Course Catalogue

Fundamentals of Antimicrobial Resistance VETSCI5044

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Biodiversity One Health Vet Med
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This is the first mandatory course of semester 2 for the MSc programme Epidemiology of Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance (EIDAR). This course broadly covers fundamental concepts around antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Topics covered include epidemiological aspects (e.g., drivers, surveillance approaches, practicalities of study design); genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying the acquisition, and evolution and spread of AMR in pathogens of human and veterinary importance.

Timetable

Teaching will be delivered by a mix of lectures and practical classes/workshop sessions during semester 2.

Requirements of Entry

EIDAR term 1

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. One report from lab practicals (50%) (ILO 1)

2. One take-home essay-style written exam (short answer questions) on interpretation of epidemiological and genomic data (30%) (ILO 2)

3. Participation in journal club discussions (20%) (ILO 3)

Course Aims

The course aims to provide students with a foundational knowledge of AMR from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective. Students will develop a critical understanding of the processes driving AMR emergence, persistence, transmission and spread at local, regional and global levels. They will learn the mechanisms of acquisition, evolution and spread of molecular determinants of AMR in pathogens relevant to human and animal health. Students will become familiar with approaches available to detect and quantify AMR in human/animal populations and/or the environment. Students will gain relevant practical skills and research independently to critically comprehend and evaluate some specific molecular mechanisms of AMR. Overall, this course will enhance students' conceptual, analytical and intellectual skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Comprehend, utilise and critically discuss selected methods and tools used in AMR epidemiology, including genotypic and phenotypic approaches for AMR detection.

2. Critically examine, analyse and summarise data output from relevant AMR detection tools and bioinformatics software used for molecular and genomic data analysis. 

3. Critically read and evaluate scientific literature so they can discuss, appraise and communicate information on different aspects of AMR.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions