Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019
Environmental Sciences Master | ||||||
Major in Human Health, Nutrition and Environment | ||||||
Infectious Diseases | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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701-0263-01L | Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases | W | 3 credits | 2G | R. R. Regös, S. Bonhoeffer | |
Abstract | Students of this course will discuss current topics from the field of infectious disease biology. From a list of publications, each student chooses some themes that he/she is going to explain and discuss with all other participants and under supervision. The actual topics will change from year to year corresponding to the progress and new results occuring in the field. | |||||
Learning objective | This is an advanced course that will require significant student participation. Students will learn how to evaluate and present scientific literature and trace the development of ideas related to understanding the ecology and evolutionary biology of infectious diseases. | |||||
Content | A core set of ~10 classic publications encompassing unifying themes in infectious disease ecology and evolution, such as virulence, resistance, metapopulations, networks, and competition will be presented and discussed. Pathogens will include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hosts will include animals, plants and humans. | |||||
Lecture notes | Publications and class notes can be downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture. | |||||
Literature | Papers will be assigned and downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture. | |||||
701-1471-00L | Ecological Parasitology Number of participants limited to 20. A minimum of 6 students is required that the course will take place. Waiting list will be deleted on 27.09.2019. | W | 3 credits | 1V + 1P | J. Jokela, C. Vorburger | |
Abstract | Course focuses on the ecology and evolution of macroparasites and their hosts. Through lectures and practical work, students learn about diversity and natural history of parasites, adaptations of parasites, ecology of host-parasite interactions, applied parasitology, and human macroparasites in the modern world. | |||||
Learning objective | 1. Identify common macroparasites in aquatic organisms. 2. Understand ecological and evolutionary processes in host-parasite interactions. 3. Conduct parasitological research | |||||
Content | Lectures: 1. Diversity and natural history of parasites (i.e. systematic groups and life-cycles). 2. Adaptations of parasites (e.g. evolution of life-cycles, host manipulation). 3. Ecology of host-parasite interactions (e.g. parasite communities, effects of environmental changes). 4. Ecology and evolution of parasitoids and their applications in biocontrol 5. Human macroparasites (schistosomiasis, malaria). Practical exercises: 1. Examination of parasitoids of aphids. 2. Examination of parasites in molluscs (identification and examination of host exploitation strategies). 3. Examination of parasites in amphipods (identification and examination of effects on hosts). | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The three practicals will take place at the 1.10.2019, the 15.10.2019 and the 5.11.2019 at Eawag Dübendorf from 08:15 - 12:00. Note that each practical takes 2 hours longer than the weekly lecture. | |||||
701-1703-00L | Evolutionary Medicine for Infectious Diseases Number of participants limited to 35. | W | 3 credits | 2G | A. Hall | |
Abstract | This course explores infectious disease from both the host and pathogen perspective. Through short lectures, reading and active discussion, students will identify areas where evolutionary thinking can improve our understanding of infectious diseases and, ultimately, our ability to treat them effectively. | |||||
Learning objective | Students will learn to (i) identify evolutionary explanations for the origins and characteristics of infectious diseases in a range of organisms and (ii) evaluate ways of integrating evolutionary thinking into improved strategies for treating infections of humans and animals. This will incorporate principles that apply across any host-pathogen interaction, as well as system-specific mechanistic information, with particular emphasis on bacteria and viruses. | |||||
Content | We will cover several topics where evolutionary thinking is relevant to understanding or treating infectious diseases. This includes: (i) determinants of pathogen host range and virulence, (ii) dynamics of host-parasite coevolution, (iii) pathogen adaptation to evade or suppress immune responses, (iv) antimicrobial resistance, (v) evolution-proof medicine. For each topic there will be a short (< 20 minutes) introductory lecture, before students independently research the primary literature and develop discussion points and questions, followed by interactive discussion in class. | |||||
Literature | The focus is on primary literature, but for some parts the following text books provide good background information: Schmid Hempel 2011 Evolutionary Parasitology Stearns & Medzhitov 2016 Evolutionary Medicine | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | A basic understanding of evolutionary biology, microbiology or parasitology will be advantageous but is not essential. | |||||
551-0223-00L | Immunology III | W | 4 credits | 2V | M. Kopf, S. B. Freigang, J. Kisielow, S. R. Leibundgut, A. Oxenius, C. Schneider, E. Slack, R. Spörri, L. Tortola | |
Abstract | This course provides a detailed understanding of - development of T and B cells - the dynamics of a immune response during acute and chronic infection - mechanisms of immunopathology - modern vaccination strategies Key experimental results will be shown to help understanding how immunological text book knowledge has evolved. | |||||
Learning objective | Obtain a detailed understanding of - the development, activation, and differentiation of different types of T cells and their effectormechanisms during immune responses, - Recognition of pathogenic microorganisms by the host cells and molecular events thereafter, - events and signals for maturation of naive B cells to antibody producing plasma cells and memory B cells. - Optimization of B cell responses by intelligent design of new vaccines | |||||
Content | o Development and selection of CD4 and CD8 T cells, natural killer T cells (NKT), and regulatory T cells (Treg) o NK T cells and responses to lipid antigens o Differentiation, characterization, and function of CD4 T cell subsets such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 o Overview of cytokines and their effector function o Co-stimulation (signals 1-3) o Dendritic cells o Evolution of the "Danger" concept o Cells expressing Pattern Recognition Receptors and their downstream signals o T cell function and dysfunction in acute and chronic viral infections | |||||
Literature | Documents of the lectures are available for download at: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=2581¬ifyeditingon=1 | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Immunology I and II recommended but not compulsory | |||||
752-4009-00L | Molecular Biology of Foodborne Pathogens | W | 3 credits | 2V | M. Loessner, M. Schuppler | |
Abstract | The course offers detailed information on selected foodborne pathogens and toxin producing organisms; the focus lies on relevant molecular biological aspects of pathogenicity and virulence, as well as on the occurrence and survival of these organisms in foods. | |||||
Learning objective | Detailed and current status of research and insights into the molecular basis of foodborne diseases, with focus on interactions of the microorganism or the toxins they produce with the human system. Understanding the relationship between specific types of food and the associated pathogens and microbial risks. Another focus lies on the currently available methods and techniques useful for the various purposes, i.e., detection, differentiation (typing), and antimicrobial agents. | |||||
Content | Molecular biology of infectious foodborne pathogens (Listeria, Vibrio, E. coli, Campylobacter, etc) and toxin-producing organisms (Bacillus, Clostridium, Staphylococcus). How and under which conditions will toxins and virulence factors be produced, and how do they work? How is the interaction between the human host and the microbial pathogen? What are the roles of food and the environment ? What can be done to interfere with the potential risks? Which methods are best suited for what approach? Last, but not least, the role of bacteriophages in microbial pathogenicity will be highlighted, in addition to various applications of bacteriophage for both diagnostics and antimicrobial intervention. | |||||
Lecture notes | Electronic copies of the presentation slides (PDF) and additional material will be made available for download to registered students. | |||||
Literature | Recommendations will be given in the first lecture | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Lectures (2 hours) will be held as a single session of approximately 60+ minutes (10:15 until approx. 11:15 h), without break ! |
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