The course explores the ecological processes that influence disease patterns in natural populations. The course will cover topics relating to the dynamics of infectious diseases and population interactions in natural ecosystems, examined in the context of emerging health risks for human, wildlife and domestic animal populations from a diversity of ecological, socio-economic and political perspectives.

This option is assigned to block S2-C. There is normally one 3-hour session on Thursdays. 

None

The course will be assessed by means of a 2-hour examination (70%) and in-course assessment consisting of a written assignment based around a real-life disease investigation/management scenario (30%). 

The aim of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the principles and practice of disease ecology, focusing particularly on disease processes in natural systems. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Discuss population and immunological processes that affect spatial and temporal patterns of diseases in natural populations; 

■ Critically discuss the basic principles of epidemiological modelling; 

■ Critically evaluate different approaches used to investigate, prevent and control diseases in natural ecosystems; 

■ Evaluate the broader environmental, social, economic and political implications of infectious diseases affecting natural populations; 

■ Evaluate and critically appraise different approaches to the management or investigation of diseases in different real-world scenarios.