POPLHLTH 103G Epidemics: Black Death to Bioterrorism

This course explores the concept of the epidemic – the emergence of diseases or conditions affecting many individuals at the same time. It examines epidemics caused by micro-organisms, environmental contaminants, lifestyle choices and self-harming behaviours.

The course:

• Covers historical epidemics from Black Death to coronary heart disease.
• Examines modern-day examples such as influenza, obesity, and problem gambling.
• Explores the concept of social contagion, from nun-biting to alien abduction.

This course aims to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of:

• The nature of epidemics.
• Their possible causes and social responses.
• Actions that might be taken to prevent or to bring an epidemic under control.

Students who are interested learning about the causes and effects of epidemics throughout history as well as in modern times. A health background is not necessary for this course.
 

1. To demonstrate an understanding of the nature and cause of different types of epidemics.
2. To have an awareness of the historical background of epidemics and an understanding of contemporary epidemics in New Zealand and world-wide.
3. To have a more detailed understanding of actions that might be taken by society to monitor, manage and prevent one modern epidemic.

The course is split into topic categories:

• Introduction
• Infectious epidemics
• Epidemics of chronic diseases
• Addictive epidemics
• Environmental epidemics
• Social contagion

Introduction
Lectures 1-6
Topics covered include:

• Introduction to epidemics
• Piercing memories
• Infectious epidemics in history
• Influenza epidemic of 1918
• Bio-terrorism
• Epidemics and geography

Infectious epidemics
Lectures 7-13
Topics covered include:

• Defending our bodies against bugs
• Vaccine controversies
• Measles
• Tuberculosis
• Ebola
• Control of group B meningococcal epidemic in New Zealand
• Possible pandemics

Epidemics of chronic diseases
Lectures 14-17
Topics covered include:

• Coronary heart disease epidemic
• Chronic disease in Maori/obesity epidemic
• Falls in the elderly
• Epidemic of happiness

Addictive epidemics
Lectures 18-21
Topics covered include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol and opioids
• Social contagion
• Recreational drugs

Environmental epidemics
Lectures 22-24
Topics covered include:

• Sun exposure and the epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency
• The silent epidemic
• Road crashes

Social contagion
Lectures 25-27
Topics covered include:

• Epidemic of gambling
• Demons
• Aliens and satanists
• Control of epidemics

All lectures are held at the City Campus (rooms TBA) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12 noon to 1pm.

• Weekly lectures
• Tutorials

Lectures or tutorials: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12 noon-1pm

• Assessment 1: Four multiple choice tests (5% each, total of 20%)
• Assessment 2: Assignment - essay outline – 5%; 2000 word essay – 25%
• Assessment 3: Final exam (50%)

No course book. All readings will be supplied.