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Pandemics: Emergence, Spread and Response

Online short course

Overview

Gain the knowledge and skills that are critical to working in the field of pandemics.

Overview - pandemics preparedness and response short course
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3 June - 5 July 2024 (part-time)

This is a master’s level online course that offers a focused perspective and approach to learning about pandemics. The course will outline the specific drivers, multi-disciplinary actors and response measures, and facilitate the critical appraisal of pandemic preparedness, response and research in different contexts. 

The course has been designed to support development of skills and knowledge that are critical to effective pandemic preparedness and response. It will emphasise the value of interdisciplinary working, self-reflection, critical appraisal and synthesis.

Who is the course for? 

This course will be of value to professionals looking to further their knowledge and skills specific to pandemics, with experience of the following relevant disciplines and/or areas of practice.

  • Public health
  • Epidemiology
  • Data science
  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Social science
  • Case management
  • Risk communication and community engagement
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
  • Mental health
  • Health policy
  • Logistics
  • Healthcare management
Aims & objectives
Course aims & objectives - pandemics preparedness and response short course
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Aims

The course aims to:

  • Offer learning opportunities for professionals working in disciplines related to disease outbreaks to develop skills and knowledge that are critical to working in the field of pandemics.
     
  • Emphasise the value of interdisciplinary working, self-reflection, critical appraisal and synthesis for effective pandemic preparedness and response.

Objectives

By the end of the module, engaged participants will be able to:

  • Explain the definitions of pandemics and critique their application in the 20th and 21st centuries.
  • Identify context specific drivers and mitigations for emerging infectious diseases and pandemics.
  • Critically evaluate methods for emerging infectious disease surveillance, including detection.
  • Assess and critique the application of learning from emergence and spread of pandemics in the 20th and 21st centuries. 
  • Critically appraise and prioritise the pillars of pandemic preparedness and response at local, national and international levels.
  • Develop a national pandemic response plan using an interdisciplinary approach.
  • Apply skills of interdisciplinary working, critical thinking, and synthesis to topics relating to pandemic preparedness, response and research.
Teaching
Course teaching - Pandemics: Emergence, Spread and Response
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Teaching and assessments

This is a part-time short course which consists of 20 hours of learning each week. This includes 5 hours of directed learning and 15 hours of self-directed learning. Teaching and assessment methods have been selected for their appropriateness and include use of group discussion, problem-based exercises, presentations, debates in addition to critical appraisal and synthesis of literature. View sample timetable.

Teaching faculty and advisory committee

This course has been developed by Professor John Edmunds (Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Dynamics) and Professor Shelley Lees (Professor Anthropology of Public Health, Department of Global Health and Development).

Entry requirements
Entry requirements - pandemics preparedness and response short course
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Successful applicants will meet the following professional and academic criteria:

  • An upper second class honours degree (2:1) or above in a relevant discipline, a degree in medicine at the same standard, or another degree of equivalent awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK NARIC or Barrons 

    OR
     
  • A professional qualification in a relevant discipline obtained by written examinations and judged by the School to be equivalent to an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or above

    AND
     
  • Prior professional experience of at least one year in a field linked with disease outbreak response or research.

Any prospective student who does not meet the above entry requirement, but who has relevant professional experience, may still be eligible for admission. For further enquiries please contact shortcourses@lshtm.ac.uk 

English language requirements

It is essential that all students have a good command of the English language to benefit from their studies at the LSHTM.

How to apply
How to apply - Pandemics preparedness and response short course
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Applying for this course

Applications for 2024 are now open and can be made via our online application form.

Please read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.

Testimonials
Testimonials - Pandemics: Emergence, Spread and Response short course
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"Fantastic experience. Highly recommend it to anybody passionate about understanding pandemics. Well organised and eye-opening."

"Captivating. Highly recommended for those intrigued by pandemics. Exceptionally structured and enlightening."