This course can be taken with the lab (ENTOM 3521) or lecture (ENTOM 3520) separately. The course offers a contemporary overview of insects and related forms and how they impact human and animal health.Concepts in medicine, entomology, genetics and evolution will be discussed within the context of public health.This is a good course for students interested in vector biology, medical school or careers in veterinary medicine.

Undergraduate and graduate students from entomology as well as other disciplines including pre-medical and veterinary students are encouraged to enroll. Introductory biology (BIO G 101-102) or consent from the instructor is a pre-requisite for the course.

This course is offered by lead instructor Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus and a team of faculty. Dr. Harrington teaches the malaria module, which covers malaria parasite and vector biology, epidemiology, clinical disease, social, cultural and political aspects of the disease and bioethics.The other two modules in the course are HIV/AIDS and maternal mortality.This is an excellent introduction for students interested in global health issues and is the main prerequisite for the global health minor.

For more information on the course and the global health minor, contact the course coordinator, Jeanne Moseley (jmm298@cornell.edu) in B15 Savage Hall.

Human diseases transmitted by insects and related forms (arthropods) have impacted human lives and society through history. This course focuses on the pathogens, parasites and arthropods causing human plagues. Special attention is paid to those plagues that have had the greatest impact on human culture and expression. Lectures are supplemented with readings and videos. Emerging diseases, bio-terrorism, and future plagues are addressed.

The goal of the course is to provide students with an appreciation of the co-evolution of pathogens, parasites and their arthropod vectors; anthropogenic changes in the environment that have facilitated the appearance of plagues; and the impact plagues have had on human suffering and cultures throughout history to the present day. The course can be taken for 2 or 3 credits. Students taking the course for 2 credits will attend 2 lectures each week (Monday, Wednesday) and will have a midterm and final exam. Students taking the course for three credits will participate in readings readings presentations/discussion each week (on Friday), weekly readings quizzes, and will have a comprehensive final project.

A current syllabus can be found on Blackboard.