Course Catalogue

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This course will provide an overview of the main veterinary and zoonotic viral, bacterial and parasitic infectious agents. Pathogenesis, immune response, diagnosis and control will be considered.

Weekly lectures & tutorials with practical sessions

Students must have attained the minimum requirements for entry into level 3 of the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme as specified in the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme Supplementary Regulations.

None

End of course assessment (50%): Written exam (50%) - may consist of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, data interpretation questions or essays.

In-course assessment (50%): Practical and MCQ-based assessment which may contain MCQ, short questions, SAQ and/or DIQ (35%); oral presentation which may be solo or group-based (15%)

■ To provide an overview of the basis for infectious disease in domestic animals.

■ To outline some of the important bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens of domestic animals.

■ To outline the mechanisms of host immunity to infection and how pathogenic organisms are able to overcome host immune responses.

■ To give an overview of the ways in which mechanisms of infection and immune responses to disease can be measured experimentally.

■ To provide insights into how vaccines work and the developmental process for new vaccines.

■ To provide an overview of zoonoses, and emerging infectious diseases and the role of wildlife.

■ To overview practical techniques used to diagnose bacterial, parasitic and viral disease.

■ To develop the ability to retrieve, understand, critically appraise and discuss the research literature relevant to immunity and infectious disease.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

■ Discuss the types and fundamental characteristics of microbe and parasite pathogens associated with infectious disease.

■ Explain the basis for infectious disease in domestic animals and basis for control strategies that might be applied to limit the impact of pathogens

■ Describe the mechanisms of host immunity to infection and immune evasion strategies applied by

pathogenic organisms.

■ Explain how vaccines work and discuss the developmental process required for new vaccines.

■ Discuss zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases and the role of wildlife.

■ Critically evaluate laboratory methods that may be used to diagnose infectious veterinary diseases.

■ Critically evaluate the significance of scientific literature relating to infectious disease, infection and immunity.