The Pandemic

Course description

This two-part series will explore the rise of infectious diseases. While part one will focus on the evolution of disease type, part two will explore the increasing spread of one disease in particular—the Coronavirus.

Register for one or both of these courses.

Part 1: New Emerging Human Infectious Diseases in a Changing World

Since 1970, over 50 previously unknown diseases have emerged at an unprecedented rate. Of these, only HIV-AIDS and COVID-19 are likely familiar, having reached a pandemic status. What are the underlying causes driving the rise of these new infectious diseases? What should everyone know about the lesser known new diseases such as viral hemorrhagic fever, Nipah virus disease, and Chikungunya? And what is the future outlook and the significance of Disease X? These questions along with others will be explored. If you are a frequent traveler to exotic destinations, you may find this discussion useful.  

Part 2: Three Decades of Coronaviruses: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges

Within the last year, COVID-19 has affected everyone in different ways. In this course, you will receive an update on what we have learned about SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, as well as the unresolved riddles and research still in progress.  A consideration of future challenges, particularly the likelihood of more new Coronaviruses, will be discussed.