This course is designed for students with a minimum background in biology or medicine who want to understand viruses, historical perspectives and epidemiological accounts of viral diseases, and the threats of new pandemics. Topics will include viral biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, vaccinations, and the societal impact of viral pandemics. Students will learn to critically evaluate claims in the news about viruses and challenging policy decisions in pandemics. Students will have an opportunity to effectively communicate information about viruses to the public through current forms of media.