WILD 491 Spring 2017 Syllabus
Ecology of Infectious Diseases– WILD 491
Spring Semester 2017
Instructor: Dr. Angie Luis (angela.luis@umontana.edu)
Readings
The Ecology of Wildlife Diseases. Edited by Peter J. Hudson, Annapaola Rizzoli, Bryan
T. Grenfell, Hans Heesterbeek, and Andy P. Dobson, 2002, Oxford University Press.
Occasionally, other readings will be provided.
Class meeting times:
TBD
Office Hours:
TBD
Overview
In this course we will take an ecological approach to understand infectious disease. We will
examine how diseases spread through time and space, and examine mathematical models of
disease spread and their usefulness in control strategies. Although this is titled a Wildlife course,
we will discuss both human and animal disease (and a few plants)—the ecological concepts
apply to a wide range of systems. Upon course completion, students should understand the
mechanisms, patterns and dynamics of disease spread, know how to construct models, have
knowledge of a range of infections and features of emerging infectious diseases, understand
when to apply control procedures, have a comprehension of the non-linear dynamics, and know
the processes that generate heterogeneities in parasite load.
Topics Covered
Microparasite (pathogen) fundamentals:
SIR model
The epidemic curve and R0
Threshold densities and community sizes theories
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WILD 491 Spring 2017 Syllabus
Spread of childhood diseases
Vaccination and disease eradication
Microparasite complexities
Pathogens, policy and politics
Sexually transmitted diseases (HIV as an example)
Vector borne diseases, 20-80 rule and host heterogeneity
Emerging diseases
The evolution of virulence
Phylodynamics: integrating evolutionary biology and epidemiology
Macroparasite (parasite) fundamentals
Patterns and process of distribution
R0 in macros and control through anthelmintic application
Impact on host— fecundity, survival, subtle effects
Models and host regulation
Macroparasites in a food web
Parasites and biodiversity
Host specificity and manipulating host behavior for transmission
The effect of parasites on biodiversity
The role of parasites in ecosystem functioning
Threats of parasites on biodiversity
GRADING: Grades will be based on 4 exams and a project.
Exam 1
20%
Exam 2
20%
Exam 3
20%
Final Exam
30%
Project, Presentation
10%
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WILD 491 Spring 2017 Syllabus
PROJECT: In the last week of class students will give a short presentation on an emerging
infectious disease of their choosing, providing testimony for funding future research. Students
should address background on the disease, what we currently know, why more research is
needed, and a potential direction for future studies. Marks will be given for style, content, clarity,
knowledge, proposed research, initiatives in experimentation and modeling.
PLAGARISM: Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in failing the course.
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE: All students must practice academic honesty. Academic
misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary
sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: The University of Montana assures equal access to
instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability
Services for Students (DSS). If you think you may have a disability adversely affecting your
academic performance, and you have not already registered with DSS, please contact DSS in
Lommason 154 or 406.243.2243. I will work with you and DSS to provide an appropriate
modification.
GRADING OPTION: Please note, this class is offered for traditional letter grade only, it is not
offered under the credit/no credit option.
GRADING SCALE:
93-100: A
90-92: A88-89: B+
83-87: B
80-82: B78-79: C+
73-77: C
70-72: C68-69: D+
63-67: D
60-62: D<60: F
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