Infectious diseases-a challenge to global health: clinical, social and preventive aspects, 4.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or vocational degree worth at least 180 higher education credits. Proficiency in the English language documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL with a total score of at least 79 (internet based), 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), IELTS with a total score of at least 6,0 (no band less than 5,0), or other documentation that certifies English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

After completion of the course the student should be able to: - Understand and describe the importance of the most burdensome communicable diseases in a global health perspective, including pathogenesis, treatment aspects, disease control mechanisms and research needs. - Have knowledge on global epidemiology of the most important infectious diseases and the capacity to view and discuss prevention aspects from a social, medical and ethical perspective. - Analyze factors affecting the use of anti-microbial drugs, both on macro and micro level, and analyze impacts of drug resistance on global health.

- The course covers broad aspects - from cell to society - of the most important infectious diseases from a global perspective, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, diagnostic methods, therapeutic management, drug resistance, prevention and the social context. - The following diseases will be given special emphasis: malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, HIV and tuberculosis. The specific characteristics of each of these diseases will be highlighted and discussed. - The global impact of resistance to anti-microbial drugs will be particularly recognized and factors affecting drug use, both on macro and micro level, will be discussed and analyzed. - Research needs to reduce the burden of infectious diseases from a global perspective will be illuminated

The course will consist of lectures, seminars, group work and practical exercises.

- Individual assignment. - Written report and oral presentation of group work. - Participation in lectures and group work is mandatory and absence will result in additional tasks that have to be fulfilled if it is assessed that the level of attendance is negatively influencing a student to achieve the learning outcomes. - Students who do not pass the examination on the first occasion are offered a maximum of five additional opportunities to sit the examination.

Students who previously attended the course may sit for the examination up to two years after the last course has been held.

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines established by the board of Education.