Small Creatures, Big Impact: Vectors of Human Disease
BIOL 308
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| This course may be repeated for credit. |
This course will discuss the connection between public health and vector-borne disease (illness transmitted to humans through insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies). By understanding the role of entomology (study of insects) in global burden of these diseases, students will gain an understanding of why vector-borne disease account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Part 1 of this course will cover the biology and ecology of key vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, snails, sandflies, kissing bugs, and flies, which are responsible for transmitting pathogens like malaria, dengue, Zika, West Nile, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Schistosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, sleeping sickness, and many others. Students will learn about insect physiology, vector/parasite behavior, life cycles, and the environmental conditions that influence their populations. We will also explore vector control strategies and the impact of climate change on vector-borne disease transmission. In part 2 students will understand how limited access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions increase the risk of disease transmission by providing vectors the ability to thrive. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing disease surveillance, and implementing sustainable vector control strategies. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the public health implications of vector-borne disease in developing countries and the entomological factors that contribute to disease burden worldwide, including epidemiology, prevention, and vector control methods. We will examine the socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases and discuss strategies for effective intervention and policy-making. By understanding these unique challenges, students will gain insights into the global health disparities and the importance of tailored public health approaches. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: (BIOL181 OR MB&B181) AND (BIOL182 OR MB&B182) |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Biology) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
TBD
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Examinations and Assignments:
2 exams, 1 group presentation, and 1 group debate session |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Course will be taught by Dr. Rafael Pimenta |
| Instructor(s): Pimenta,Rafael Nacif Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: SCIE189; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 14 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 3 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 2 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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