Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 212 D100

Perspectives on Infectious and Immunological Diseases (3)

Class Number: 2085

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2026
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An integrated survey of infectious diseases and their social and economic causes and consequences. Infectious agents, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses -- how they spread, how they work, and how they can be stopped. Surveillance, prevention, and management of infectious diseases and epidemics.

COURSE DETAILS:

HSCI 212 is an introductory course. Its chief objective is for students to gain foundational knowledge of infectious diseases from a multi-disciplinary perspective that includes basic aspects of microbial pathogenesis, infectious disease epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and societal impact.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students should be able to describe and discuss the role of key health science-related research disciplines in disease prevention and control, the interplay between agent/host/environment and other factors that influence disease spread and persistence, and the role of socio-economic status in disease transmission. In addition, students should be able to work cooperatively to demonstrate and communicate knowledge of infectious diseases to peers.

Grading

  • Tutorial attendance + participation 10%
  • Case studies/reports 25%
  • Assignments 50%
  • Exam 15%

NOTES:

TEACHING FORMAT: Modular units (covering select topics) taught in person along with weekday mandatory in-person tutorials.

REQUIREMENTS:

Tutorials are mandatory. Students must choose one of the available sessions.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no prescribed text for this course. In general, reading materials will be provided on or via the course website (Canvas).

RECOMMENDED READING:

A list of online resources to help support HSCI 212 students in writing assignments will be provided in the syllabus. 

Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic writing support and editorial assistance through Student Learning Commons

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.

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.