VNUR10320 Understanding Infect. Diseases

Academic Year 2020/2021

Introduction to infectious diseases - Microbiology, Virology and Parasitology

Over the course of this module, students will acquire an understanding of the basic concepts of veterinary microbiology, virology and parasitology. They will be introduced to the most important pathogens of companion animals and livestock and the methods used to detect and control them. Principles of infection control, vaccination, anthelmintic resistance development and antimicrobial susceptibility testing will also be discussed.
In practical classes, students will carry out selected basic serological, bacteriological and parasitological laboratory procedures used in diagnosing infections of veterinary clinical importance.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

Understand the principle and be able to implement infection control measures
Describe the transmission, clinical significance, treatment and control of important bacterial, viral and parasitic agents
Be able to explain basic innate and adaptive host immune defences
Explain the principles of common diagnostic tests including bacterial culture, faecal analysis, serology and molecular assays
Perform selected routine techniques in bacteriology and parasitology

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to microbiology
Introduction to mycology
Introduction to virology
Introduction to parasitology
Introduction to immunology
Infection control
Laboratory-based diagnostics (including basic microbiology & parasitology as well as serology (ELISA) and molecular techniques (PCR))


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Laboratories

8

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module includes lectures (where possible in person, otherwise on-line), laboratory-based work, enquiry/problem-based learning, peer and group work and self-directed learning.

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: spot tests with MCQs Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

Examination: Combination of single word and short answer questions 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

60


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback on performance in the open-book assignment or the end of term examination is available on request

Name Role
Dr Gerald Barry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Finola Leonard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor