TRANSMISSION AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF ANIMALS (VECTOR) - 2019/0
Module code: MMVM005
Module Overview
Module five focuses on the issues of the spread and control of diseases transmitted by vectors, using specific examples. Here the student will be exposed to the complex issues of vector-borne diseases, the differing biological properties of the disease agents and vectors that enable transmission and the obstacles these present to their control and/or eradication.
Module provider
School of Veterinary Medicine
Module Leader
MARINGER Kevin (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 114
Lecture Hours: 31
Tutorial Hours: 1
Practical/Performance Hours: 4
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
A detailed time table of the model content will be published 4 weeks prior to module start
Content to be covered are:
Entomology of medical and veterinary important arthropod vectors
Understanding biological difference between insect and tick vectors
The difference between biological and mechanical pathogen transmission by arthropod vectors
Transmission cycles of important veterinary and zoonotic viral, bacterial and parasitic arthropod borne pathogens
Influence of climate change and globalisation on vector-borne pathogens
Challenges to control of vector transmitted pathogens and new innovative control methods
Vectors and/or reservoir hosts
Concept of biosecurity and vectored transmission
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Examination | EXAMINATION (ESSAY QUESTIONS) - ONE HOUR | 40 |
| Coursework | FINAL PRESENTATION | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
An individual presentation may be offered as an alternative to a group presentation
Assessment Strategy
Coursework: Final presentation on last day of the module on a specific scientific theme. This assignment will most likely be assigned as pair but can be individual with time and theme length adjusted pro-rata. Final presentation will be 15 minutes for the team followed by up to 10 minutes questioning by examiners and peers. Students will receive individual marks if pair assignment highlights obvious qualitative difference between participants. (60%). An individual presentation may be used as an alternative to a group presentation.
Exam: (ii) Essay questions: 1 hour 2 questions out of 4 to be answered (40%)
Students will receive verbal feedback during each lecture – this is achieved by the Lecturers asking questions and assessing student responses and input into discussions. The lecturer will then highlight areas of confusion or provide clarity where necessary. Individual one-to-one discussions are also possible with this small group of students.
Module aims
- To provide a detailed overview of the biology of veterinary micro-organisms that are transmitted by vectors and to understand the concepts of true vectors and reservoirs.
- To provide a detailed overview of the methods employed to interrogate the biology of vectored veterinary micro-organisms with specific reference to clinical observation of disease, surveillance, diagnostics, control measures and policies for control.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 1 | Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of those veterinary pathogens transmitted by vectors and understand the biological relationship between pathogen, vector and host in the spread of disease. | K |
| 2 | Evaluate and challenge current data and thinking regarding perceived vector geography and pathogen susceptibility. | K |
| 3 | Understand and rationalise the concept and needs for coherent national and transnational control through policy and legislation with special reference to vectored transmission. | K |
| 4 | Critically assess the roles, strengths and limitations of reference laboratory activity in support of control measures and policy and assess the limitations of current methods of surveillance and diagnostic support especially in relation to advance warning and implementation of control measures. | K |
| 5 | Critically assess control measures for vector borne diseases. | K |
| 6 | Evaluate pathogen-host interaction in terms the route of transmission | C |
| 7 | Evaluate the methods of control of vector borne diseases | C |
| 8 | Work independently demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management | T |
| 9 | Communicate effectively orally and in written work | T |
| 10 | Participate in group discussions and on group assignments | T |
| 11 | Investigate and analyse problems | T |
| 12 | Integrate numerical & non-numerical information | T |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The module content will be delivered by a mix of lecture presentations, discussion groups, in-class group work, tutorials and coursework assignments.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MMVM005
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Microbiology MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.