3 credits
Spring 2026 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 Outcomes1Apply the foundational principles of disease ecology - the importance of hosts, pathogens and the environment in disease dynamics - to understand disease dynamics in natural systems.
2Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different modeling approaches in disease ecology.
3Understand how disease models are used in management and conservation.
4Apply both ecological and evolutionary theory to examine the impact of infectious disease on host populations, communities and ecosystems.
5Articulate understanding of disease ecology through written and oral communication.
6Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific literature and an ability to critically evaluate this research for an interdisciplinary topic.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.