Introduction to Outbreak Investigation

This is a case-based online self-paced learning online course hosted by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität-München. The course aims at improving students’ knowledge and awareness of basic knowledge of the disease outbreak investigation process using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. Participants who finish the course will gain 3 ECTS

The world is facing a new era of emerging infectious diseases (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) that can threaten human health due to their complexity and devastating impact on society and the socio-economic development of each country. This pandemic has highlighted the importance of training human resources in public health to recognise, monitor, and treat positive COVID-19 cases and to communicate to the population the importance of adhering to the containment and mitigation measures recommended at the local, regional, and global levels.

The course's content is developed using a case-based problem divided into two main chapters:

• Introduction to Outbreak Investigation.
• Infection Prevention and Control in Acute Respiratory Infections for Health Workers in Low and Middle-Income Countries.

It lasts 8 weeks, with each week containing one unit of interactive video content, mandatory lectures, activities, quizzes, assessments, and the requirements listed at the beginning of each unit.

Learning objectives

This course is aimed at students of related disciplines to provide basic knowledge of the disease outbreak investigation process using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. Theoretical foundation will be provided to participants to support outbreak management in their local communities.

Competences

• Digital skills
• Creativity & problem solving
• Communication & collaboration

Requirements

There are no prerequisites but students should be interested in the topic and willing to actively participate.

• Selection strategy: Students should write a motivational letter of 100-200 words explaining why they want to take this course and how this course will contribute to their education.
• Number of participants: 20-50.
• Certificate/ECTS: 3 ECTS and a certificate.
• Language: English.

This activity is part of Work Package 2.