Human malaria is a disease caused by a unicellular parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected anopheline mosquito, and we will take a
to studying this wicked problem, which has resisted all efforts at eradication. Wicked problems are complex, difficult to understand, socially influenced, and resistant to solution, because even the best solutions are confounded by uncontrollable variables and unintended consequences. We’ll delve into malaria’s history, biology (life cycles, ecology, physiology, genetics, climate change, and evolution), medical treatment and prevention, and explore the social, evolutionary, and humanistic influences on its control. Throughout our journey we will be seeking our own “solutions” to control this disease, and your major project will be to write a grant proposal to support your idea(s) to better understand and/or control some aspect of this wicked problem.
Transdisciplinary approaches:
- Teacher: Ellen Goldey