THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: Introduction to disease in livestock ecosystems: dynamics & control (VESC11075)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course is designed to introduce the student to the core concepts in disease in livestock ecosystems and the interdisciplinary systems approach to disease dynamics and control. It will provide a broad overview of the key concepts in this field that will be dealt with in further depth and detail in year 2 courses, using relevant examples to illustrate the major problems and challenges. In particular it will use examples from SRUC/R(D)SVS research to explore the inter-disciplinary nature of Disease Systems & Control and its contribution to sustainable intensification of agricultural production and climate change.
Course description Basic introduction to the following concepts:
Systems research techniques and critical evaluation
Biological processes as routes of disease transmission
Livestock management practices as routes of disease transmission
Pathogen population dynamics
Interplay of empirical experimentation, field observation and mathematical modelling in systems thinking
Relationship between veterinary science, animal science and ecology and the environment
Role of mathematical modelling (theoretical and operational) in disease epidemiology and control
Disease persistence in host communities
Role of wildlife in the epidemiology of livestock disease
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 07/08/2017
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 196 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 100% in-course formal summative written assessment, which will comprise two assessments each worth 50 % of the final course mark
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of disease systems and control
  2. Describe the complex relationships between biological & ecological processes and livestock management as drivers of disease persistence and spread
  3. Give examples of specific disease systems and the key factors and processes driving disease risk and prevalence at farm and national scales
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the various factors influencing the efficacy of disease control
  5. Discuss the role that animal health professionals can play in delivering sustainable intensification of livestock production
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Mike Hutchings
Tel: (0131) 535 3200
Email: mike.hutchings@sruc.ac.uk
Course secretaryDr Spiridoula Athanasiadou
Tel: (0131 6)51 9355
Email: sathanas@exseed.ed.ac.uk
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