Proposing Faculty Member: Barbara Spinda,
Description: Zombies are here! Can you survive the zombie apocalypse? More importantly, do you know how to start a zombie apocalypse? Zombies are not so different from humans, except for a few key characteristics. This course explores scientific and technical issues in modern society through the lens of a potential zombie apocalypse. In this course, we are going to compare the similarities and differences of biology (and immunology) between humans and zombies. Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents of infectious diseases will be described and evaluated for their potential to create zombies. However, creating a zombie is not enough, it needs to spread to be effective. Applying scientific methods and interdisciplinary perspectives, you will explore disease development, transmission, progression, and prevention. You will also investigate the broader implications and ethical dimensions of scientific research and technological advancement. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply all of your knowledge and create the perfect zombie apocalypse.