This course delves into the fascinating and complex world of epidemics, exploring the causes, impacts, and responses to widespread phenomena affecting public health and society. We investigate epidemics across history, from the Black Death to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and analyse contemporary examples, such as influenza, the opioid crisis, smoking, and misinformation—the so-called "infodemic."
In addition to microbial epidemics, we examine non-infectious epidemics fuelled by environmental factors, lifestyle behaviors, and social influence. We will discuss unique cases of social contagion, including historical and modern examples of behaviours that spread like infectious diseases, such as “nun-biting,” mass psychogenic illness, and alien abduction claims.
Throughout the course, we will also draw from the recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, analysing its multifaceted impacts on health, society, and science communication.
Course Structure and Delivery:
Lectures (twice weekly): A rotating lineup of expert lecturers—each bringing unique perspectives from fields such as epidemiology, sociology, psychology, and public health—will lead lectures. These sessions will introduce core concepts, historical contexts, and current debates in the study of epidemics.
Tutorials (once weekly): Tutorials offer an interactive environment for discussion, case study analysis, and critical engagement with course material. Students will work in small groups to explore real-world scenarios, discuss readings, and debate epidemic responses across time and context.