Epidemics from Coursera

“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)

Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.

This course covers the following four topics:

1. Origins of novel pathogens;

2. Analysis of the spread of infectious diseases;

3. Medical and public health countermeasures to prevent and control epidemics;

4. Panel discussions involving leading public health experts with deep frontline experiences to share their views on risk communication, crisis management, ethics and public trust in the context of infectious disease control.

In addition to the original introductory sessions on epidemics, we revamped the course by adding:

- new panel discussions with world-leading experts; and

- supplementary modules on next generation informatics for combating epidemics.

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(1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.

What you'll learn

- Demonstrate knowledge of the origins, spread and control of infectious disease epidemics

- Demonstrate understanding of the importance of effective communication about epidemics

- Demonstrate understanding of key contemporary issues relating to epidemics from a global perspective

What's inside

Syllabus

Theme One: Origins (Epidemics past, present and future)

Theme One: Origins (Emergence and ecology of infectious diseases)

Theme One: Origins (Medical Detective: Bug hunting in Epidemics)

Theme Two: Spread (Infectious disease epidemiology)

Theme Two: Spread (Epidemiological triangle)

Theme One descriptions

Theme Two: Spread (Infectious disease modeling)

Theme Two Summary

Theme Three: Control (Disease surveillance)

Theme Three: Control (Non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI))

Theme Three Summary

Theme Three: Control (Vaccination)

Theme Four: Communication (Communicating disease risk)

Theme Four Summary

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the spread of infectious diseases and the importance of effective communication to reduce the impact of epidemics

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant in an academic setting

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in infectious disease control

Provides a comprehensive examination of the origins, spread, and control of emerging infectious diseases

Provides practical knowledge and skills for preventing and controlling infectious diseases

Engages leading public health experts in discussions about risk communication, crisis management, ethics, and public trust

Reviews summary

Epidemics through the lens of science

Learners say that this excellent course comprehensively covers the complexities of epidemics. They largely praise its knowledgeable professors, engaging lectures, and timely content. The course is well-structured and easy to follow even for beginners. Overall, students find this informative course helpful in understanding the crucial measures to combat epidemics.

Accessible to those new to the topic.

"Very well structured and comprehensive course for beginners."

"It’s especially useful to beginners who are interested in the subject."

"Overall great learning experience."

Easy to follow and understand.

"Very well structured and comprehensive course for beginners."

"This course breaks down key concepts in Epidemics in four general themes and further makes the week of learning more enjoyable by making those themes break down into smaller understandable chunks of concepts."

"Very nice way to learn all there is to learn about epidemics"

Especially relevant given current epidemics.

"Possibly the most timely course I've taken with the current state of the Covid-19 epidemic."

"A very timely course. Lot of interesting concepts that can be used by governments around the world to tackle epidemics."

Covers the topic of epidemics thoroughly.

"Very good overview of this topic with excellent reading lists and good lectures."

"Complete course, easy to follow but with a lot of information and new ideas."

"2020 year the World meet 2019-nCov; Theory and practice are closely connected."

Professors are knowledgeable and experts in the field.

"Professors are knowledgeable and broaden their horizons"

"Excellent course that is taught by exceptional professors!"

"A very nice, dynamic approach to the topic with communications of experts on the field."

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 Epidemics with these activities:

Follow tutorials on data analysis for infectious disease control

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Tutorials on data analysis can provide practical skills for analyzing epidemic data and evaluating control measures

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Find tutorials on data analysis for infectious disease control
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
Apply the techniques you learn to real-world data

Practice solving infectious disease epidemiology problems

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Practice solving epidemiology problems to enhance analytical skills

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems independently
Check your answers against the provided solutions
Review the problems you got wrong and try to understand the correct solutions

Create a presentation on the spread of infectious diseases

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Creating a presentation on the spread of infectious diseases can aid in understanding different transmission models and their implications

Browse courses on Infectious Disease Modeling

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Research different infectious disease transmission models
Choose a specific model to focus on
Develop a presentation that explains the model and its implications
Present your findings to your classmates or colleagues

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Read The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History

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The book gives a detailed account of the 1918 influenza pandemic, providing a historical perspective on the potential impact of such epidemics

View The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest... on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety
Take notes on the key points in the book
Discuss the book with other students or colleagues

Volunteer with a local public health organization

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Volunteering with a public health organization can provide firsthand experience with epidemic control measures

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Research local public health organizations
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend a volunteer training
Participate in volunteer activities

Discuss ethical and public trust issues related to epidemics

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Discussing ethical and public trust issues can enhance understanding of the complexities of epidemic management

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Find a group of classmates or colleagues to discuss with
Choose a specific ethical or public trust issue to focus on
Research the issue and prepare talking points
Discuss the issue with your group
Come to a consensus on the key points

Career center

Learners who complete Epidemics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Physician

A Public Health Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in preventing disease and promoting health in populations. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Physician

Infection Preventionist

An Infection Preventionist is a healthcare professional who works to prevent and control infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infection Preventionist

Disease Surveillance Specialist

A Disease Surveillance Specialist collects and analyzes data on disease outbreaks to help public health officials track and prevent the spread of disease. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disease Surveillance Specialist

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics. This course may also be helpful for Epidemiologists who wish to advance their careers by gaining a deeper understanding of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Medical Researcher

A Medical Researcher designs and conducts studies to investigate the causes and treatments of disease. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher

Risk Communicator

A Risk Communicator informs the public about risks to their health and safety. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Communicator

Global Health Specialist

A Global Health Specialist works to improve the health of populations in developing countries. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

Disaster Relief Specialist

A Disaster Relief Specialist provides assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Specialist

Health Communications Specialist

A Health Communications Specialist develops and implements communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Public Health Consultant

A Public Health Consultant provides advice and technical assistance to organizations on public health issues. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Consultant

Health Educator

A Health Educator develops and implements programs to promote health and prevent disease in communities. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Crisis Manager

A Crisis Manager develops and implements plans to respond to crises, such as natural disasters and public health emergencies. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Crisis Manager

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues to help policymakers make informed decisions. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics. This course may also be helpful for Policy Analysts who wish to specialize in health policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to the public. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics. This course may also be helpful for Science Writers who wish to specialize in writing about health and medicine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Program Manager

A Program Manager plans and implements public health programs to improve the health of communities. The course Epidemics can help build a foundation for a career in this field by providing an understanding of the origins, spread, and control of infectious disease epidemics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager