Overview
This foundational course examines the cellular, molecular, immunologic, and clinical mechanisms through which viral, bacterial, and fungal agents cause sexually transmitted infections. Students study transmission and entry, microbial replication and persistence, virulence, host immune responses, immune evasion, latency, biofilm formation, and the distinction between colonization and active disease.
Comparative study of HIV, HPV, HSV, mpox-associated viruses, Treponema pallidum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and clinically relevant Candida species connects pathogen biology with clinical findings, diagnostic detectability, complications, and prevention. Case discussions and evidence-based literature activities develop scientific reasoning about infection and patient outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Compare the pathogenesis of viral, bacterial, and fungal sexually transmitted infections.
- Explain host–pathogen interactions at cellular and immunologic levels.
- Relate microbial virulence and transmission strategies to clinical findings.
- Distinguish acute infection, persistent infection, latency, and colonization.
- Analyze how biological and behavioral factors influence disease risk.
- Interpret foundational evidence to explain differences in diagnostic and prevention strategies among pathogens.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | First term |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Quizzes (3 × 5%) | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Evidence-based literature assignments (2 × 12.5%) | 25.00% |
| Deliverable | Laboratory analysis report | 20.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 16 NCEA Level 2 Biology credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
