Engineering Better Health Systems: modeling for public health | HUMBIO 154A | Autumn
Instructor & Department: Basu, Sanjay | Human Biology, Health Research and Policy, Medicine
This course teaches engineering, operations research and modeling techniques to improve public health programs and systems. Students will engage in in-depth study of disease detection and control strategies from a "systems science" perspective, which involves the use of common engineering, operations research, and mathematical modeling techniques such as optimization, queuing theory, Markov and Kermack-McKendrick models, and microsimulation. Lectures and problem sets will focus on applying these techniques to classical public health dilemmas such as how to optimize screening programs, reduce waiting times for healthcare services, solve resource allocation problems, and compare macro-scale disease control strategies that cannot be easily evaluated through randomized trials. Readings will complement the lectures and problem sets by offering critical perspectives from the public health history, sociology, and epidemiology. In-depth case studies from non-governmental organizations, departments of public health, and international agencies will drive the course.
Environmental Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases | ANTHRO 177/277 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Jones, James Holland | Anthropology, Human Biology
Alt Course Numbers: HUMBIO 114
Co-instructors: Durham, William
The changing epidemiological environment. How human-induced environmental changes, such as global warming, deforestation and land-use conversion, urbanization, international commerce, and human migration, are altering the ecology of infectious disease transmission, and promoting their re-emergence as a global public health threat. Case studies of malaria, cholera, hantavirus, plague, and HIV
Environmental Law and Policy | LAW 2504 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Thompson, Barton (Buzz) | Law
Environmental law is critically important and endlessly fascinating. In this course, we will look at the major statutes and policies used, at both the federal and state levels, to protect humans and the environment against exposure to harmful substances, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Superfund, the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act, and laws designed to regulate toxic substances. This class will also examine the challenges of global air pollution, including climate change and ozone depletion. The class will look not only at the substance of these laws and policies, but also at enforcement challenges, alternative legal mechanisms for advancing environmental policies (such as voter initiatives and common-law actions), the role of market mechanisms in addressing environmental problems, and constitutional restrictions on environmental regulation. As part of the class, students will engage in a series of situational case studies designed to provide a better sense of the real-world issues faced by environmental lawyers and to teach students the skills and tactics needed to solve those issues.
Epidemic Intelligence: How to Identify, Investigate and Interrupt Outbreaks of Disease | HRP 247 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Parsonette, Julie | Health Research and Policy, Human Biology
Co-instructors: Ley, Catherine
We will cover: the components of public health systems in the US; principles of outbreak investigation and disease surveillance; different types of study design for field investigation; visualization and interpretation of public health data, including identification and prevention of biases; and implementation of disease control by public health authorities. Students will meet with leaders of health departments of the state and the county and will be responsible for devising and conducting their own investigation of a health problem.
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases | HRP 231 | Spring
Instructor & Department: Parsonette, Julie | Health Research and Policy
Principles of the transmission of the infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, fungi, and protozoan and helminth parasites). The role of vectors, reservoirs, and environmental factors. Pathogen and host characteristics that determine the spectrum of infection and disease. Endemicity, outbreaks, and epidemics of selected infectious diseases. Principles of control and surveillance.
Foundations in Experimental Biology | BIOS 200 | Autumn
Instructor & Department: Schneider, David | Biosciences
Co-instructors: Sherlock, Gavin
This course is divided into two 3-week cycles. During the first cycle, students will be developing a 2-page original research proposal, which may be used for NSF or other fellowship applications. In the second cycle, students will work in small teams and will be mentored by faculty to develop an original research project for oral presentation. Skills emphasized include: 1) reading for breadth and depth; 2) developing compelling, creative arguments; 3) communicating with the spoken and written word; 4) working in teams. Important features of the course include peer assessment, interactive joint classes, and substantial face-to-face discussion with faculty drawn from across the Biosciences programs.
From Freshwater to Oceans to Land Systems: An Earth System Perspective to Global Challenges | ESS 306 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Lambin, Eric | Earth Systems Science
Co-instructors: Anderson, Mary-Catherine; Engstrand, Rachel
Within this class we will have cover Earth System processes ranging from nutrient cycles to ocean circulation. We will also address global environmental challenges of the twenty-first century that include maintaining freshwater resources, land degradation, health of our oceans, and the balance between food production and environmental degradation. Weekly readings and problem sets on specific topics will be followed by presentations of Earth System Science faculty and an in-depth class discussion. ESS first year students have priority enrollment.
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS) | EARTHSYS 144 | Autumn
Instructor & Department: Lyons, Evan | Earth Systems, Earth Systems Science
Survey of geographic information including maps, satellite imagery, and census data, approaches to spatial data, and tools for integrating and examining spatially-explicit data. Emphasis is on fundamental concepts of geographic information science and associated technologies. Topics include geographic data structure, cartography, remotely sensed data, statistical analysis of geographic data, spatial analysis, map design, and geographic information system software. Computer lab assignments. All students are required to attend a weekly lab on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution | BIO 113 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Petrov, Dmitri | Biology
The inference of key molecular evolutionary processes from DNA and protein sequences. Topics include random genetic drift, coalescent models, effects and tests of natural selection, combined effects of linkage and natural selection, codon bias and genome evolution. Satisfies Central Menu Areas 1 or 4.
Genes and Environment in Disease Causation: Implications for Medicine and Public Health | HUMBIO 159 | Winter
Instructor & Department: Popat, Rita | Human Biology, Health Research and Policy
The historical, contemporary, and future research and practice among genetics, epidemiology, clinical medicine, and public health as a source of insight for medicine and public health. Genetic and environmental contributions to multifactorial diseases; multidisciplinary approach to enhancing detection and diagnosis. The impact of the Human Genome Project on analysis of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and cancer. Ethical and social issues in the use of genetic information.