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Timothy Hallett
and
Helen Ward
This course is all about infectious diseases. We’ve selected four disease areas — HIV, Malaria, Emerging Infectious Diseases (Ebola and Zika), and TB — and we will go through each in turn. We’ve selected these diseases because they span a range of different types of disease and allow us to look at important issues that relevance of other diseases too. We will look at each disease in the same way: we begin by looking at the aetiology and epidemiology of the diseases. We then show how data on this disease can be used to understand important trends and patterns. We then focus on the interventions that can be used to address that disease - typically spanning both prevention and treatment - and consider how policies have been developed to address the disease. We finish by reflecting on the whole topic area of the disease with an external expert.
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OpenCourser.com/course/3jzi2x/global
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What's inside
Syllabus
HIV
This week you will look at HIV, an infectious disease that emerged in the 1980s and has become one of the leading causes of death in many countries. You will first look at how HIV affects the immune system and causes AIDS and how it spreads from person to person. You will then review the state of the global epidemic and look at current trends in specific countries. There are many interventions that are available to help prevent transmission and to treat persons who are HIV-positive, and you will review the evidence for each. You will review and critique the strategy that has been developed to ‘end AIDS’ by UNAIDS, the UN agency tasked with leading the fight against AIDS.
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Syllabus
HIV
This week you will look at HIV, an infectious disease that emerged in the 1980s and has become one of the leading causes of death in many countries. You will first look at how HIV affects the immune system and causes AIDS and how it spreads from person to person. You will then review the state of the global epidemic and look at current trends in specific countries. There are many interventions that are available to help prevent transmission and to treat persons who are HIV-positive, and you will review the evidence for each. You will review and critique the strategy that has been developed to ‘end AIDS’ by UNAIDS, the UN agency tasked with leading the fight against AIDS.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Assumes background knowledge in the subject area and may be difficult for beginners
Provides a comprehensive overview of infectious diseases, including HIV, Malaria, Emerging Infectious Diseases (Ebola and Zika), and TB
Instructive for professionals working in public health, healthcare, and related fields
In-depth, with case studies and examples for practical understanding
Taught by experienced instructors in the field of infectious diseases
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Reviews summary
Global infectious disease epidemiology and policy
While specific student feedback is unavailable, the course design suggests that learners will engage with a Global Disease Masterclass providing a comprehensive understanding of communicable diseases. It aims to delve into the aetiology and epidemiology of key diseases like HIV, Malaria, Ebola, Zika, and Tuberculosis. Prospective students can expect to gain skills in interpreting data and assessing various intervention strategies, covering both prevention and treatment. The curriculum also encourages critical analysis of global health policies and strategies developed by organizations like UNAIDS and WHO, promising high-level insights from Imperial College London.
High-level content with external expert perspectives.
"I expect a challenging course that delves into complex topics like aetiology and disease mechanisms."
"The course promises reflections on each topic area with an external expert, which sounds highly valuable."
"As a 'Masterclass' from Imperial College London, I anticipate a academically strong and deep learning experience."
Focuses on understanding disease patterns via data.
"I'm excited to explore the relationship between climate and malaria distribution using fine-scale geographic data."
"I anticipate examining data from past outbreaks, like the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic, to understand spread."
"The course teaches how data on diseases can be used to understand important trends and patterns."
Explores real-world prevention, treatment, and policy.
"I will examine available interventions for combatting malaria and review WHO's strategy."
"The course provides a review and critique of strategies like UNAIDS' plan to 'end AIDS'."
"I expect to learn how policies are developed and how they aim to address global disease challenges."
Extensive coverage of critical infectious diseases.
"I expect to learn the specific epidemiology and interventions for HIV, Malaria, Ebola, Zika, and Tuberculosis."
"The course helps make sense of various infectious diseases and how they spread globally."
"I anticipate a structured deep dive into each major disease, from cause to global impact."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention with these
activities:
Volunteer at a local health clinic
Show steps
Gain practical experience in infectious disease prevention and care.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify a local health clinic that provides infectious disease services.
-
Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Complete the volunteer application and training.
-
Participate in volunteer activities, such as providing health education, assisting with patient care, or conducting research.
Complete interactive exercises
Show steps
Test your understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify the mode of transmission for each disease.
-
Calculate the disease incidence and prevalence.
-
Plot the geographic distribution of a disease.
Attend an infectious disease conference
Show steps
Engage with experts and learn about the latest advancements in infectious disease research and prevention.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify an upcoming infectious disease conference.
-
Register for the conference.
-
Attend the conference sessions and workshops.
-
Network with other attendees.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Research recent outbreaks
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of emerging infectious diseases and the challenges of outbreak response.
Browse courses on
Ebola
Show steps
-
Identify an emerging infectious disease outbreak.
-
Gather data on the outbreak, including its geographic origin, transmission mode, and case fatality rate.
-
Analyze the data to identify risk factors and trends.
-
Develop recommendations for outbreak prevention and control.
Create a database of infectious disease resources
Show steps
Compile a list of valuable resources for further learning and research on infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify different types of infectious disease resources, such as articles, books, websites, and databases.
-
Search for and gather relevant resources.
-
Organize the resources into a database or other structured format.
-
Share the database with other students, researchers, and professionals.
Develop an educational campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to create a public health campaign to raise awareness and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify the target audience for your campaign.
-
Develop a key message for your campaign.
-
Create a communication channel for your campaign.
-
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Mentor younger students interested in infectious diseases
Show steps
Share your knowledge and skills with aspiring infectious disease professionals.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor younger students, such as through university clubs, outreach programs, or online platforms.
-
Develop a mentoring plan that outlines your goals and expectations.
-
Meet with your mentees regularly to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
-
Evaluate the progress of your mentees and make adjustments to your mentoring plan as needed.
Contribute to an open-source infectious disease project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source infectious disease project that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Contact the project maintainers to inquire about contribution opportunities.
-
Review the project documentation and codebase.
-
Make code contributions or other contributions to the project.
Volunteer at a local health clinic
Show steps
Gain practical experience in infectious disease prevention and care.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a local health clinic that provides infectious disease services.
- Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Complete the volunteer application and training.
- Participate in volunteer activities, such as providing health education, assisting with patient care, or conducting research.
Complete interactive exercises
Show steps
Test your understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the mode of transmission for each disease.
- Calculate the disease incidence and prevalence.
- Plot the geographic distribution of a disease.
Attend an infectious disease conference
Show steps
Engage with experts and learn about the latest advancements in infectious disease research and prevention.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an upcoming infectious disease conference.
- Register for the conference.
- Attend the conference sessions and workshops.
- Network with other attendees.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Research recent outbreaks
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of emerging infectious diseases and the challenges of outbreak response.
Browse courses on
Ebola
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an emerging infectious disease outbreak.
- Gather data on the outbreak, including its geographic origin, transmission mode, and case fatality rate.
- Analyze the data to identify risk factors and trends.
- Develop recommendations for outbreak prevention and control.
Create a database of infectious disease resources
Show steps
Compile a list of valuable resources for further learning and research on infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify different types of infectious disease resources, such as articles, books, websites, and databases.
- Search for and gather relevant resources.
- Organize the resources into a database or other structured format.
- Share the database with other students, researchers, and professionals.
Develop an educational campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to create a public health campaign to raise awareness and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the target audience for your campaign.
- Develop a key message for your campaign.
- Create a communication channel for your campaign.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Mentor younger students interested in infectious diseases
Show steps
Share your knowledge and skills with aspiring infectious disease professionals.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor younger students, such as through university clubs, outreach programs, or online platforms.
- Develop a mentoring plan that outlines your goals and expectations.
- Meet with your mentees regularly to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
- Evaluate the progress of your mentees and make adjustments to your mentoring plan as needed.
Contribute to an open-source infectious disease project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases.
Browse courses on
HIV
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source infectious disease project that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Contact the project maintainers to inquire about contribution opportunities.
- Review the project documentation and codebase.
- Make code contributions or other contributions to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Virologist
Virologist
Virologists study viruses, including their structure, function, and evolution. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in virology, including the role of viruses in infectious diseases.
Parasitologist
Parasitologist
Parasitologists study parasites, including their structure, function, and evolution. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in parasitology, including the role of parasites in infectious diseases.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the study of microorganisms, including their role in infectious diseases.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to improve health outcomes, including those related to infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in health policy, including the development and analysis of policies to prevent and control infectious diseases.
Global Health Specialist
Global Health Specialist
Global Health Specialists work to improve health outcomes in developing countries, including those related to infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in global health, including the prevention and control of infectious diseases in developing countries.
Infectious Disease Modeler
Infectious Disease Modeler
Infectious Disease Modelers use mathematical models to study the spread and control of infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in infectious disease modeling, including the development and use of models to prevent and control infectious diseases.
Immunologist
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system, including how it protects the body from infection. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in immunology, including the role of the immune system in infectious diseases.
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officers work to protect the public from health threats, including infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in public health, including the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public, including information about infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in science writing, including the communication of information about infectious diseases to the public.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctors diagnose and treat diseases, including infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients, including those with infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the care of patients with infectious diseases.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators provide information and education to the public about health issues, including infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in health education, including the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians perform tests and analyze samples to diagnose and monitor infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in laboratory techniques used in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious diseases.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information to patients about their medications, including those used to treat infectious diseases. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the use of medications to treat infectious diseases.
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
Infectious Disease Epidemiologists study the patterns, causes, and effects of infectious disease outbreaks. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in infectious disease epidemiology, intervention and prevention strategies.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3jzi2x/global
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public health. It covers a wide range of topics, including the epidemiology of major diseases, health systems, and global health policies.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the prevention and control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global tuberculosis epidemic. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global malaria epidemic. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global HIV and AIDS response. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the prevention and control of Ebola virus disease. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the prevention, care and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B infection. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the treatment of malaria. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of epidemiology. It valuable reference for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the prevention and control of Zika virus infection. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial resistance. They are a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of public health.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3jzi2x/global
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Rating
4.7
Effort
18 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructors
Timothy Hallett
Helen Ward
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Global Disease Masterclass. It's comprised of three courses:
- Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention (viewing)
- Global Disease Masterclass: Global Disease Distribution
- Global Disease Masterclass: Non-communicable Diseases
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