New and Emerging Diseases:  BIOL-10310  2A LA NS

WILL-323

Lecture Schedule

Course Description:

This course will examine the phenomenon of new and emerging diseases and their effects on humans. Topics include the history of emerging or reemerging diseases, epidemics and pandemics, the role of ecological factors in disease emergence, types of infectious agents, their mechanisms of action, and how our immune system responds to infection by these agents. We examine factors — such as antibiotic resistance, population, environmental changes, global travel, and global warming — that contribute to diseases in the 21st century. We also discuss how political, economic, social, and cultural factors contribute to the emergence of diseases and the response to those diseases.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Contrast types of infections agents, routes of infection, and factors causing transmission
• Describe the molecular basis of infectious disease and immunity
• Evaluate arguments to create an informed decision on vaccination
• Appraise primary news articles for scientific content and validity of conclusions
• Construct a critical review of an emerging pathogen not presented in class

Exams

     3 exams  –              100 pts each

     1 final exam  –        150 pts

Quizs/Participation – 5 pts each

Final Project  –          100 pts

Total pts awarded   =   600pt

Lecture Schedule - Subject to change if required

Final Paper and Presentations

In order to demonstrate understanding and application of the course goals, students will be required to:

Individually prepare a 4-5pg research paper on a disease of their choosing not highlighted in class.   ******DUE 11/18******

As a group - prepare a <10min demonstration of a new or emerging pathogen not highlighted in class. 

The product of this assignment can vary widely based on the creativity of the group.  Examples of acceptable projects include; poster board with detail sufficient for a scientific meeting and oral presentation from each member, a video-taped news report or public service announcement involving all members on camera, a newspaper article of commensurate quality, detailed research, and formatting to be published in the New-York Times which will be presented to the class.  Other options are readily acceptable, check with the course instructor.

Each group must consult with course instructor to verify project suitability a minimum of 7days prior to presentation to receive full credit.  Presentations will be graded based on the following rubric by their classmates (25%), group members (10%), and instructor (65%)

• Described the cause of disease emergence and mode of transmission
• Described the molecular basis of disease and immunity 
• Described the current treatment/therapy for disease
• Critical review of recent outbreak reports and/or disease distribution/impact
• Informative and engaging presentation

Excellent                                   Adequate                          Needs Improvement

(5)             -           (4)       -           (3)       -           (2)       -           (1)

Responsibilities of Students

Academic honesty is a cornerstone of the mission of the College. Unless it is otherwise stipulated, students may submit for evaluation only that work that is their own.  For more information see Student Handbook 7.1.4

Attendance is expected for all classes, and students are responsible for work missed during any absence from class. Students should notify their instructors as soon as possible of any anticipated absences

Missed exams In accordance with New York State law, students who miss class due to their religious beliefs shall be excused from class or examinations on that day. The faculty member is responsible for providing the student with an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement that the student may have missed. It is suggested that students notify their course instructors at least one week before any anticipated absence so that proper arrangements may be made to make up any missed work or examination. Any such work is to be completed within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the faculty member.

Any student, who missed class due to a verifiable family or individual health emergency, or to a required appearance in a court of law, shall be excused. The student or a family member/legal guardian may report the absence to the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life, (340 Egbert Hall or via email at studentabsence@ithaca.edu or by phone at 607-274-3374) which will notify the student’s dean’s office, as well as residential life if the student lives on campus. The dean’s office will disseminate the information to the appropriate faculty. Follow-up by the student with his or her professors is imperative. Students may need to consider a leave of absence, medical leave of absence, selected course withdrawals, and so on, if they have missed a significant portion of class work.

Online Course Evaluations

Student input is highly valued and is important to maintain high quality instruction. Course evaluations are mandatory and must be completed online the last week of classes

Incompletes

Incompletes are given only when a student is doing satisfactory work but cannot complete the course for a reason not related to academic performance (i.e., medical, family emergency).  Terms for completion will be determined by instructor and are due no later than the end of the following semester. If no complete grade is received by the due date, a grade of F is recorded on the transcript.

Policy on Grade Disputes

Grade disputes will be resolved directly between the course instructor and the student. As a general principle, the authority to change a grade rests with the faculty member.
See Students' Right to Petition

Accommodations

Academic accommodations are available to students with documented disabilities. To access services, students must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation to the Office of Academic Support Services. For further information, please contact the Office of Academic Support Services at 274-1257.

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