-Emerging Infectious Diseases - Going Viral
Sem:Micro-T-Infect Disease
Fall
2023
01
4.00
Christine Ann White-Ziegler
TU 1:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Smith College
BIO-321id-01-202401
Burton 307
cwhitezi@smith.edu
While not considered living organisms, the recent COVID and recurrent and threatening influenza pandemics show us the havoc viruses can wreak; these unique acellular microbes will be the emphasis in this seminar. This course examines the impact of infectious diseases on our society. New pathogens are constantly being identified while existing pathogens have warranted increased investigation for multiple reasons, including as causative agents of pandemics, chronic disease or cancer; as increased threats due to multidrug resistance or immune evasion of current immunotherapies; as disease agents that disproportionately impact certain populations; and as agents of bioterrorism. Specific emphasis on the molecular basis of virulence in a variety of organisms is addressed along with the diseases they cause and the public health measures taken to address these pathogens. Prerequisites: BIO 202, BIO 204, BIO 230 or BIO 232, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.
[CE] JR/SR only