Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - HSCI 478 D100

Seminar in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

Class Number: 5804

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 230 (or 330) and MBB 331, with a minimum grade of C- as prerequisites or corequisites.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Application of modern molecular methods to epidemiological questions. Globally-relevant and emerging infectious diseases will be highlighted. Students with credit for HSCI 432 in 2010 may not complete HSCI 478 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This senior 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.

Specific topics covered include:
1) overview of molecular epidemiology
2) open science for public health
3) pathogen variations
4) host variations
5) traditional molecular epidemiology techniques
6) modern molecular epidemiology techniques
7) phylogenetics
8) genomic epidemiology
9) molecular epidemiology of bacteria (TB)
10) phylodynamic analysis
11) molecular epidemiology of viruses (influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2)
12) genome-wide association studies (Salmonella)


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.

Grading

  • 6 In-class Quizzes 30%
  • 2 Data-analysis Assignments 20%
  • Oral Presentation (group) 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

The professor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty / University regulations.

This course is offered in-person, and six in-class quizzes (5% each; 20 min each) will count towards your final grade. If you miss any of the quizzes, the points will be re-distributed towards your final exam grade.

Students will also do a short oral presentation on a current paper related to molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases.

REQUIREMENTS:

Two data analysis assignments will require that you have access to computers that have internet access.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for this course.  Instead, required readings will be in the form of primary and review articles in scientific journals; these articles will be uploaded to Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.