Curriculum
Overview
The Montana - Ecology of Infectious Disease (M-EID) curriculum is structured to require meaningful interaction between students and mentors from different scientific disciplines to enhance understanding of complex problems related to EID. To achieve the degree of integration and skill for this program, each trainee will complete the following requirements:
Educational Activities of M-EID
- M-EID specific courses that develop expertise in key concepts of infectious diseases, ecology, and mathematical, computer sciences, communication, team building, education, and ethics.
- see required courses
- Any coursework necessary to develop the core disciplinary strength.
- Determined by the M-EID PhD Education committee
- Participation in M-EID Sponsored activities
- ie: Orientation, Monthly EID Forums, Weekly Journal Clubs, Experimental Learning Workshops, and other seminars...
PhD degree requirements of the admitting department.
- Computer Science
- Communication Studies
- Integrative Microbiology and Biochemistry
- Microbial Ecology Emphasis
- Mathematics
- Organismal Biology and Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
Required Courses
Core Course on Ecology of Infectious Diseases: Cross-disciplinary concepts and practices
1st semester
Description
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
Outcome
Conceptual framework to complement the first semester of the Practicum.
Core Course on math, statistics, and computer modeling
1st semester
Description
Projects on mathematical, computational, and biological approaches to an EID problem.
Outcome
Conceptual framework to complement the first semester of the Practicum.
Communication Across the Sciences
1st semester (seminar format, concurrent with practicum)
Description
Communication subjects that facilitate interdisciplinary scientific collaboration and promote communication of scientific information to diverse audiences
Outcome
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
Description 1st Semester
Tangible applications of key concepts introduced in core course. Directed projects on mathematical, computational, and biological approaches to an EID problem.
Description 1st Semester
Mentored student teams develop research approach to a specific EID question; present results for critique and discussion.
Outcome
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
Description
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
Outcome
Acquaint Trainees with out-standing scientists, integrate Trainees into scientific community, facilitate critical thought, enhance career and networking opportunities.
» View more non-required courses
