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)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Comprehensive introduction to epidemics

According to learners, the 'Epidemics' course from The University of Hong Kong offers a well-structured and highly informative exploration of infectious diseases. Students particularly highlight the clarity and depth of the lectures, finding the material on the origins, spread, and control of epidemics easy to understand and engaging. A frequently praised element is the inclusion of panel discussions with world-leading experts, which provide invaluable real-world insights and perspectives on risk communication, crisis management, and ethics. While covering complex topics like epidemiology and modeling, many find the course accessible even without extensive prior knowledge, although some suggest a basic science background is helpful. The course is seen as highly relevant, especially given current global health events.

Course pace is manageable and reasonable.

"The workload felt very reasonable for a course covering so much important information."

"I could comfortably keep up with the pace of the lectures and assignments."

"It felt challenging enough to be engaging but not so difficult as to be discouraging."

"The course duration and structure felt appropriate for the depth covered."

New content adds value and modern context.

"The new supplementary modules on informatics were a great addition."

"I appreciated the updated content, especially the sections on newer technologies."

"The course improvements mentioned, like the new panels, are definitely reflected positively."

"Including next-generation informatics shows the course is keeping up."

Good for beginners with general interest.

"The course explains concepts well, making it accessible to a broad audience."

"Even without a strong science background, I was able to follow and learn a lot."

"It's a great introduction for anyone interested in public health or epidemiology."

"Perfect for getting a foundational understanding without being overwhelming."

Topics are timely and globally significant.

"The course material is incredibly relevant to current global health challenges."

"Studying epidemics is so important right now, and this course addresses the key issues."

"It gave me a much better understanding of the news surrounding outbreaks."

"The global perspective on infectious disease control is very timely and useful."

Course content is well-explained and structured.

"The lectures are clear, concise, and easy to follow, making complex topics understandable."

"Professor Poon is an excellent lecturer, presenting the material in a highly engaging way."

"I found the course content on the origins and spread of epidemics very informative."

"The structure of the themes from origins to control was very logical and helpful."

Expert discussions offer real-world perspectives.

"The panel discussions with world-leading experts were incredibly insightful and added immense value."

"Hearing from the various experts on real-world applications was the best part of the course."

"I really appreciated the discussions about risk communication and ethics."

"The supplementary panel discussions were very relevant and added a unique perspective."

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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