Bridging microbiology and public health through simulation-based learning

Within our synchronous, online global health-focused upper-level microbiology course, we find that students struggle to translate learning to real-world applications. For example, consider the recent measles outbreaks and major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompt many questions about how basic microbiological information is used by public health professionals. To address these points, we created a simulation-based curriculum that places students in an action role during an infectious disease outbreak. Our stand-alone curriculum walks through a historical measles outbreak that introduces outbreak investigation, community communication, and how these depend on microbiological knowledge. By using breakout groups, students have an opportunity to decide classifications, public messaging, and intervention metrics. We provide students with an outbreak investigation reference worksheet and interweave breakout rooms with didactic vignettes covering background information while revealing actual responses to outbreaks in conjunction with data obtained by responding scientists. Students synthesize material and apply it in real-time, allowing them to exercise critical thinking. Pilot testing in a small, upper-division, virtual classroom suggests that this curriculum has strong potential for increasing mastery of learning objectives and bolstering the relevance of microbiology and public health to popular media.