THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Biomedical Sciences : International Animal Health

Postgraduate Course: An introduction to vaccinology (INAH11026)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Biomedical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course aims to promote an appreciation of the development and application of vaccines as well as the benefits and constraints of vaccination as a component of integrated disease control.
Course description In this course on vaccinology, the rationale behind vaccination will be covered, followed by descriptions of conventional vaccination and new technological approaches. Examples of successful vaccines will highlight important features necessary for achieving efficacy. Case studies will be presented to illustrate problems that need to be overcome in the development of particular vaccines.

The course starts off with an introduction to vaccinology, followed by modern approaches to vaccine development, helminth vaccines, the limitations of vaccination and finally the role of vaccines in integrated control.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 07/04/2025
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 10, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10, Online Activities 25, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 53 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Formal summative written assessment will constitute 60% of the student's grade. Online discussion in both a synchronous and asynchronous environment will contribute further to the final mark. In combination with the submission of electronic course assignments, these elements will provide the remaining 40% of the final mark.
Feedback Summative assessment consists of one written assessment, worth 60% of the total mark, and an online element worth 40%. In each case, comprehensive written feedback is provided individually within 15 working days of the assessment deadline. Students are expected to reflect on their feedback, to seek additional clarification if appropriate, and to use this to improve on future assignments of a similar nature.
Formative assessment consists of discussion around what is expected of each piece of assessed work for the course. This is conducted in a discussion forum for all students to contribute to and provides an opportunity to clearly understand the key requirements for each assignment before submission. Any student can post questions about the assignment and a response will be posted on the discussion board by the course tutor within 3 working days.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Be able to describe and show critical awareness of the principles underpinning diagnostic techniques such as microscopy and haematology.
  2. Using a broad range of veterinary examples and applications understand the principles of an immunoassay and critically appraise their validation and application
  3. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of and awareness of a broad range of point of care diagnostic methods, including molecular diagnostic techniques, and critically evaluate their application and effectiveness in veterinary species, particularly as it pertains to infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance.
  4. Discuss areas of innovation and development especially in the areas of point of care, novel biomarker identification, microfluidics and theranostics.
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
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
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Emily O'Reilly
Tel:
Email: emily.o'reilly@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Katherine Shaw
Tel: (0131 6)50 8349
Email: K.Shaw@ed.ac.uk
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