260.605.01
Disaster Microbiology
Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
M, W, 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
Have you thought about the effects of climate change on microbes? Have you wondered about the connection between disaster events (both man-made and natural) and microbial communities? In this course we will explore the impact of climate change on disasters and the impact these disasters have on microbial populations. We will draw on principles from a variety of public health disciplines in this exploration and discussion of DISASTER MICROBIOLOGY!
Examines the effects of natural and man-made disasters on microbial populations and how this effects public health outcomes. Utilizes active learning and peer instructional techniques to enable student synthesis of complex topics. Discusses the intertwined nature of systems addressing the multi-tiered impact of disasters and the increasing occurrence due to climate change. Emphasizes the outcomes of disasters not just from the perspective of the damaging impacts but also how microbial evolution can result in unforeseen solutions to man-made problems. Focuses on building skills to address real-world public health crises.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the climate, sociological, ecological, and microbiological results of disasters (both natural and man-made).
- Compare and contrast the long-term effects of natural and man-made disasters on microbes including evolution that can result in disease or remediation.
- Evaluate the importance of different classifications of microbiological disasters
- Illustrate the interplay between areas of public health research and their application to disaster microbiology
- Develop a proposal to deal with and mitigate the effects of microbial disasters.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 20% Discussion
- 20% Reflection
- 30% Written Assignment(s)
- 30% Final Project