When disease goes global
Global Health: When the World Gets Sick
How do infectious diseases start? How do they spread? What is their effect on public policy, the economy, and our rights as human beings? Get a multi-faceted look at pandemics, focusing on tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Other courses on disease concentrate primarily on science; this one traces the effects throughout our society. You will also learn how you can lobby for change through persuasive writing techniques.
This course is a must if you’re thinking about a future in pre-med, STEM, government or not-for-profit.
Study the Human Rights Perspective on Pandemics
Learn the precise definition of a pandemic and how this impacts healthcare policy on a global basis. Find out how U.S. policy compares with international treaties on human rights.
See Disease Through the Eyes of a Scientist
Discover how epidemiologists (scientists who study how and why diseases are distributed) measure the impact of a pandemic, its spread and mortality rates. Explore the connection between tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Compare the effects of illness on high and low-income communities.
Study the Economic Impact of Infectious Disease
Why do life-saving drugs cost so much? What’s the economic impact when a disease like tuberculosis becomes antibiotic resistant? What are the costs to a community when its members get sick and stop working?
Dive into the Politics of Public Health
Gain insight into the way governments create public health policy. Learn how to analyze specific provisions and laws and the problems they address.
Explore the World of Health Advocacy
Gain a thorough understanding of the field of health activism. Look into how organizations make the case for reform. Learn how to write effective “letters to the editor” that lobby for change.
Prepare for a Future in Global Health
Topics covered in this course offer a good background for potential careers in fields related to medicine, STEM, law, government, and not-for-profit organizations.
Skills You Will Gain From This Course
- You will be able to discuss the effects of global disease in an informed manner
- You will understand the science behind the spread of infectious disease
- You will comprehend the political and economic forces behind global health issues
- You will acquire powerful communication skills that help you to make your voice heard
- You will be able to determine if a future in fields related to epidemiology, health policy, health economics, or global health advocacy is right for you
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Global Health: When the World Gets Sick
July 9 - July 23
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 2, 2023
Global Health: When the World Gets Sick
July 23 - August 6
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 16, 2023
Global Health: When the World Gets Sick
August 6 - August 20
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 30, 2023
All course options, whether 2 or 4 weeks, have the identical educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. The difference in length of course is to allow flexibility for a student's busy schedule.
3 Learning Advantages Designed For You
Final Project
The course culminates with a special project that allows you to:
- Demonstrate what you’ve learned in this course
- Get feedback from mentors on your work
- Create an infographic on a public health issue of your choice that informs and persuades your audience of your point of view
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
- Brainstorming on your topic to help you prepare for the final project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online — works with your schedule
- 25-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
- You’ll learn through engaging video. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- Engage with fellow students from around the world
Course Designed By
Cynthia A. Tschampl, PhD
Dr. Tschampl is a Scientist at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She has 20 years experience with U.S. and global health, starting with a policy and advocacy background (including work in South Africa, Colombia, and Haiti). She was elected Chair-Elect of Stop TB USA in 2021, served as a member of the Global Partnership for Dengue Control, and was the keynote speaker at the 2021 Inaugural Thomas Q. Garvey Public Health Lecture, discussing how policy, economics, and equity play a role in strengthening pandemic response. Over the past two decades, she has educated hundreds of elected officials and their staff on public health and health issues.
Course Mentors
Gianna
Brandeis University and Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management graduate with a focus on Biology and Global Health Policy. For the past year, she's worked as a COVID-19 contact tracer reaching out to people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and the contacts they have been close to, making sure they have the support they need to isolate or quarantine.
Leah
Undergraduate student at Brandeis University studying Biology and Health, Science, Society and Policy on the pre-med track. She works as a Community Advisor on campus and she’s the Co-President of the Women of Color Alliance at Brandeis.
Neto
Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management graduate with a Master’s in Global Health Policy and Management. She also received her Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of South Florida.
Niha
Brandeis University graduate with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Health: Science, Society, and Policy. While on campus, she worked as the Biology Undergraduate Departmental Representative.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will ask you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course. You can tell your story through writing, video, photos — any media you prefer.
NOTE: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Begin Guided ProcessFrequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted?
Answers to Your Questions HereWant to study on campus?
Brandeis University offers a variety of residential courses throughout the summer that allow Precollege students to engage in the rigors of academics at a world-class university, and join a vibrant community of people interested and engaged in some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Learn More About On Campus StudyScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.brandeis.edu for assistance.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.brandeis.edu for assistance.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.