Our Topics

How are Infectious Diseases Caught?

Explore the basics of infectious diseases, understanding what they are, how they differ from non-infectious diseases, and the primary agents responsible for spreading infections.

The Body’s Response to Infectious Disease

This topic explores how the immune system protects the body from infectious diseases through three lines of defence: mechanical barriers, inflammatory responses, and targeted immune responses. It explains the difference between non-specific (innate) and specific (adaptive) immunity.

The Change in Ideas About Infectious Disease Over Time

This Topic explores how society’s understanding of infectious diseases has evolved from ancient beliefs to scientific explanations. Key discoveries, like the invention of the microscope and germ theory by pioneers such as Louis Pasteur, revolutionised our approach to disease prevention and management.

How Vaccines are Developed and Discovered

In this topic, you will delve into the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of infectious diseases. You will explore the scientists, theories, and historical milestones that have revolutionised public health and disease prevention.

How do Vaccines Work?

This topic explores the science behind vaccines, their different types, and their critical role in protecting individuals and communities. You’ll also learn about herd immunity and discuss the ongoing debates surrounding vaccination.

The Ethics of Developing and Testing Vaccines

In this topic, you will examine the ethical dimensions of vaccination, exploring how individual choices, societal health, and scientific advancements intersect. You’ll reflect on the balance between personal freedoms and community wellbeing in public health decisions.

The Impacts of Immunisation in Developing and Developed Societies

In this topic, we’ll explore how historical pandemics like cholera and the Spanish flu shaped our understanding of disease prevention and public health. By examining the impact of quarantine and vaccination, you will learn about their essential roles in protecting communities.

How Vaccines are Proven Safe and the Research Methods Used

Vaccines undergo rigorous development and testing to ensure they are safe and effective for public use. This topic explores the different stages of vaccine development, from preclinical trials to regulatory approval and ongoing monitoring. You’ll learn about the role of scientific evidence, clinical trials, and surveillance in maintaining vaccine safety.

The Role of Statistics in Understanding the Impacts of Vaccines on Disease

This topic explores key concepts like the reproduction number, incidence, immunity thresholds, and the vaccination paradox, helping us understand how data guides public health decisions. Through historical examples and modern challenges, you’ll see how relative risk and statistical analysis save lives.