3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Upper Division
Study of the ecological and evolutionary complexity inherent to host-pathogen interactions. Includes case studies from a diverse array of systems, including plants, animals, aquatic and terrestrial systems. Emphasis is on the interactions between multiple hosts and pathogens within complex, dynamic environments. Introduction to parasite and pathogen diversity, host-pathogen coevolution, community ecology and the importance of pathogens in conservation and management.
Learning Outcomes1Evaluate the roles played by the diversity of parasites and pathogens found in complex natural systems.
2Apply the foundational principles of disease ecology - the importance of hosts, pathogens, and the environment - to understanding disease dynamics in natural systems.
3Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different modeling approaches in disease ecology.
4Understand how disease models are used in management and conservation.
5Apply both ecological and evolutionary theory to examine the impact of infectious disease on host populations, communities, and ecosystems.
6Demonstrate an understanding of patterns in pathogen diversity and abundance across landscape to regional scales.
7Articulate understanding of disease ecology through written and oral communication.
8Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific literature and an ability to critically evaluate this research for an interdisciplinary topic.
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Attachments
made by Purdue students.