With the prevalence of HIV and AIDS, and the changing demographics of the infected populations, there is a need for individuals to know more about how the epidemic affects their society.
The first half of this course covers historical, medical and biological aspects of the disease. In the second half, it covers social, economic and political aspects.
The policy aspect of this course introduces you to: challenges in developing AIDS vaccines and treatments; surveillance and testing methods; protective legislation; and international aid. To conclude, it looks at some strategies used for AIDS prevention programmes, and theories of behaviour change communications.
At the end of this course, you will be able to talk about AIDS in an informed and sensitive manner, to critically assess media reports and government AIDS legislation, and be encouraged to act to make a positive difference in your society.
Outline
Topics Covered:
Historical Perspective on HIV and AIDS
The Nature of Epidemics and the HIV Disease
Spread and Demographics
Treating HIV/AIDS and Vaccines
Testing, Public Policy and AIDS
Tackling HIV/AIDS
This course will make the most of the online learning environment to help you understand the impact of AIDS in your society, especially the social, moral and economic consequences of the rapid spread of the disease.
We will use surveys and media research to measure our own and our communities' attitudes towards AIDS-affected persons and existing AIDS prevention/treatment policies.
We will work in groups to develop informative materials related to specific aspects of the epidemic.
We will use the online environment to speak honestly and even anonymously about our questions, experiences, and fears.
The first half of the course will cover basic historical, medical and biological aspects of the disease.
In the second half, we will cover social, economic and political aspects.
The policy aspect of the course will introduce students to challenges in developing AIDS vaccines and treatments, surveillance and testing methods, protective legislation, and international aid. To conclude, we will look at some strategies used for AIDS prevention programs, and theories of behavior change communications.
Who should take this course?
This course provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in the impact of HIV/AIDS in society, especially if you are interested in working in the area of public health.
It is also relevant if you are interested in increasing self-awareness, or in increasing your effectiveness in a helping role, such as support worker, nurse or carer.
This course is also a good introduction to further, accredited, training such as might be provided by a public health course at college or university.
This course is written in a language accessible to a non-academic audience, including:
public health professionals;
medical and legal professionals;
journalists;
police and prison staff;
teachers;
staff of philanthropic foundations and international donors;
educators and civil servants in the developing world;
or anyone who may know an AIDS-affected person.
You will need
All materials are provided online through the course - there is nothing additional you have to purchase. However, there are books and other resources recommended by your tutor to supplement the course.
Entry Requirements
No specific prior knowledge necessary, except to think about what unique experience you might have that would be of interest to the other members of the class.
How long is this course?
About 40 hours,
and we suggest you set aside about 4 hours a week - but it's up to you.
You will have tutor support for 6 months.
You will have access to your course for a year.
Your tutor
Your tutor for this course is 
Sarah Pouezevara.
You can find out more about on
the Tutors page.
Further information
This course is eligible for ILA Scotland Funding. To find out more and to book a place using your ILA Account, go to: ILA Scotland Funding - Book a Course
Do you have any further questions? Visit our Contact
Us page and ask away.
