Human Diseases

Human Diseases is a single semester science elective which focuses on the basics of pathogens, epidemiology, the immune system, and treatments for disease. The course covers a number of common diseases, such as tetanus, influenza, and autoimmune diseases. There is also a focus on drugs (particularly antibiotics) and medical techniques. Though the Stuyvesant course site states that the course includes laboratory work, this has been eliminated due to budget cuts as of the 2009-2010 school year.

Teaching style
Mr. Jerry Citron is very dynamic within the classroom. Though disorganized and absent minded, he knows the material well and explains it well. He gives semi-regular homework, although he collects it on a random basis. Most classes are taught as lectures, with frequent questions for students. Mr. Citron often mixes personal stories and tangents into the class. He previously worked as a paramedic and thus has many anecdotes related to the subject matter. Mr. Citron often uses powerpoint presentations for lessons, although he usually supplements these with notes on the board.

Tests
Mr. Citron's tests are generally considered difficult in comparison with the general difficulty of homework and the day-to-day class. Many students only do well if they thoroughly review the appropriate sections of the textbook. Tests usually consist of a multiple choice section and a set of short answer questions, from which students must pick a certain number to answer. Occasionally Mr. Citron gives a list of short answer questions before the test, and then includes a subset on the actual test. Mr. Citron may curve the scores, but this happens rarely. There are approximately six tests during the semester.

Grading
The course website states that the grading breakdown is as follows:


 * Exams and Quizzes &mdash; 75%
 * Participation and Homework &mdash; 15%
 * End of term disease presentation &mdash; 10%

However, Mr. Citron readily acknowledges that he does not like paper work and is not meticulous at keeping track of grades, meaning that these guidelines may not be followed exactly. Also, the disease presentation does not always occur in a given semester.