Public Health Biology

Course Description

Biological foundations of public health issues including infectious and chronic diseases. Reproduction and development of disease pathogens and transmission, immune responses and constitution of the host. Anatomical, physiological and cellular foundations for understanding chronic diseases. Focuses on methods for the control and prevention of disease.

Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish among the characteristics of viral, bacterial, parasitic and other types of disease pathogens.
• Identify pathogen type, transmission, incubation, disease course, cure and/or treatment of the 10 most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide.
• Apply the epidemiologic model of disease transmission to common infectious and chronic diseases.
• Identify the known associations between genetic factors and common diseases.
• Describe the most common cancers by site, including survival rates, screening and treatment methods.
• Describe the natural course of the most common forms of cardiovascular diseases.
• Describe the natural course of the most common types of diabetes mellitus.
• Distinguish between unintentional and intentional injury.
• Critically evaluate the current scientific literature regarding antibiotic resistance, antiviral pharmaceuticals, and emerging methods for disease treatment and prevention.

Prerequisites

• COH602