The University of Hong Kong Courses

Introduction to FinTech

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Over the past decade emerging technologies, paired with massive changes in regulations, have driven an unprecedented transformation of finance around the world. This process is happening more rapidly in China and Asia than anywhere else. This course is designed to explore FinTech fundamentals and help make sense of this wave of change as it happens.New players such as start-ups and technology firms are challenging traditional players in finance, bringing democratization, inclusion and disruption. Companies engaged in social media, e-commerce, and telecommunications, as well as, companies and start-ups with large customer data pools, creative energies, and technical capacities, have brought competition to the existing financial infrastructure and are remaking the industry.These transformations have not only created challenges but also unprecedented opportunities, building synergies with new business and regulatory models, particularly in emerging markets and developing countries. To meet these changes, 21st-century professionals and students must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge of the industry and its incredible evolution. This course - designed by HKU with the support of SuperCharger and the Centre for Finance, Technology and Education - is designed to enable learners with the necessary tools to understand the complex interaction of finance, technology and regulation.In this course, through a series of video lectures, case studies, and assessments you will explore the major areas of FinTech including, beginning with What is FinTech before turning to Money, Payment and Emerging Technologies, Digital Finance and Alternative Finance, FinTech Regulation and RegTech, Data and Security, and the Future of Data Driven Finance, as well as, the core technologies driving FinTech including Blockchain, AI and Big Data. These will set the stage for understanding the FinTech landscape and ecosystem and grappling with the potential direction of future change.

Implant Dentistry

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Follow leading specialists, researchers and teachers of Implant Dentistry from more than 10 countries around the world led by HKU's Implant Dentistry MOOC team to explore the biology, the technology and clinical management in implant dentistry today.In this 5-Week-5-Module course, you will learn about what implant dentistry is all about, covering the comprehensive spectrum of successful implant practice. A key aim of this course is to help learners set the foundations for an effective and successful practice in implant dentistry, in particular practitioners who will soon begin their first steps in implant dentistry.Learners will be exposed to a sound theoretical background and practical clinical work, learning through videos and activities that closely integrate academic knowledge from evidence-based research and surgical techniques based on best practices, providing a comprehensive and well-balanced view of the implant process.Learners in the course will have the opportunity to follow authentic challenging patient cases and take active part in the decision making, discussing their treatment plans with fellow online peers, course mentors and instructors. Each week, learners can apply newly gained knowledge in implant dentistry to solve selected clinical cases of five authentic implant patients online.It is the hope of the HKU Implant Dentistry course team that we help dental practitioners, dental students, medical professionals and those in related fields to understand the realistic challenges and potential in implant dentistry, and empower them to plot their own course towards a safe, effective and successful career serving patients with Implant Dentistry.

Epidemics-Origins, Spread, Control and Communication

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Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this online course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics/pandemics and the global/public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.Explore the science, prevention and control of epidemics in this program. In addition to lectures by leading scientists in this field from HKU, this program will feature panel discussions on Ebola and Zika Outbreak, Anti-vaccination and more, with world leading experts in epidemics. “If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)This program covers the following topics:Origins of novel pathogens.Analysis of the spread of infectious diseases.Medical and public health countermeasures to prevent and control epidemics.Panel discussions involving leading public health experts with deep frontline experiences to share their views on risk communication, crisis management, ethics and public trust in the context of infectious disease control, including Ebola and Zika Outbreak, Anti-vaccination and more.Supplementary modules on next generation informatics for combating epidemics.Supplementary modules on SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19.--------------------------------------------------------(1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.

Engineering Calculus and Differential Equations

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How do electrical engineers find out all the currents and voltages in a network of connected components? How do civil engineers calculate the materials necessary to construct a curved dome over a new sports arena? How do space flight engineers launch an exploratory probe? If questions like these pique your interest, this course is for you! Calculus with differential equations is the universal language of engineers. In this course, “Engineering Calculus and Differential Equations,” we will introduce fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus and ordinary differential equations. We'll explore their applications in different engineering fields. In particular, you will learn how to apply mathematical skills to model and solve real engineering problems. This course will enable you to develop a more profound understanding of engineering concepts and enhance your skills in solving engineering problems. In other words, youwill be able to construct relatively simple models of change and deduce their consequences. By studying these, youwill learn how to monitor and even controla given system to do what you want it to do. Techniques widely used in engineering will be illustrated; such as Laplace transform for solving problems in vibrations and signal processing. We have designed animations and interactive visualizations to supplement complex mathematical theories and facilitate understanding of the dynamic nature of topics involving calculus.

State, Law and the Economy I

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Economic concepts often give a fresh and unobvious perspective when applied to the study of how the state, law, and the economy functions and are interrelated. This course teaches students essential economic concepts in an intuitive manner relevant to the study of political economy. Part One of the course is focused on developing the essential economic concepts. These are then applied to the study of the nature of the liberal democratic state and why it has to be a limited state in contrast to a populist democratic one. Topics include the contractual nature of the state, public versus private goods, property rights and economic externalities, the logic of collective action, social choice theory, agenda control, the art of manipulation, and the compatibility of two ideas of liberty with the democratic state. The use of interdisciplinary materials, empirical inference, game theoretic simulation, and cross-referencing with political philosophies and well-known historical cases, provide students an opportunity to connect different perspectives and deepen their understanding of the democratic state in a free society using economic concepts. The economic concepts developed in Part One of the course will continue to be useful in the other three parts. Part Two covers the nature of the authoritarian state and party rule, rent seeking activity and its economic consequences, and interrelationships between democracy and economic growth. Part Three covers rule of law and their legal origins, consequences of legal origins for growth, law or state as determinants of economic growth, and transition from dictatorship to democracy and their permanence. Part Four is a study of nature of politics in pre-industrial states with examples drawn from China, Europe, the Islamic world, and India. We also discuss the relevance and limitations of the economic approach to the study of law and politics. 以經濟概念研究國家、法律和經濟作用，與及如何相互關聯時，往往產生一種新鮮但不明顯的觀點。 本課程以與政治經濟學研究相關的直觀方式教授學生基本經濟概念。 課程的第一部份著眼於發展基本經濟概念，然後將這些應用於研究自由民主國家的性質，以及為什麼它必須是一個有限的國家，而不是民粹主義的民主國家。 主題包括國家的契約性質，公共與私人物品，財產權和經濟外部性，集體行動的邏輯，社會選擇理論，議程控制，操縱藝術，以及民主國家的兩種自由觀念的兼容性。 跨學科材料的使用，經驗推理，博弈論模擬以及與政治哲學和著名歷史案例的交叉參照，使學生有機會利用經濟概念將不同的觀點聯繫起來，加深對自由社會中民主國家的理解。 本課程第一部份所談及的經濟概念在其他三個部份亦會談及。 第二部份研究威權國家和政黨統治的性質，尋租活動及其經濟後果，以及民主與經濟增長之間的相互關係。 第三部份包括法治及其法律淵源，法律淵源對發展的影響，法律或國家作為經濟發展的決定因素，以及從獨裁到民主的過渡及其永久性。 第四部份是對成為工業國家以前的政治性質的研究，其中的例子來自中國，歐洲，伊斯蘭世界和印度。 我們還討論了從經濟學角度研究法律與政治的相關性和局限性。

Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations

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Blockchain is a core technology in FinTech. The original design of blockchain focused on the cryptocurrency "Bitcoin". Due to its specific characteristics, many companies and users now find blockchain very useful for applications in many areas, not limited to cybercurrencies, including finance, logistics, insurance, medicine and even music. However, the design of blockchain involves cryptographic technology, which cannot be easily understood by those who are not professionals in the area of IT and security. In order to better understand what kinds of applications best fit blockchain and other forms of distributed ledger technology and the potentials of these emerging technologies, it is important to understand the design rationale, the basic technology, the underlying cryptographic fundamentals, and its limitations. This 6-week online coursewill walk you through the following: The design rationale behind blockchain and the issues for such decentralized ledger (transaction) systems.The underlying technology (e.g. how the fundamental algorithms - the cryptographic primitives - work together) behind and how it makes blockchain works and safe.The differences of the various existing blockchain platforms and what these platforms can provide (e.g. pros and cons of the major platforms).What kinds of applications (both traditional and emerging) best fit the blockchain technology and how blockchain technology can benefit these applications.Blockchain does have its limitations. We will uncover the problems and the limitations of blockchain technology to enable developers and researchers to think about how to enhance the existing blockchain technology and practitioners to better address the issues when using blockchains in their applications.This course will also briefly discuss the downside of blockchain with respect to the protection of criminal activities (e.g. why ransomware always ask for bitcoins as ransom, and the money laundering problem).The course aims at targeting a wide audience: This course will provide learners a good understanding of the technological, applicability, limitations and "illegal" usage of the blockchain technology.

Interpreting Vernacular Architecture in Asia

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This course is about architecture. But it's not about grand structures such as monuments or royal palaces. Rather, it is about the built environment that the ordinary people live in. Instead of the architectural techniques, we use stories to understand the processes through which people make their building decisions. We use Asia as the backdrop for the discussion of these topics. Partly because of Asia's rich heritage and diversity, but also due to the unique complexity that the people in the region face as they go through rapid economic, social, and cultural changes. In this examination of the connection between vernacular buildings and peoples' cultural identities, we will review real-world examples and talk to experts in the field. At the end of this course, you will gain a unique perspective about the everyday environment that you live in - one perhaps that you've never had before. You will begin to understand and appreciate the value of the ordinary built environment around you. Whether you are an avid architect or you simply just care about the built environment you live in, this course is for you.

Epidemics I

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“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.This is the first (origins of novel pathogens) of the four courses, covers these topics:Epidemics: Past, Present and FutureDiscussion on Ebola and Zika Outbreak, and Supplementary Module on Next Generation Informatics for Global HealthEcology, Evolution and Emergence of Infectious DiseasesMedical Detective: Bug Hunting in Epidemics如果历史是我们的向导，我们可以认为人类的智慧和意志与微生物种惊人的适应性之间的斗争将永远持续下去。”(1)尽管过去的几十年间我们在科技领域取得了令人瞩目的突破，可是传染病对人类的威胁却显著增加。本课程将通过学习流行病学的基础科学原理以及预防与控制流行病的公共卫生措施，对上述现象予以阐释。这是四個课程中的第一个（新型病原體的起源）：流行病：过去、现在和未来讨论埃博拉和寨卡疫情的爆发，以及全球卫生信息学的补充单元传染病的生态、演变和形成医学侦探：追踪流行病的病原体---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.

Doing Gender and Why it Matters

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Multiple experts from across faculties at The University of Hong Kong and professionals engaged in gender-related developments in Asia will address the ways in which gender is understood, constructed and performed. Drawing from a variety of perspectives – cultural studies, economics, education, law, linguistics, psychology, public health, politics, social policy, and sociology - we begin by questioning meanings of gender in different cultural settings and historical moments. What do the representations of our currently used categories such as man, woman, transgender, queer, cisgender, bisexual, or intersex mean in different contexts? How are conversations about gender taking place in Asia and how do they converge or diverge from those happening elsewhere? The course is a comparative, interdisciplinary and cross-sector conversation which encourages reflective thinking about practices of gender. It courts and questions the fixity of language, traditions, laws, and practices as well as the resilience of stereotypes, biases, and structures which perpetuate myths, hierarchies and discrimination. Unraveling the interlinkages between these conversations and categories equips you with the skills needed to identify, recognize and reject outmoded or biased constructions of gender as well as the power hierarchies these embed within social relations. We will examine why gender equity is so important and yet hard to achieve. We scrutinize social and legal constructions of gender which continue to operate as though gender is binary and explore a more inclusive approach which reflects the gender continuum within the context of entrenched power structures. Through understanding gender and its relations with society, we look for solutions to eradicate gender discrimination and gender-based violence. Additionally, as digital technology plays an ever-increasing role in contemporary construction of social realities of people, the course looks into how, if at all, these networked communities offer new expressions of gender as performativity and the ways in which these replicate, reproduce or refashion traditional gender categories and roles. Then we turn to challenge our everyday practices of gender and how they colour our approaches, assumptions, and biases (conscious and unconscious) about the ‘other’? The course invites scrutiny of the practice and performance of gendering self and others. At the same time, it is a reminder that gender is not just about identity but also about power. The course examines manifestations and causes of gender inequality and its inextricable link to structural and institutional forces of discrimination. To better understand the interaction between identity and power, we look at gender-based violence. The #metoo movement has exposed not only the depth and scale of violence but also unmasked the asymmetries of power. Power and privilege are enjoyed by a select group while the voices of others remain invisible and ignored. We conclude by looking at local, national and global efforts to address gender disparities in society in various domains. We invite you to reflect on the course materials and to connect them to your daily life. How can your new understandings about gender generate a ripple of change around you?

Epidemics III

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“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.This is the third (control of infectious diseases) of the four courses, covers these topics:Disease SurveillanceNon-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI)Vaccination (Effectiveness, Trials, Safety, Impact on Populations, Vaccine Economics, Confidence and Hesitancy)Panel Discussion on WHO’s Response to the Ebola Outbreak; and Anti-vaccination如果历史是我们的向导，我们可以认为人类的智慧和意志与微生物种惊人的适应性之间的斗争将永远持续下去。”(1) 尽管过去的几十年间我们在科技领域取得了令人瞩目的突破，可是传染病对人类的威胁却显著增加。本课程将通过学习流行病学的基础科学原理以及预防与控制流行病的公共卫生措施，对上述现象予以阐释。这是四個课程中的第三个（傳染病的控制）, 涵盖以下主题：疾病监测非药物干预疫苗 (效果, 试验, 安全性, 对人群的影响, 疫苗经济学, 信心和犹豫)專家专题讨论: 世界卫生组织对埃博拉疫情的应对；和反疫苗行动----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.

Buddhism: Diamond Sutra and World Peace

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Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely Free“In the long term we can hope that religion will change the nature of man and reduce conflict. But history is not encouraging in this respect. The bloodiest wars in history have been religious wars.” - Richard M. NixonHeaven. Hell. Pure Land. Saṃsāra. How did different religions interpret the afterlife situation? What are their requisite standards of behaviours during life? What is religion? How do we define religion? ‘Truth’ is widely known as the common goal for different religions, yet they compete for being the real and only truth in this world. Conflicts and hatred arise between religions. Blood has been spilled and wars broke out in the end. History has repeated itself. Revenge seems to be endless. Peace doesn’t seem possible in the future. How can human conflicts be resolved? How can religious disputes be reduced? The answers to these questions can be found in The Diamond Sutra, the Buddhist scripture.Join this course to explore the path of religions and world peace.

University Teaching

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Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeUniversity Teaching is an introductory course in teaching and learning in tertiary education, designed by staff at the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Hong Kong.With input from instructors, guests and interviewees, including teaching award winners, students, and experts in the fields, you will be exposed to research evidence in relation to effective university teaching and practical instructional design strategies.You will also be exposed to multiple examples of effective teaching, and hear the views of teachers whose teaching has been judged to be excellent.More specifically, University Teaching will help you to address the following questions:- What does teaching in higher education involve? - What does research evidence tell us about effective teaching in higher education? - How can we ensure that our instructional design will help our students achieve their intended learning outcomes? - What pedagogic options do we have to make our teaching successful? - What assessment and feedback practices can help our students learn more effectively? After completing the learning tasks in this course, you will be able to:- Discuss the teaching and learning context in higher education and reflect on the potential challenges and opportunities you might encounter.- Explain key teaching and learning concepts and relevant evidence in relation to effective university teaching.- Analyse the relationships between various aspects of teaching and student learning.- Identify a range of instructional strategies to support effective student learning.- Apply key concepts to the structuring of course outlines and lesson plans in order to create learning experiences to support successful student learning. Course trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJu-dViz3NECourse outline: http://www.cetl.hku.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CETL-MOOC-course-outline.pdf

Epidemics IV

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“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.This is the last (communication of infectious diseases) of the four courses, covers these topics:Risk Communication in Disease OutbreaksCommunicating Infectious Diseases如果历史是我们的向导，我们可以认为人类的智慧和意志与微生物种惊人的适应性之间的斗争将永远持续下去。”(1) 尽管过去的几十年间我们在科技领域取得了令人瞩目的突破，可是传染病对人类的威胁却显著增加。本课程将通过学习流行病学的基础科学原理以及预防与控制流行病的公共卫生措施，对上述现象予以阐释。这是四個课程中的最后一个（傳染病的传播）, 涵盖以下主题：疾病暴发中的风险传播傳染病的传播-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.

The Search for Vernacular Architecture of Asia, Part 1 | 探索亚洲地区的本土建筑，第1部分

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If you are unable to access Youtube, the introductory video is available via XuetangX. Connect with the course team and fellow learners on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HKUxArchitectureThis 5-week introductory course is for those who would like to explore and be fascinated by vernacular architecture – the subject and study of everyday buildings, landscapes and sites which are not designed by professional architects but “ordinary” practitioners. It explores vernacular architecture as an expression of local identity, indigenous traditions, and assimilation of different cultures.This course covers topics such as native building materials, the interaction between people, culture and the vernacular, as well as the vernacular landscape. It has a special emphasis on the built heritage of Asia, which allows students to take a closer look at examples in diverse locales, such as the leather yurts in Mongolia, timber houses in Japan, brick, mud and straw houses in India, reinforced concrete fortified towers and grey brick courtyard houses in Southern China including Macau and Hong Kong.Designed to promote discussion and dialogue while contributing to the discourse surrounding the concept of the vernacular, this course challenges the perception of tradition and stimulates a deeper analysis of one’s local environment. Indeed, we are keen to hear about how you link your new understanding to vernacular architecture in your neighborhood.Those who wish to extend their experience and exploration please also join our subsequent 5-week course The Search for Vernacular Architecture of Asia, Part 2 in Summer 2015.本入门课程为期5周，适合本土建筑爱好者。本土建筑的研究对象是普通日常建筑、景观以及场所。它们并非出自建筑师之手，而是由普通人自己建造。在本课程中，我们将民居建筑视作不同地区的“社区认同”和“本地传统”以及不同文化融合的一种表达方式。 课程内容包括建筑技术和建筑材料、人与文化和传统、 以及本土建筑与景观。本课程以亚洲建筑文化遗产为实例，供学生深入学习，其中包括蒙古地区的蒙古包、日本的木结构房屋、印度的土屋、中国南方澳门与香港一带以钢筋混凝土为建筑材料的塔楼和灰砖庭院。 本课程旨在以讨论和对话的方式研究亚洲的本土建筑，推动本土概念的发展。在此之上，本课程反思了“传统”这个概念，使我们能够更加深入地分析自身所处的环境。我们期待能够听到一些您对本土建筑的新理解。 感兴趣的学生可以参加《探索亚洲地区的民居建筑，第2部分》。

Epidemics

5

“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” (1)Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.This course covers these four topics:origins of novel pathogens;analysis of the spread of infectious diseases;medical and public health countermeasures to prevent and control epidemics;panel discussions involving leading public health experts with deep frontline experiences to share their views on risk communication, crisis management, ethics and public trust in the context of infectious disease control. (1) Fauci AS, Touchette NA, Folkers GK. Emerging Infectious Diseases: a 10-Year Perspective from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emerg Infect Dis 2005 Apr; 11(4):519-25.如果历史是我们的向导，我们可以认为人类的智慧和意志与微生物种惊人的适应性之间的斗争将永远持续下去。”(1)尽管过去的几十年间我们在科技领域取得了令人瞩目的突破，可是传染病对人类的威胁却显著增加。本课程将通过学习流行病学的基础科学原理以及预防与控制流行病的公共卫生措施，对上述现象予以阐释。课程包括下列四个主题：•新型病原体如何产生•分析传染病的传播方式•预防和控制流行病的医学与公共卫生措施•专题讨论：具有丰富一线经验的公共卫生专家将针对控制传染病的风险沟通、危机管理、伦理学、公众信任等方面的问题予以讨论。如果歷史是我們的向導，我們可以認為人類的智慧和意誌與微生物種驚人的適應性之間的鬥爭將永遠持續下去”(1)盡管過去的幾十年間我們在科技領域取得了令人矚目的突破，可是傳染病对人類的威脅卻顯著增加。本課程將通過學習流行病學的基礎科學原理以及預防與控制流行病的公共衛生措施，對上述現象予以闡釋。課程包括下列四個主題：•新型病原體如何產生•分析傳染病的傳播方式•預防和控制流行病的醫學與公共衛生措施專題討論：具有豐富一線經驗的公共衛生專家將針對控制傳染病的風險溝通、危機管理、倫理學、公眾信任等方面的問題予以討論