Courses and Curriculum
The Montana - Ecology of Infectious Disease (M-EID) program and curriculum are structured to require meaningful interaction between students and mentors from different scientific cultures and disciplines to enhance understanding of complex problems related to EID. To achieve the degree of integration and skill established for this training program, each Trainee will complete the following requirements:
Educational Activities of M-EID
- M-EID specific courses and seminars that develop expertise in key concepts of infectious diseases, ecology, and mathematical and computer sciences, as well as skills in communication, team building, education, and ethics. A detailed list of courses appears in the table below.
- Experimental Learning and Workshop Series - Participation in other M-EID activities, such as the Annual Retreat, annual Summer Institutes in conjunction with the Scholars-in-Residence program, monthly EID Forums, and an internship.
PhD degree requirements of the admitting department.
Any coursework necessary to develop the core disciplinary strength, as determined by the M-EID PhD Education committee.
COURSE |
WHEN |
DESCRIPTION |
OUTCOME |
Core Course on Ecology of Infectious Diseases: Cross-disciplinary concepts and practices |
1st semester |
Essential concepts, problems, and approaches based on published EID literature: biology, ecology, mathematical modeling, and computer simulation. Block format modeled after Subsurface Science Core Course |
Conceptual framework to complement the first semester of the Practicum. |
Communication Across the Sciences |
1st semester (seminar format, concurrent with practicum) |
Communication subjects that facilitate interdisciplinary scientific collaboration and promote communication of scientific information to diverse audiences |
Facilitate initial team building, opportunities to critically examine and improve on collaborative abilities and performance. |
The Ecology of Infectious Diseases: Practicum |
1st and 2nd semesters |
1st sem: Tangible applications of key concepts introduced in core course. Directed projects on mathematical, computational, and biological approaches to an EID problem. 2nd sem: Mentored student teams develop research approach to a specific EID question; present results for critique and discussion. |
Skills for effective collaboration in a team; knowledge of concepts and skills in addressing problems in EID; develop presentation skills and skills in constructive criticism |
Montana - Ecology of Infectious Disease (M-EID) Seminar Series |
All semesters |
Directed readings of research papers and discussion in conjunction with visits by scholars in EID, science education, and science ethics. Topics to be coordinated with those of the Core course and practicum |
Acquaint Trainees with out-standing scientists, integrate Trainees into scientific community, facilitate critical thought, enhance career and networking opportunities. |
