Tropical Medicine

Overview

Coursework provides a solid foundation in parasitology, vector biology and other infectious diseases of public health significance.  Foundational public health courses and specialty courses in biological, cellular and epidemiological aspects of pathogens and infectious disease comprise the curriculum.  Students are also required to carry out original research and write a thesis based on the findings of the research project.

Graduates of the MS degree in Tropical Medicine at Tulane University are expected to find careers in public health, biomedical sciences, or related fields at academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, health care organizations, or biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies.  Many individuals enter the program with the intention of subsequently pursuing doctoral or medical degrees.

Program Competencies

The following competencies are necessary for success in the particular branch of public health to which this degree relates.  They were developed through rigorous analysis of employers, community and global needs, and the quality standards set forth by accrediting bodies.

• Explain infectious disease including types of organisms, mechanisms or transmission, and natural history.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the biology and immunology of host -pathogen interactions and their outcomes.

• Interpret and effectively communicate research-based peer-reviewed literature to an academic audience.

• Analyze research projects that address specific questions as applied to tropical medicine.

• Identify appropriate statistical tests and research methodology for performing hypothesis-driven research that address public health problems.

• Evaluate how biomedical methods can be applied to public health research.