BIOL1480 · Biology

Pathogens and Plagues

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

In recent history, never has microbiology been more upfront and more important. As we continue to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is increasingly important to better understand not only viruses and vaccines, but a broader view of microbes and their impact on society and public health. This course will look at ancient epidemics such as the Plague and TB, the ongoing HIV epidemic and the more recent spillovers leading to outbreaks of Ebola and the current pandemic with Sars2 (Covid-19). In addition to lectures on the biological aspects of microbes and epidemics, classroom discussion will include topics such as rising antibiotic resistance, the anti-vax culture and the intersection of science and politics. This is a discussion-based course and students will participate in a semester-long group research project to be presented to the class. This course satisfies the Natural Science Core and is designed for non-biology majors.