PBH 450 - The History, Science, and Politics of Vaccines

(3 units) CO9, CO13

Exploration of the history, science, and politics of vaccines in the context of social issues, deadly epidemics, and rapid advances in vaccinology.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing; BIOL 100A or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall and Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. discuss the historical reasons for the current anti-vaccine movement, as demonstrated through debate, discussion and examinations, and list the potential outcomes on the public’s health.
2. demonstrate the ability to advocate for or against the use of vaccines using sound scientific information during class discussion, written assignments, and examinations.
3. document the importance of vaccines in improving public health as noted in written assignments and examinations.
4. utilize current public health information sources to track vaccine preventable diseases as demonstrated in a group problem solving assignment.
5. explore the political and social issues that effected vaccine development through the centuries, documented in the professional paper.
6. analyze how and why new vaccines may be developed as demonstrated in class discussions and examinations.

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