This course examines infectious disease as an ecological and evolutionary phenomenon, exploring how pathogens interact with hosts, vectors, and environments across scales.
The course syllabus is shown below.
Draft syllabus. This is a scaffold for the concentration. Dates, meeting times, and specific assignments will be finalized before the semester begins.
Course title and instructors
Title: BIO340: Infectious Disease Ecology
Semester: TBD
Credit Hours: 3
Meeting Time: TBD
Course Director: Michael E. DeWitt, MS
Email: medewitt@wakehealth.edu or dewime23@wfu.edu
Course description
This course explores the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We examine how pathogens spread through host populations, how host–pathogen relationships evolve, and how ecological context — biodiversity, environment, and human activity — shapes disease dynamics. Topics include the ecology of transmission, reservoir and vector dynamics, zoonotic spillover, the evolution of virulence, and the One Health framework linking human, animal, and environmental health. Students will read primary literature and connect ecological theory to real outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the ecological processes that govern infectious disease transmission
- Explain how host, pathogen, vector, and environment interact to shape disease dynamics
- Apply evolutionary principles to host–pathogen systems, including the evolution of virulence and resistance
- Analyze the pathways and drivers of zoonotic spillover and disease emergence
- Interpret the One Health framework and its role in disease ecology
- Critically read and discuss primary research literature in disease ecology
Textbook and other resources
There is no single required textbook. Recommended references and readings include:
- Ecology of Infectious Diseases (selected chapters and reviews)
- Plowright RK, et al. Pathways to zoonotic spillover. Nat Rev Microbiol 2017;15:502–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.45
- Taylor LH, Latham SM, Woolhouse MEJ. Risk factors for human disease emergence. Phil Trans R Soc B 2001;356:983–9. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2001.0888
- Lloyd-Smith JO, et al. Epidemic dynamics at the human-animal interface. Science 2009;326:1362–7. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1177345
Additional primary literature will be assigned throughout the semester.
Course structure and schedule
This course meets over 15 weeks and combines lecture with literature discussion. The schedule below is a draft outline of topics.
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to disease ecology and the One Health framework |
| 2 | Hosts, pathogens, vectors, and reservoirs |
| 3 | The ecology of transmission |
| 4 | Density- vs. frequency-dependent transmission |
| 5 | Population dynamics of infectious disease |
| 6 | The basic reproduction number and thresholds |
| 7 | Biodiversity and the dilution effect |
| 8 | Vector-borne disease ecology |
| 9 | Zoonoses and spillover |
| 10 | Drivers of disease emergence |
| 11 | Evolution of virulence |
| 12 | Coevolution and host resistance |
| 13 | Climate change and shifting disease ranges |
| 14 | Case studies in emerging infectious disease |
| 15 | Student presentations and wrap-up |
Note: Specific dates will be provided at the beginning of the semester. Topics may be adjusted based on class progress and student interests.
Grades and assignments
| Activity | Weight |
|---|---|
| Participation and literature discussion | 20% |
| Reading responses | 20% |
| Exams | 30% |
| Final project | 30% |
Final project: Students will investigate an infectious disease system of their choosing through the lens of disease ecology, synthesizing primary literature into a written report and presentation.
Course policies
Attendance: Regular attendance is expected, particularly for discussion sessions. Please alert the instructor if you are unable to attend for any reason.
Late/Makeup work: Assignments are due on the dates provided. We recognize that extenuating circumstances arise, and assignments may be submitted up to 2 days late without penalty. If you need an extension, contact the instructor as soon as possible and before the due date.
Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence tools and large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are now part of the academic and professional landscape and we encourage you to find ways to use them to enhance your learning. However, if you use these tools, you must cite your sources and provide a detailed description of the tools you used to complete the assignment. In no way can these tools take the place of your own work and understanding of the material. They should be used to supplement your learning, not replace it. You are ultimately responsible for your work including content and the use of valid citations and references. Using these tools without proper attribution is plagiarism and will be treated as such.
Department/School/University policies
Academic Integrity: Wake Forest University is committed to a culture of academic integrity. As a part of this community, you share the responsibility for creating a place of honesty, intellectual curiosity, and individual accountability. As you committed to with your honor pledge signature, you agree “not to deceive any member of the community; not to steal, cheat, or plagiarize on academic work; and not to engage in any other form of academic misconduct.” If you have questions about documenting your work, working with external sources, or working with peers on assigned work, consult with me as soon as possible. Instances of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Honor and Ethics Council.
Accessibility: Wake Forest University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation, please contact me privately as early in the term as possible. Retroactive accommodations will not be provided. Students requiring accommodations must also consult the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (118 Reynolda Hall, 336-758-5929, class.wfu.edu).
Accommodations for Religious or Spiritual Practices: Wake Forest University benefits from the multitude of faiths and spiritual identities held by members of our learning community. Should you need accommodations this semester, email me as soon as possible to ensure we have time to develop equitable alternatives.
Class recordings: In case any class recordings are provided, they are reserved only for students in this class for educational purposes and are protected under FERPA. The recordings should not be shared outside the class in any form.
Syllabus change notice
This syllabus and the dates herein are subject to change.