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701-0263-01L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST , D-USYS

Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Bonhoeffer, Prof. Dr. Roland Robert Regös

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:19

Abstract

Students of this course will discuss current topics from the field of infectious disease biology. From a list of publications, each student chooses some themes that he/she is going to explain and discuss with all other participants and under supervision. The actual topics will change from year to year corresponding to the progress and new results occuring in the field.

Objective

This is an advanced course that will require significant student participation. Students will learn how to evaluate and present scientific literature and trace the development of ideas related to understanding the ecology and evolutionary biology of infectious diseases.

Content

A core set of ~10 classic publications encompassing unifying themes in infectious disease ecology and evolution, such as virulence, resistance, metapopulations, networks, and competition will be presented and discussed. Pathogens will include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hosts will include animals, plants and humans.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Publications and class notes can be downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture.

Literature

Papers will be assigned and downloaded from a web page announced during the lecture.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Students will need to attend all sessions, with a maximum of two absences, to receive credit for the course. Students will need to make at least one presentation and to participate in discussions that follow each presentation.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 30

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Ecology and Evolution
  - B. Concept Courses and Applications
    - Advanced Concept Classes
- Major in Human Health, Nutrition and Environment
  - Infectious Diseases
Agricultural Sciences Master
- Major in Animal Sciences
  - Disciplinary Competences
    - Livestock Biology
- Major in Plant Sciences
  - Disciplinary Competences
    - Crop Health
Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Environmental Sciences
    - Ecology and Evolution
Health Sciences and Technology Master
- Major in Human Health, Nutrition and Environment
  - Electives
    - Elective Courses II
      - Module: Infectious Diseases (Students majoring in Human Health, Nutrition and Environment: At least one of the courses listed in this module must be selected.)