This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Infectious Diseases
UndergraduateMAQ-BIOX31302025
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $1,195
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Infectious Diseases
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to
- Identify emerging infectious diseases of significance to Australia, our region and the world.
- Define the principles of emergence and the re-emergence of infectious diseases within the One Health framework.
- Explain disease transmission theory including pathogen dynamics, host response, pathogen spread within a single species and between species, and zoonoses.
- Apply molecular laboratory skills to detect pathogens in populations and track origins of infection.
- Analyse and interpret disease notification data.
- Evaluate the authenticity of emerging infectious disease information in the public domain.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit will cover the fundamentals of emergence of disease in the context of global change. Beginning with an overview of the biology and ecology of different pathogens and progressing to their epidemiology, rapid evolution, and application of modern diagnostics for their detection, diagnosis and source tracking. Past and present epidemics and case studies will be used to investigate host-switching, evolution, adaptation, virulence and transmission theory. Approaches to investigating and managing emerging Infectious disease such as One Health and Planetary Health will also be explored in this unit.
Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Good Health and Well Being; Climate Action; Life on Land
- Emerging Infections in the Media (Print, Film/TV or radio) (30%)
- Outbreak investigations (40%)
- Conversation style article (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-BSC-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Science
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Others
40 credit points at 2000 level
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Block practical class
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subject offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-BSC-DEG