Welcome

Welcome to this public service course. When the year 2020 began, none of us could have predicted the impact of a global pandemic. Yet, COVID-19 has altered the way we study, work, conduct business, and interact with each other. Dramatic change and fear of the unknown can create stress and anxiety, emotions that can hinder your success and negatively impact your health and welfare. To help you understand the pandemic, faculty at The University of Southern Mississippi created this course. It consists of six modules which explore a variety of important topics. Our singular goal is to inform you about the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, its treatment and prevention, and the implications of the pandemic on personal and societal well-being.

The six modules each include an outline of objectives and content, a closed captioned video presented by a USM faculty expert, and a brief quiz to test the knowledge you gained. The quiz is for your personal development and may be taken as many times as you choose. A certificate of completion is available for those who score 5/5 on each quiz. The course begins with a welcome from Rodney D. Bennett, University President, and is followed by the modules listed below. We hope you enjoy this course.

Course Content

What is a Pandemic? | Presented by Dr. Janet Donaldson
The Economics and Social Impacts of the Pandemic | Presented by Dr. Edward Sayre
Coronavirus and Epidemiology | Presented by Dr. Fengwei Bai
Spread, Prevention, and Treatment | Presented by Dr. Mohamed Elasri and Ms. Susan Dobson
What are Vaccines and How do They Work? | Presented by Dr. Karen S. Coats
Health and Wellness in a Pandemic | Presented by Dr. Scotty Piland, Dr. Jennifer Lemacks, Dr. Stephanie M. McCoy, Ms. Stacie Frey, and Dr. Kristy McRaney

Other contributors:

Concept: Dr. Doug Masterson
Design: Office of Online Learning

(The Quizzes are available to those affiliated with The University of Southern Mississippi)