260.650.01
Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Diseases
Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Tu, Th, 10:30 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Presents the principles of transmission of human and animal pathogens by insects, mites and ticks. Covers basic arthropod biology with special attention to biological properties of vectors and their interactions with pathogens, basic components of arbopathogen disease cycles and principles of pathogen transmission dynamics. Special topics include emerging pathogens, vector genetics, traditional and next generation control strategies and venomous arthropods.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe individual components of vector-borne disease transmission using specific examples
- Describe current emergent arthropod-borne infectious diseases
- Describe and evaluate vector-borne pathogen control measures
- Describe biological and genetic conditions and mechanisms leading to evolution of resistance in arthropods and the pathogens they vector, and methods to manage the development of resistance
- Explain the ecological components of arthropod-borne disease transmission
- Illustrate how all twelve required learning objectives for the BSPH MPH program are integrated into vector biology
- Demonstrate how vector biology is integral to our public health history, philosophy and values and identify how the 10 Essential Services apply to vector-borne disease
- Describe methods for quantitative and qualitative assessment of population health, and primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
- Discuss causes of morbidity and mortality, when and where these diseases occur and what populations are affected, environmental, biological and genetic drivers of transmission, and how these are impacted by the social, political and economic climate
- Explain how globalization and human behavior are key drivers for many of these emerging pathogens where a One Health approach is necessary, especially in the context of disease transmission systems bridging or jumping from animal to human due to fractures in ecosystem health
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 50% Exam(s)
- 40% Group Work
- 10% Case Study