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View current course offerings at the Office of the Registrar. Undergraduate courses SPHU 1020 THE CELL, THE INDIVIDUAL, AND THE COMMUNITY (3)
Professor Rajan.
This course provides a foundation of knowledge about the human body in health and disease. It gives an overview of important concepts on the biological mechanisms of disease at the cellular, individual, and population/community levels. The course will focus on a natural progression in the development of health and disease, moving from a discussion of the cell, to the individual, and finally, to specific infectious or chronic disease states and processes. The role of the community in public health will be emphasized. This course is designed to provide a good foundation in the mechanisms of health and disease. Furthermore, each lecture will offer insights into current public health topics and research trends. Each lecture on a specific disease or condition will address the following: public health impact, mechanisms of disease, topics of special importance and a scientific update on research in the field. See Learning Objectives Graduate courses
TRMD 6050 MEDICAL HELMINTHOLOGY (2)
Professor McLellan.
The study of parasitic worms with special reference to those causing human disease. In lecture and laboratory, the student is acquainted with the different groups of helminths, their zoological classification, structural characteristics, life cycles, geographic distribution, methods of transmission, reservoir hosts, location, and tissue damage produced in the human body; host's immunologic responses; laboratory diagnosis and methods of treatment and control. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6060 MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY (3)
Professor Wesson.
Designed to provide the fundamental information necessary for understanding the role of arthropods in the transmission of pathogens causing human disease. Following a brief review of the general anatomy, physiology, and classification of arthropods, individual groups of medical importance are considered in detail in regard to the recognition of important species, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of associated diseases, and the principles and methods of vector control. Lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6070 MEDICAL PROTOZOOLOGY (2)
Professor Wiser. Prerequisite: Undergraduate biology course.
The basic biology of protozoa capable of infecting humans as well as the clinical manifestations of the diseases they cause will be covered. Topics covered will include life cycles, morphological features, host-parasite interactions, geographical distribution, reservoir hosts, methods of transmission and control, pathology, immunological aspects, and laboratory and clinical diagnosis. The biological and clinical perspectives gained in this course will assist students in the practical recognition, evaluation, and management of problems in public health or clinical practice involving protozoa that infect humans. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6080 MEDICAL PROTOZOOLOGY LABORATORY (1)
Professor Wiser.
This course provides students with training in the use of a microscope and the identification of medically important protozoa in fecal, blood, tissue, and other specimens. Laboratory exercises will focus upon the detection and recognition of parasitic protozoa in prepared samples. Students will learn how to distinguish the various protozoa which infect humans and be able to identify protozoa in clinical and histological preparations. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6090 PARASITOLOGY Lab (1)
Professor Wiser.
The identification of medically important parasites relies heavily upon macroscopic and microscopic examination of clinical specimens. In this course students will learn the basic principles of identifying parasitic helminthes and protozoa in blood, feces, and tissue specimens. Prepared specimens of the major helminth and protozoan pathogens of humans will be provided for macroscopic and microscopic examination. Students will learn the basic operations of the microscope and how to identify and distinguish the various helminthes and protozoa. Samples demonstrating the pathological features of the disease will also be provided. The techniques for preparing diagnostic specimens of parasites in blood and feces will be reviewed. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6170 IMMUNOLOGY (3)
Professor James.
Designed for students of medicine and allied health fields with the aim of providing information necessary for understanding the immune system. Following a comprehensive consideration of both cellular and humoral immunity and the complement system, attention is given to the role of the immune system in resistance to infection and the pathogenesis of disease. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6230 METHODS IN CELL BIOLOGY (3)
Professor Wiser.
This course provides students with an introduction and broad overview to the basic biochemical, molecular and immunological techniques that are commonly used in biomedical research. Topics covered include: analysis and characterization of macromolecules, recombinant DNA, and immunological assays. The theory behind the various techniques, practical applications, and the general procedures for carrying them out will be described. This course is not routinely offered, but will be offered if there is sufficient student interest. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6240 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY METHODS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH (2)
Professor Wiser.
Molecular methods and genomics are being applied to public health issues with increasing frequency. Molecular epidemiology is now regarded as an integral component of many epidemiological and outbreak studies. Therefore, it will be increasingly necessary for public health practitioners to have a basic understanding of molecular methods. A major focus of the course will be a description of methods that are commonly used in molecular epidemiology. Such methods include: serology, immunoblotting, RFLP, and PCR. Specific examples and applications, such as pathogen typing, antigenic variation and drug resistance, will also be discussed. Other topics include: 1) genomics and the analysis of DNA and protein sequence data in databases, 2) recombinant DNA including transgenic organisms and gene therapy, and 3) molecular phylogenetics as it applies to public health. After taking the course students will have a good fundamental background in molecular methods as they are applied to public health and be familiar with the terminology of molecular biology, thus giving students a better access to the scientific literature. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6310 CLINICAL TROPICAL MEDICINE (2)
Professor McLellan. Physicians, nurses, or senior medical students only.
This course provides a substantial introduction to the major diseases of tropical and developing countries. Emphasis is placed on important parasitic diseases, gastroenteritis, and vaccine preventable diseases. Course material focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases; epidemiological characteristics, control methods, and current research directions are also described. Lectures feature recognized authorities with firsthand experience in the tropics. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6320 PREVENTIVE TROPICAL MEDICINE (2)
Professor Oberhelman.
This course presents the basic principles of preventive medicine in the context of the special environment (physical, biological, and social) of tropical developing countries. Emphasis is placed upon the prevention and control of infectious diseases of major public health importance. Vaccine preventable diseases are given special emphasis. In addition to presenting concepts and theoretical methods of disease control, detailed examples of actual programs are provided. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6330 MICROBIAL DISEASES OF THE TROPICS (2)
Professor Rajan.
This course introduces students to the most important bacterial, viral, and mycotic pathogens in the tropics and to clinical features of the associated diseases. The course will focus on topics not ordinarily covered in depth in U.S. medical schools, such as cholera, tuberculosis, leprosy, arboviral infections, and hemorrhagic fevers, among others. The course will be team taught by both microbiologists and clinicians. Topics covered will include geographic distribution, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical features of relevant diseases, immunologic considerations, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and control. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6340 DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY METHODS IN MICROBIOLOGY (1)
Professor Silio. Physicians, nurses, or senior medical students only.
This laboratory course parallels topics presented in TRMD 633. The course is designed to teach students how to perform basic laboratory tests using simple techniques applicable to developing countries. Most of these will be diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, although some clinically relevant non-diagnostic techniques will also be taught (e.g., complete blood counts). The bulk of the course consists of hands-on laboratory experience conducting laboratory tests with clinical specimens and analyzing prepared teaching specimens. Procedures for organism isolation and identification and rapid diagnostic kits will be covered. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6350 DISEASE CONTROL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (2)
Professor Oberhelman. Medical professionals only.
This course is designed for students enrolled in the diploma in tropical medicine and traveler's health program to prepare them to recognize and contribute effectively to the public health needs of communities in developing countries. It includes four broad content areas: concepts of disease prevention and control with special reference to developing countries; assessment of community needs, and provision of basic preventive services; control of important endemic diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and cholera; and other topics such as outbreak investigation, disaster/refugee health programs, and sources of information, and other support from local and international organizations. The course will stress practical and local rather than theoretical and global considerations based on the needs of the practitioner working under relatively isolated conditions. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6360 CLINICAL TROPICAL MEDICINE CASE PRESENTATIONS (1)
Professor Silio. Medical professionals only.
Students and faculty present actual cases in tropical medicine, concentrating on differential diagnosis and case management. Cases will first be discussed based on history and physical exam alone (no lab data), followed by additional discussion of laboratory results. Subjects covered in case presentations include acute diarrhea, fevers, anemia, malnutrition, respiratory distress, and altered mental status. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6420 TROPICAL VIROLOGY (3)
Professor Bausch.
This course covers the broad area of virology with an emphasis on viruses of public health concern in developing and tropical countries. Both historically problematic and emerging viruses are covered. Topics include the molecular biology, epidemiology, and pathology of selected viruses. Focus is placed on developing an understanding of the molecular aspects of the viral life cycle that give rise to transmission and pathogenic characteristics, especially in the context of the co-evolution of the virus and host. Additional topics include the interactions between the virus and host immune response, as well as viral control and the development of vaccines and anti-viral pharmaceuticals. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6450 TUBERCULOSIS: GLOBAL TRENDS AND INTERACTIONS WITH HIV (2)
Professor Rajan.
This course is designed as an overview of tuberculosis and the challenges posed by the dual epidemics of TB and HIV. The course comprises a series of lectures and case studies. Guest faculty are recognized experts in this area and bring extensive experience and case study material to the course. Field activities including a visit to the Wetmore Tuberculosis Clinic at Charity Hospital and a visit to the Tuberculosis Control Program at the Office of Public Health are offered. The course includes three broad content areas – basic concepts of tuberculosis disease and epidemiology, clinical manifestations and management; challenges posed by the interactions of Tuberculosis and HIV infection and global initiatives to integrate TB and HIV control programs; and issues in tuberculosis control with special reference to multidrug resistance, social aspects, and program strategies. The biological, clinical and programmatic perspectives gained from this course will assist students in interpretation and critique of programs and policies related to tuberculosis control. See Learning Objectives TRMD 6770 TROPICAL MEDICINE AND RESEARCH IN SIERRA LEONE (2)
Professor Jacquerioz
The course is an introduction to practical experiences in tropical medicine in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Students gain first-hand experience in confronting the opportunities and challenges to working in a resource-limited setting, learning about laboratory and field research, public health practice, and clinical medicine while enjoying the experience of a new culture. Teaching modalities include observing on medical rounds, taking part in ongoing research and field programs, visiting local and international non-governmental organizations involved in primary health care and control programs, and participating in interactive seminars taught by Tulane faculty and local health professionals. The course is integrated into the Tulane-affiliated research and capacity building program in Kenema, Sierra Leone that focuses on the study and prevention of Lassa fever, a class="bodytextblackmed"viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to the area. Among other activities, students will tour the state-of-the art virology laboratory recently established at the site, learn about field research on Lassa fever, and participate in prevention and educational activities with the Kenema Lassa Outreach Team. Students will be exposed to the broad spectrum of diseases that affect the local population and discuss how public health, research, and prevention programs can have an impact. To enhance the academic and cultural exchange, Tulane students are paired with Sierra Leonean counter-parts studying public health and laboratory science at Kenema’s Eastern Polytechnic Institute. Academic coursework includes readings, a written short report, and an oral presentation. Tulane students have the opportunity to stay on in Kenema after the course to conduct their required practicum activities in association with Tulane-affiliated research and public health projects. The 2-credit course is offered every June and there is no prerequisite. See Learning Objectives
TRMD 6780 GENOMICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH (2)
Professor Hong
This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who need to gain knowledge on current research topics and methods in molecular biology and genomics in public health sciences. The topics will include concepts of molecular biology, genome organization, and regulation of gene expression, genetic mapping, bioinformatics and genomics of vectors and hosts. For bioinformatics, introduction of bioinformatic databases will be taught. In addition, whole genome sequencing strategies, sequence search and analysis will be also discussed. Gaining knowledge of gene functions and their regulation is an integral part in biomedical sciences including public health education. To cover these topics, microarray gene expression studies (cDNA and oligo arrays) and functional assays for target genes of public health importance will be taught. This course will be offered via classroom and computer-lab lectures, in which students will have opportunities to perform sequence retrieval and analysis using sequence databases and web-based software. The emphasis of this course is to help students become competent in research involving genomics approaches. Research methods and concepts demonstrated in this course have broad applications in public health. See Learning Objectives
TRMD 6800 EMERGING PATHOGENS (2)
Professor Bausch.
This course provides students with an introduction to the factors involved in the emergence of pathogens causing human disease. Following a general overview of these factors, specific pathogens are examined with regard to historical and current relevance, emergence factors, surveillance, and control. Associated topics such as containment of research organisms, xenotransplantation, and bioterrorism are also considered. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7000 TROPICAL MEDICINE SEMINAR (1,1)
Professor McLellan (Fall Semester). Prerequisite: Clinical background. Professor Rajan (Spring Semester).
This seminar experience for MSPH students (TRMD 702) and MPH&TM students (TRMD 700) is intended to simulate a critical reading of the current literature and to ensure that each student learns to present important and potentially controversial data in a rigorous and careful fashion. Focuses on applied clinical tropical medicine rather than laboratory-based research. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7020 PARASITOLOGY SEMINAR (1,1)
Professor Wiser.
The seminar experience for MSPH students (TRMD 702) and MPH&TM students (TRMD 700) is intended to stimulate a critical reading of the current literature and to ensure that each student learns to present important and potentially controversial data in a rigorous and careful fashion. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7180 IMMUNOPARASITOLOGY (2)
Professor James. Prerequisite: TRMD 617.
Designed to provide students of medicine, the basic sciences and public health with an understanding of the role of immunity to parasitic infections. Special emphasis will be placed on current knowledge of mechanisms of immunity to protozoal and helminth infections that cause malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and filariasis, some of the most widespread and debilitating diseases still plaguing the world. Additional topics may be covered according to student needs and trends in the field. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7800 ADVANCED MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY (2)
Professor Wesson. Prerequisite: TRMD 606.
This is an advanced level course that emphasizes relationships between arthropods and the pathogens they transmit. Lectures and weekly readings from the primary literature will focus on aspects of vector-pathogeninteractions and ideas at the forefront of research to better understand the ecology and epidemiology of pathogen transmission. Designed for biologists and health professionals who will be involved with U.S. and international agencies responsible for tropical medicine research and disease control. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7820 MALARIA (2)
Professor Krogstad.
This is an advanced course which provides a rigorous approach to the basic and applied issues related to malaria. Areas covered in detail include malaria epidemiology and control strategies, parasite-vector relationships, vector control, cell biology, and biochemistry of the parasite red cell interaction, drug action and resistance mechanisms, parasite genetics and cell biology, and the immunologic aspects of malaria, including asexual and sexual stage candidate vaccine antigens. At the conclusion of the semester, students are expected to critically review current strategies and suggest and defend appropriate alternatives. See Learning Objectives TRMD 7960 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE RESIDENCY (0)
Third year/practicum. TRMD 7990 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-5)
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