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Back to Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases by The Pennsylvania State University

4.8
stars
1,561 ratings

About the Course

Not so long ago, it was almost guaranteed that you would die of an infectious disease. In fact, had you been born just 150 years ago, your chances of dying of an infectious disease before you've reached the tender age of 5 would have been extremely high. Since then, science has come a long way in understanding infectious diseases - what they are, how they spread, and how they can be prevented. But diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, or the flu are still major killers worldwide, and novel emerging diseases are a constant threat to public health. In addition, the bugs are evolving. Antibiotics, our most potent weapon against bacterial infections, are losing their power because the bacteria are becoming resistant. In this course, we'll explore the major themes of infectious diseases dynamics. After we’ve covered the basics, we'll be looking at the dynamics of the flu, and why we're worried about flu pandemics. We'll be looking at the dynamics of childhood diseases such as measles and whooping cough, which were once considered almost eradicated, but are now making a comeback. We'll explore Malaria, and use it as a case study of the evolution of drug resistance. We'll even be looking at social networks - how diseases can spread from you to your friends to your friends' friends, and so on. And of course we’ll be talking about vaccination too. We’ll also be talking about how mobile phones, social media and crowdsourcing are revolutionizing disease surveillance, giving rise to a new field of digital epidemiology. And yes, we will be talking about Zombies - not human zombies, but zombie ants whose brains are hijacked by an infectious fungus. We're looking forward to having you join us for an exciting course!...

Top reviews

PP

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The information was well suited for the pandemic that we are dealing with right now in 2020. I enjoyed all the lectures and learned a wealth of information I hadn't known before.

DW

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The instructors were very good and many of there examples were very interesting. Of particular interest to me, was the story of the Irish potato famine and the the zombie ants.

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351 - 375 of 389 Reviews for Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

By Mariana a

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Oct 25, 2015

Fantastic Course! great content and compelling presenters. It really opens your eyes to infectious diseases and all perspectives it braces, science, social aspects, biology, ecology. I recommend for bio/science folks.

By Viktor D

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Apr 12, 2017

Very good, connected also to relatively recent outbreaks. Maybe some miniquiz/few question after each block would be nice to sum it up and help with preparing for quiz after whole week.

By Claire L M

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May 3, 2020

Very interesting course that gives good basic knowledge on infectious diseases and epidemiology. Really enjoyed it and very relevant in the current context of COVID-19

Thank you!

By Amr O

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Jan 12, 2021

There were some racial expression in vaccination module towards Muslims, so I hope from the instructors to leave the religions and focus on the scientific concept

By rydham g

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Apr 30, 2020

The concepts are taught very well but felt that it was a bit superficial. They should go a bit deeper into each topic. Overall the course is very good

By Erik B

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Jan 31, 2017

Pro: All topics seem to be covered, full overview of this field.

Con: Please, please, get rid of the childish drawings and get som serious artwork.

By Ester

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Aug 14, 2020

Really enjoyed this course, the lecturers and content. It is ever so slightly dated, and some phrasing could be changed, but overall very good!

By Nithyassree M

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Aug 1, 2020

This is an extremely informative, easy to understand course that I will recommend to anyone that is interested in learning about epidemiology.

By Dr. K L

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Aug 13, 2020

It was an informative course where we can learn from basics to modern infections that are damaging the host.overall a very great course

By Ediri M

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Apr 9, 2017

Really interesting course if you want to be more informed about the dynamics of global disease transmission and emergency responses

By Chris J

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Dec 21, 2017

Excellent big picture overview of epidemics with very knowledgeable faculty bringing a wealth of expertise to the course.

By Luis A H D A

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Aug 14, 2024

curso muy antiguo . no se ha tratado sobre la pandemia del COVID 19 Y otras epidemia recientes en los ultimo 8 años

By RITUPARNA P

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Jun 28, 2021

Doing this course in 2021 felt like living everything being taught. Very enlightening, well explained.

By Dwayne P

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Oct 10, 2017

Thank you for all the effort the team put in to make this course. It is an amazing course, learnt so.

By JOHN Q

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Sep 9, 2015

Nice course and extremely we'll presented. Cood ideas and the presenters also did a great job.

By Wojciech W

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Feb 2, 2019

Very interesting course with many wonderful information presented in funny and engaging way.

By Mark

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Feb 12, 2017

Very thorough and comprehensive course--all lessons are in easily-understandable English

By C S

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Apr 9, 2020

the course and lecturers are very good, the means of interaction is limited though.

By Celeste F

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Jan 19, 2021

Would love to learn more! Intermediate or advanced level to build on this!

By Anais S

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Jun 21, 2016

Some of the lectures were a little dull but the information was fantastic!

By Darla C

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Apr 11, 2020

A few spelling errors and minor bibs in videos but overall very good

By Ryan R

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Jan 24, 2016

The test difficulty was a lot easier than the actual course content.

By Alicia U V

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Sep 29, 2015

Really good material. Lectures are fun to watch and easy to follow.

By Brendan T

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Sep 21, 2016

Great course, will def be looking for more like this.

By Drashti S

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Aug 26, 2020

nice to learning about diseases