Epidemics: Understanding the Spread of Disease in a Global World

Global Health - Global health is a field that aims to improve health and achieve equity in health for people around the world. It involves understanding health issues that go beyond national boundaries and are influenced by conditions in various parts of the globe. The primary goal of global health is to reduce health disparities and enhance well-being on an international level by examining how diseases spread, what factors affect health, and the most effective methods to improve public health outcomes.

Immunology - The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Its primary function is to identify and eliminate foreign invaders while distinguishing them from the body's own healthy cells. This ability to recognize self from non-self is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing disease.

Toxicology - Toxicology is the scientific study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms. It encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science, and is essential for understanding the impact of toxins on human health and the environment. The origins of toxicology can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where herbal remedies and poisons were used in medicine and warfare.

Virology - Virology is the scientific study of viruses, their structure, function, and impact on living organisms. Viruses are unique entities, existing at the boundary between life and non-life, requiring host cells to reproduce. This field covers the classification of viruses, their methods of replication, and the various ways they interact with hosts, often causing diseases.