Biology: Epidemiology Program
Explore the intersection of hard science and global policy. Understand how the world responds to health crises—from emergency room triage to the international stage.
What is this program?
For Parents and Students: Epidemiology is more than just biology—it is the study of how diseases spread, who they affect, and how societies must react to stop them.
This unique course bridges the gap between scientific theory and real-world debate. We don't just teach students about viruses and bacteria; we teach them how governments, hospitals, and international organizations make high-stakes, life-or-death decisions. Students will step into the shoes of policymakers, doctors, and global leaders to navigate complex ethical and scientific dilemmas.
Why Epidemiology Matters
Scientific Literacy
In a rapidly changing world, understanding medical data and outbreak modeling is a crucial life skill. Students learn to read, analyze, and communicate complex health data effectively.
Ethical Decision Making
Resources are rarely infinite. Students learn how to approach "triage"—analyzing how limited resources like medicine, funding, and hospital beds are allocated during a crisis.
Debate Application
Public health is one of the most common topics in competitive debate. Mastering these concepts gives debaters a massive strategic advantage in rounds concerning policy, biology, and international relations.
Course Curriculum
Unit 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Class 1: Separating Levels of Epidemiology
In this class, students will learn about the medical, nationwide, and global scales of epidemiology—from emergency room triage to global coordination for pandemics. Students will learn to recognize layers of overlap and possible conflicting interests at different scales of epidemiology.
Unit 2: Policy at a Medical Scale
Examine how epidemiological policies are implemented at the medical and hospital level, focusing on patient care, local triage systems, and immediate localized outbreak responses.
Unit 3: Policy at a Nationwide Scale
Explore how governments and national health agencies (like the CDC or NHS) develop and enforce policies to manage public health crises, balance economic impacts, and coordinate large-scale responses.
Unit 4: Policy at a Global Scale
Understand the complex challenges and strategies of international cooperation in epidemiology. We will cover border closures, vaccine equity, and the roles of organizations like the WHO in worldwide pandemic response.