Course Details

This course will provide an overview of virological, epidemiological, medical/clinical, behavioral, prevention (including medical/clinical, vaccine, behavioral), and psycho-social issues in regards to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Both national (US) and international perspectives will be presented.

As part of course requirements, students will create a glossary of five terms taken from readings or lectures, to be turned in twice weekly by midnight the day before each class period. In addition, students will be required to write a 15 page research paper whose goal is to contrast the AIDS epidemic with a current or historic disease epidemic. The paper will contrast the AIDS epidemic and disease epidemic chosen by the student in terms of epidemiology (disease transmission and spread), prevention (medical/clinical and/or behavioral), and impact (individual, family, community or global). Choice of contrasting/comparison epidemic must be approved by course instructors. Approval of comparison disease epidemic must occur by mid-quarter (April 30). Papers will be due last week of class (June 4).

An optional discussion group to discuss issues in more depth will be held after class on Thursdays.

The course grade is based on the weighting of the paper at 95%, 5% for glossary terms.