Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HSCI 778 G100

Seminar in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

Class Number: 3341

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 303, 330, MBB 331, or permission from the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Application of modern molecular methods to epidemiological questions. Globally-relevant and emerging infectious diseases will be highlighted. The course will emphasize critical review of the current literature in the field. Students with credit for MBB 778 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar course will provide a broad overview of the application of modern molecular and genomics methods to infectious disease epidemiology. Topics will include the identification, classification, characterization, and monitoring of pathogens in human populations; the application of molecular methods to screening, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases; and the analysis of molecular and genomics data for disease. Globally relevant diseases will be highlighted.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundational knowledge of molecular and genomic epidemiology methods, the distribution of host and pathogen genetic diversity in populations, and an understanding of how genetic factors influence disease risk and outcomes. The assignments for this course will provide students with the opportunity to develop, or hone, their presentation skills, their ability to perform primary literature searches, as well as improve their reading, interpreting, critiquing and summarizing of primary research articles. Hands-on computational data analysis assignments are designed to show students state-of-the-art genomic epidemiology analytic solutions.

- Explain the techniques and applications of modern laboratory methods, including phylogenetic analyses, to the identification, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases

- Describe how host and pathogen genetic variation is distributed globally and enumerate examples of how such variation influences disease acquisition risk and disease outcomes

- Explain how information on pathogen genetic variation is (and can be) incorporated in the design of intervention strategies (e.g.: vaccines, therapeutics)

- Conduct basic literature searches

- Conduct basic genomic epidemiological data analysis

- Demonstrate competence in reading, interpreting and critiquing primary research articles and present the material in an accessible manner

Grading

  • In Class Participation 20%
  • 3 Data Analysis Assignments [10% each] 30%
  • 2 In class Midterms [10% each] 20%
  • Final Team Project and Paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be in the form of primary and review articles in scientific journals. These will be made available on Canvas prior to the lecture.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.