About the Course
From Covid-19 to HIV to malaria, infectious diseases remain one of the world's leading causes of death. How do scientists compile and use statistics to combat outbreaks? In this course, you and your classmates will investigate the science and politics of disease, from the roles epidemiologists play in unlocking pandemics' points of origin to exploring how policymakers address AIDS and the avian flu. You'll gain insight into the cause and spread of global diseases, the role of scientists in identifying, controlling, and/or preventing them, and the political and ethical implications. You'll build a foundation in cell, bacterial, and viral biology, evolutionary biology, and pathogenic resistance to drugs, and learn about the tools scientists use,from statistical analysis to computer modeling to biomedical research,and leave the course with a greater understanding of how epidemiologists combat diseases and prepare for future outbreaks. This science-based course also explores the roles the arts and media play in issues of global health, human rights, and stigma associated with infectious disease.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Propose a new/next investigation based on an evaluation of evidence from an experiment, design/methods, or other epidemiological research
- Construct representation(s) of epidemiological data (table, graph, infographics, etc.) to identify and describe trends and/or patterns in data and relationships between variables
- Calculate mathematical computations in the field of epidemiology to evaluate means, rates, ratios, percentages confidence intervals and/or error bars to determine whether sample means are statistically different or significant
- Provide reasoning to justify a scientific claim with evidence from larger epidemiological principles, concepts, processes and/or data
- Predict the cause and effects of changes to environmental, socio-economic and political factors as infectious diseases emerge
- Develop an authentic visual representation (model, diagram, flow charts, etc.) to explain epidemiological concepts, theories and principles as it relates to anthropology, and history to inform public policy
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 2, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet with a keyboard, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Gordis Epidemiology, by David D. Celentano ScD MHS, Moyses Szklo MD, and Youssef Farag MD PhD MPH
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid