Emerging Diseases-Outline
2. Module 2: The Age of Optimism
(September 22-October 13)
Main Points and Concepts
Diseases can be transmitted in many ways. Each pathogen generally uses one particular
route of transmission in nature.
By the 1950s technological advances (vaccines, antibiotics, insecticides) made the conquest of
infectious disease seem like a real possibility-until the germs began to “seek revenge” by the 1980s.
The development of a polio vaccine was the flagship achievement.
These events signaled an important “health transition” for western society.
The human immune system generally keeps us safe from disease and works via a memory mechanism.
Learning goals
Students will be able to define and explain the basic terms and concepts associated with
disease transmission, vaccines, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
Students will be able to describe and explain the increased occurrence of polio in the time
period from 1900-1950.
Students will be able to describe and explain the events of the race for a polio vaccine
and the polio hysteria that led up to it.
Students will be able to use facts and examples to explain and justify their own vision of
ethical conduct as it applied to vaccine development and trials. Students will also
be able to contrast modern views of ethical conduct with those in place during the
race for the polio vaccine.
Students will be able to use facts and examples to explain the concept of a health
transition.
Students will be able to define and explain the basic components and mechanisms of the
human immune system.
Students will be able to comment meaningfully on the relationship between humans and
microbes as exemplified in the “microbiome” concept.
Readings
Textbook: Chapter 13 pages 411-428 (Section I) only, Chapter 15 (all)
Non-textbook Supplemental Reading of your choice: you should be at least halfway
through the reading by the end of Module 2.
Other Reading Assignments: article on a current disease outbreak-for discussion.
Lectures
Lecture Powerpoint sets #5, 6, 7 and 8 on the types of disease agents and the fundamentals of
the immune system, vaccines, disease transmission and polio.
Video Assignment
The Shot Felt Round the World
The Assignment Sheet for this video includes the writing assignment and the discussion
questions.
Writing assignments for Module 2
The Shot Felt Round the World video assignment summary and reaction-the Assignment Sheet
for this video includes the writing assignment and the discussion questions.
Exam
Exam 2 on Tuesday October 13.