This course provides an overview of the process by which disease is transmitted. Topics to be covered include the microbiology of viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents; host-parasite relations and coevolution; vectors of transmission; and social network models of transmission. These concepts are applied to real world case studies where students learn how to prevent the spread of disease, handle highly infectious patients, and deal with the social ramifications of interventions such as quarantines.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

1. Give examples of infectious diseases and their routes of transmission.
2. Relate the principles of immunity to the resistance, treatment, and prevention of disease.
3. Describe the consequences of various pathogens for the individual infected or the community.
4. Apply knowledge of disease characteristics to recommend actions in various scenarios.
5. Demonstrate appropriate research, writing, and citation skills.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

• Week 1: Unit 1 – Infectious Disease: Past and Present
• Week 2: Unit 2 – Immunity, Disease Prevention, and Challenges
• Week 3: Unit 3 – Infections Spread Through the Air
• Week 4: Unit 4 – Infections Transmitted via Skin, Mucous Membranes, or Fomites
• Week 5: Unit 5 – Infections Acquired via Body Fluids, Tissue, or Blood
• Week 6: Unit 6 – Infections Spread via Sexual Contact
• Week 7: Unit 7 – Infections Due to Contact with Animals, Insects, Water, or Soil
• Week 8: Unit 8 – Infections Caused by Ingestion of Food, Water, or Fecal Material
• Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Infectious Disease: Past and Present

• Read the Infectious Diseases course syllabus
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 1 Reading Assignment
• Complete and submit Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 1 Self-Quiz
• Complete an entry in your Learning Journal

Unit 2: Immunity, Disease Prevention, and Challenges

• Peer-assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 2 Reading Assignment
• Complete Unit 2 Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 2 Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Infections Spread Through the Air

• Peer-assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 3 Reading Assignment
• Complete Unit 3 Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Take and submit Unit 3 Self-Quiz
• Take and submit Units 1-3 Graded Quiz
• Complete an entry in your Learning Journal

Unit 4: Infections Transmitted via Skin, Mucous Membranes, or Fomites

• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 4 Reading Assignment
• Complete and submit Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 4 Self-Quiz
• Complete an entry in your Learning Journal

Unit 5: Infections Acquired via Body Fluids, Tissue, or Blood

• Peer-assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 5 Reading Assignment
• Complete Unit 5 Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 5 Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Infections Spread via Sexual Contact

• Peer-assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 6 Reading Assignment
• Complete Unit 6 Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Take and submit Unit 6 Self-Quiz
• Take and submit Units 4-6 Graded Quiz
• Complete an entry in your Learning Journal

Unit 7: Infections Due to Contact with Animals, Insects, Water, or Soil

• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 7 Reading Assignment
• Complete Unit 7 Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 7 Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Infections Caused by Ingestion of Food, Water, or Fecal Material

• Peer-assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Unit 8 Reading Assignment
• Take and submit Unit 8 Self-Quiz
• Complete an entry in your Learning Journal

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Review the course and take the Review Quiz; it will not be included in the final grade
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor