BIOL 311 Infectious and Chronic Diseases of Public Health Importance

5 credits

This course will provide an introduction to the biological foundations of public health. Topics include human chronic and hereditary diseases and disorders (such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.), infectious disease and host response, the role of genetics and the environment on health, and human physiology.

Prerequisites: Admission to the BAS Public Health program, at least 90 credits completed of 100/200 level courses, and BIOL& 175 or BIOL& 242

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain the function of the immune system and other related human systems in regard to health
Describe the role, benefits, and limitations of vaccines in assuring the health of populations
Relate basic principles of cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics to problems in physical, behavioral, and mental health
Analyze the interaction of genetics, lifestyle, and the environment in the health of a population
Integrate general biological and molecular principles into public health problems such as infectious disease, disease susceptibility, drug resistance, and assisted reproduction
Explain the relationships among nutrition, physical activity, and health
Describe the most prevalent global diseases in terms of patterns, etiology, risk factors, clinical aspects and major issues in prevention and control
Describe human molecular, cellular, and physiological interactions with exogenous agents
Describe the various ways by which chemicals can directly or indirectly affect human health
Describe the ecological principles of disease and how these principles affect the likelihood of control
Discuss the multiple factors that influence infectious disease epidemics

Program Outcomes
This course teaches to the following program outcome:

Explain the etiology and prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases and how it relates to prevention, management, and treatment strategies

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Teamwork, the ability to participate actively and cooperatively in a group to advance a common goal.

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50