BIOL 5555 - Ecology and Evolution of Parasites and Pathogens

Parasitism is arguably the most common lifestyle on earth. Most organisms are host to an entire community of parasites and pathogens. For example, humans host hundreds of parasite species and pathogens. The lectures and labs will address key concepts in the ecology and evolution of parasites and pathogens, such as: origins of parasitism, evolution of virulence, disease ecology, host-parasite co-evolution and co-extinction, the role of parasites and pathogens in human history and the new field of Darwinian Medicine. It is recommended that BIOL 3410 is completed prior to or concurrently with this course.