The central question of this course addresses why and how deadly and catastrophic disease outbreaks continue to occur in animal and human populations despite scientific and technological advances. This "big question" will allow students, who are themselves members of society and are individuals with various backgrounds, to explore, analyze, investigate, discuss, and critique various types of information and use this information to gain a better understanding of how and why disease outbreaks occur and develop new or improved methods to prevent and control these outbreaks.

Intended for upper level students in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Science as well as other students who are interested in understanding how science and politics interact and influence animal health policy and how veterinarians and animal scientists can effectively communicate science to non-scientists such as legislators and policymakers.

The global burden of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases is growing and prompts the need for effective control of these pathogens. The objective of this course is to provide graduate students with knowledge of pathogenesis and transmission of globally evolving pathogens. Registered students for this course are expected to know fundamentals of infectious diseases. References from the peer reviewed journals will be provided to facilitate understanding of the selected topics. Opening of this course is necessary to help graduate students to stay up-to-date with currently emerging pathogens and their evolution with changes in environment. This course is complementary to other existing microbiology courses (i.e., Viral Pathogenesis) on campus. Lectures focus on an in-depth analysis of a variety of topics in current infectious diseases. The course highlights recently published literatures to evaluate evolving trends in infectious diseases. The covered topics include subjects related with various pathogens and their adaptation strategy to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility. The lectures will also cover the control and prevention measures of these pathogens.

This course will teach graduate students about mechanisms of infections by animal and human viral pathogens, including virus-cell interactions, host responses, and consequences of virus infection. Particular attention will be focused on the molecular mechanisms of the interactions between virus and host.

Provides students with the basic knowledge of parasites as well as research advancement in important parasites of humans and animals. Particular attention will be given to parasite biology, pathogenesis, and host responses to parasitic infection. A selection of parasites of medical and veterinary importance will be specifically covered with emphasis on recent research breakthroughs in the field.