CFAN3334: Parasites and Pestilence

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of protozoan and metazoan parasites, focusing on the biology and epidemiology of parasitic diseases and on the parasite-host association. Parasites are explored in the context of transmission, associated disease, diagnosis and treatment options; and environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic drivers of disease epidemiology. The intent of this course is for students to see science as a tool for understanding the world and solving problems. Importantly, the course is not designed to promote skills to become a practicing parasitologist but rather aims to facilitate broad exposure to infectious disease dynamics to foster more informed global citizens—using parasitic diseases as examples. A key tenet of liberal education is that it does not ignore the sciences, as such topics are explored in a way that intertwines science, history, and politics. Liberal education also teaches students how to speak their mind, how to write, and how to learn. As a result, this course will teach students how to use fundamental biological principles to think critically about challenges facing their society and the world.

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