Postgraduate Course: New developments in epidemiology and the control of vector borne disease (INAH11007)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course aims to promote an understanding of the causation, transmission and control of vector-borne disease. |
| Course description |
Livestock play a pivotal role in the livelihoods of communities in rural Africa and thus factors affecting the health and productivity of livestock are important constraints in the development and wellbeing of such communities. In sub-Saharan Africa, diseases transmitted by ticks and tsetse are important causes of mortality and morbidity in livestock; tsetse-borne trypanosomiasis has been estimated to cost Africa US$4.5 billion a year and East Coast Fever, transmitted by ticks, has been estimated at US$ 168 million.
Historically, research and control of tick- and tsetse-borne diseases were under the auspices of somewhat distinct groups with control of the various diseases and vectors often the responsibility of separate veterinary and entomology departments. Recently, however, control of tsetse- and tick-borne diseases is becoming increasingly integrated due to:-
1. Privatisation and reduction of government veterinary and extension services, with animal health inputs devolving from the level of government agencies to that of individual farmers and livestock keepers.
2. Increasing recognition of the need for integrated disease control rather than control of individual diseases; this applies to prevention, control, diagnosis and therapy wherein there are many potential synergies to be exploited through integration.
3. Increasing awareness and availability of technologies that impinge on both types of disease, particularly pyrethroid insecticides that are effective against ticks and tsetse and, to some extent, genetically resistant cattle such as Nżdama.
While it is apparent that integration is happening, there is scant information on the epidemiological, social and economic implications of this trend. And in particular, concern is attached to the impact that widespread use of pyrethroid-treated cattle may have on prevalence and severity of major tick-borne diseases, especially for poorer livestock-owning communities.
The diseases and their vectors, past and present tick and tsetse control in Africa, epidemiological aspects of vector-borne diseases, future directions in tick and tsetse control in Africa and policy issues and information provision for integrated tsetse- and tick-borne disease control
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Students will be required to have regular access to a networked computer, and will be responsible for providing their own computing equipment and consumables. |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe parasite transmission dynamics between vectors and hosts
- Describe transmission dynamics as a basis for control strategies
- Compare and contrast current and novel approaches to vector control
- Describe the effect of climate change on disease vectors and distribution
- Describe socioeconomic considerations in the control of vector-borne diseases
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Reading List
| No specific reading material, students are pointed to recent peer reviewed articles that will be made available on a weekly basis |
Additional Information
| Course URL |
http://www.internationalanimalhealth.ed.ac.uk |
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Graduate attributes: Skills and abilities in Research and Enquiry
To be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding of international animal health issues
To be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge their knowledge and understanding by keeping abreast of current developments as part of a regular routine of self motivated continuing professional development
They will have been taught the skills on where to search for up to date information that is relevant to their working environment and academic interests.
To have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these
On graduating our students will be able to recognise the importance of reflecting on their learning experiences and be aware of any limitations and how to address these.
Graduate Attributes: Skills and abilities in Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
To be open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking. This is encouraged by the diverse portfolio of programmes that the graduate may have chosen to include in their learning experience, challenging themselves both within their current sphere and also outside their normal comfort zone.
To be creative and imaginative thinkers, a feature that will have been enhanced by the variety of assessment methods though which they have been challenges to present, re-imagine, or discuss their learning materials.
Part-time, online learners will have learnt to be able to identify processes and strategies for learning. There is no rigid structure to their learning environment, beyond the established deadlines for continuous assessment. It is for the student to adapt their own circumstances to meet the challenges for this programme, continuous reflection; self-evaluation and self-improvement are fundamental skills in this process. This ensures an independent approach to assimilating knowledge and the knowledge of where to find relevant, additional resources and information.
The self selective student cohort, are all working professionals with a clear vision of where this qualification will place them within their own career pathways. The pace of learning and the support of a similarly minded cohort help ensure that these goals are achieved in a sustainable manner.
Graduate Attributes: Skills and abilities in Communication
To make effective use of written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding. While oral skills are encouraged, until we are certain that the use of these technologies in our online programmes will not prohibit the contribution of any student due to their geographical circumstances, this suite of technologies has not been fully implemented.
The use of communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others is vital in these online programmes, the vast majority of information is text based and students must be able to clearly present their thoughts, ideas and the logical progression of a discussion to one another.
Seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness. While on programme students are also encourage to participate in peer review, providing open and honest feedback in a clear and supportive manner. This open dialogue is vital in furthering the understanding of how their own performance might be improved.
Recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
Use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection.
Graduate Attributes: Skills and abilities in Personal Effectiveness
The development of confidence in their own skill set, and to appreciate and use their talents constructively, this is taken to include the ability to make decisions based on their understandings and their personal and intellectual autonomy
To create and harness collaborative opportunities through the development of professional networks, and knowledge of potential funding streams and other financial opportunities
To be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
To understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues though membership of a global community of practise. This community encourages students to work together to capitalise on their different thinking, experience and skills in order to progress their knowledge and understanding.
To work with, manage, and lead others in ways that value their diversity and equality and that encourage their contribution to the organisation and the wider community
3. Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others |
| Special Arrangements |
This courses will be taught entirely by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment Learn as the delivery platform. Course materials are protected by secure username and password access, that will be made available to registered users. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
This course will be delivered online through Learn. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ewan Macleod
Tel: 0131 242 9379
Email: ewan.macleod@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Sara-Louise Tait
Tel: (0131 6)51 5997
Email: Sara-Louise.Tait@ed.ac.uk |
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