Epidemics IV from edX

“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 is the last (communication of infectious diseases) of the four courses, covers these topics:

Risk Communication in Disease Outbreaks
Communicating Infectious Diseases

如果历史是我们的向导，我们可以认为人类的智慧和意志与微生物种惊人的适应性之间的斗争将永远持续下去。”(1)

尽管过去的几十年间我们在科技领域取得了令人瞩目的突破，可是传染病对人类的威胁却显著增加。本课程将通过学习流行病学的基础科学原理以及预防与控制流行病的公共卫生措施，对上述现象予以阐释。

这是四個课程中的最后一个（傳染病的传播）, 涵盖以下主题：

疾病暴发中的风险传播
傳染病的传播

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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's inside

Learning objectives

Perceptions of risk and the idea of risk communication
Risk communication in disease outbreaks
Communicating infectious diseases
Why doesn't public follow health advice

疾病暴发中的风险传播
傳染病的传播
为什么公众不遵循健康建议
风险认知与风险传播理念

Perceptions of risk and the idea of risk communication
Risk communication in disease outbreaks
Communicating infectious diseases
Why doesn't public follow health advice
疾病暴发中的风险传播
傳染病的传播
为什么公众不遵循健康建议
风险认知与风险传播理念

Syllabus

Week 1: Communication (Communicating Disease Risk)

Risk Communication in Disease Outbreaks

Communicating Infectious Diseases

Why Doesn't Public Follow Health Advice

Week 2: Communication (Communicating Disease Risk) cont.

Perceptions of Risk and The Idea of Risk Communication

Perceptions of Risk

Risk Communication

Week 3: Supplementary Module on Next Generation Informatics for Global Health

From Disease Tracking to Disease Understanding Using Internet Data

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the communication of risk and infectious diseases, a critical topic that impacts public health

Taught by renowned experts in infectious diseases and public health, including Gabriel Leung, Kwok-Yung Yuen, and Benjamin Cowling

Covers both the scientific principles underlying epidemics and the practical public health measures used to prevent and control them

Part of a four-course series on infectious diseases, offering a comprehensive understanding of the topic

May require students to have a basic understanding of risk communication and infectious disease principles

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 IV with these activities:

Review core concepts of infectious disease

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Reinforces foundational knowledge in infectious disease to provide a solid basis for upcoming learning.

Browse courses on Infectious Diseases

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Use relevant textbooks to review core concepts such as transmission, pathogenesis, and prevention of infectious diseases.
Consult online resources such as PubMed or Google Scholar to gather additional information and insights.
Review lecture notes or attend introductory sessions on infectious disease to refresh foundational concepts.

Compile a study guide

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Encourages active engagement with course materials and enhances knowledge retention.

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Gather relevant materials such as lecture notes, textbooks, and online resources.
Summarize key concepts, definitions, and examples.
Organize the information into a logical and cohesive format.

Explore online resources on infectious disease outbreaks

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Introduces students to specialized resources and provides additional context for understanding outbreak management.

Browse courses on Outbreak Investigation

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Identify reputable organizations and resources that provide information on infectious disease outbreaks.
Follow recommended guidelines and protocols for outbreak investigation and management.
Engage in online discussions or forums to connect with experts and peers in the field.

Eight other activities

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Watch video tutorials on risk communication

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Watching video tutorials on risk communication will help you understand the principles and best practices of risk communication, which is essential for effectively communicating about infectious diseases.

Browse courses on Risk Communication

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Find video tutorials on risk communication
Watch the videos and take notes
Reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply it to communicating about infectious diseases

Practice communicating risk to different audiences

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Practicing communicating risk to different audiences will help you develop your skills and confidence in this essential aspect of public health.

Browse courses on Risk Communication

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Identify different audiences you may need to communicate with
Develop key messages for each audience
Practice communicating your messages to different audiences
Get feedback from others on your communication

Practice risk communication exercises

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Provides hands-on experience and allows for iterative refinement of risk communication skills.

Browse courses on Risk Communication

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Develop scenarios or case studies that involve risk communication.
Role-play different stakeholders and practice effective risk communication strategies.
Seek feedback and reflect on areas for improvement.

Write a blog post or article on the importance of risk communication in disease outbreaks

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Writing a blog post or article on the importance of risk communication in disease outbreaks will help you synthesize your understanding of the topic and communicate it effectively to a broader audience.

Browse courses on Risk Communication

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Research the topic and gather evidence
Outline your article or blog post
Write the first draft
Revise and edit your work
Publish your article or blog post

Read 'The Great Influenza' by John M. Barry

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Provides historical context and insights into the devastating effects of influenza pandemics and their implications for public health.

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

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts and historical events.
Analyze the author's arguments and perspectives on the impact of the influenza pandemic.
Reflect on the lessons learned from the past and their relevance to contemporary infectious disease threats.

Engage in peer-to-peer discussions on infectious disease topics

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Fosters peer learning, encourages diverse perspectives, and strengthens understanding of complex infectious disease concepts.

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Form study groups or connect with peers online.
Select relevant topics for discussion.
Share insights, challenge ideas, and engage in collaborative learning.

Design a public health campaign on infectious disease prevention

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Encourages a deeper understanding of public health principles and allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

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Identify target audience, objectives, and key messages.
Research and gather evidence-based information on infectious disease prevention practices.
Develop creative materials such as posters, brochures, or social media campaigns.

Design and implement a research study on infectious disease transmission

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Provides hands-on experience in conducting research and applying epidemiologic principles to understand disease transmission dynamics.

Browse courses on Infectious Disease Transmission

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Define research question, objectives, and methodology.
Collect and analyze data on infectious disease transmission.
Interpret results and draw conclusions.

Career center

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

Public Health Educator

Public health educators develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may also work with communities to address health issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a public health educator by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for public health educators who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They may also conduct research to develop and evaluate public health programs to prevent and control health problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an epidemiologist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for epidemiologists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Communications Specialist

Health communications specialists develop and implement communication campaigns to promote health and prevent disease. They may also work with the media to disseminate health information to the public. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a health communications specialist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for health communications specialists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Infection Control Practitioner

Infection control practitioners work to prevent and control the spread of infection in healthcare settings. They may also develop and implement infection control policies and procedures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an infection control practitioner by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for infection control practitioners who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infection Control Practitioner

Disease Intervention Specialist

Disease intervention specialists work with individuals and communities to prevent and control the spread of disease. They may also provide education and counseling to people who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with a disease. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a disease intervention specialist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for disease intervention specialists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disease Intervention Specialist

Science Writer

Science writers create and edit written materials about scientific topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or other publications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a science writer by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for science writers who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists develop and implement public relations campaigns to promote organizations and their products or services. They may also work with the media to disseminate information to the public. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a public relations specialist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for public relations specialists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Medical Writer

Medical writers create and edit written materials about medical topics. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or other healthcare organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a medical writer by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for medical writers who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Clinical Research Associate

Clinical research associates manage clinical trials and collect and analyze data. They may also work with researchers to develop and evaluate clinical trial protocols. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a clinical research associate by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for clinical research associates who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Associate

Health Economist

Health economists apply economic principles to the analysis of health care issues. They may also develop and evaluate health care policies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a health economist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for health economists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and analyze policies to improve the health of populations. They may also work with policymakers to implement and evaluate health policies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a health policy analyst by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for health policy analysts who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that products and services comply with government regulations. They may also work with government agencies to develop and implement regulations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a regulatory affairs specialist by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is a critical skill for regulatory affairs specialists who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers create and edit written materials about technical topics. They may work for software companies, engineering firms, or other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a technical writer by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for technical writers who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data related to health and medicine. They may also develop and evaluate statistical models to predict health outcomes. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a biostatistician by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for biostatisticians who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

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Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts collect and analyze data about markets and customers. They may also develop and implement marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a market research analyst by teaching you about the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control. You will also learn about risk communication, which is an important skill for market research analysts who need to communicate with the public about health risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst