Pathogen strategies for transmission and survival (P01596)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : VET-P-P01596

This course aims to promote an understanding of the transmission mechanisms of macro- and micro-parasites, and the maintenance strategies for survival between successive infections.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Masters in International Animal Health entry requirements.

? Co-requisites : Compulsory (year 1)

? Special Arrangements for Entry : This courses will be taught entirely by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment Web CT as the delivery platform. Course materials are protected by secure username and password access, that will be made available to registered users.

? Costs : Students will be required to have regular access to a networked computer, and will be reponsible for providing their own computing equipment and consumables.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

International Animal health, (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Schedule S)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Additional Class Information : This course will be delivered online through Web CT.
The course will run from the 8th of January to the 23rd of March.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course the candidate should understand the biological characteristics of the different classes of pathogens, including prions. Demonstrate an appreciation of the various strategies adopted by specific (regional) pathogens to establish infection and survive in their hosts.

The candidate should:
- understand the infectious disease mechanisms and the making of a pathogen
- appreciate the factors associated with host susceptibility and resistance
- understand the characteristics of parasitism and survival in the host and in the free environment, including zoonosis and vector-borne diseases
- routes of entry, establishment and persistence of infection in the host
- appreciate the identification of critical points for intervention and the design of control programmes
- understand the identification of problems and researchable questions relating to pathogenesis and control.

Assessment Information

Formal summative written assessment will constitute 60% of the student's grade. Online discussion in both a synchronous and asynchronous environment will contribute further to the final mark. Students will also be required to keep an online reflective personal portfolio. In combination with the submission of electronic course assignments, these elements will provide the remaining 40% of the final mark.