General provisions

The course is part of the second semester at the Master's Programme in infection biology.

Entry requirements

180 credits in biology, bio-/medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical bioscience, (pharmaceutical) chemistry, medical science, agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine. Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English 6/English Course B in the Swedish secondary school.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should have knowledge about infectious diseases and disease mechanisms of important pathogens in wild as well as domesticated animals. The interaction between pathogenic agents and the host immune system is highlighted, inter alia, for the purpose of vaccine formulation. The course should be based on a comprehensive "One Health" perspective and provide an understanding of how new human pathogens may arise and spread. Students should also be able to reflect on ethical framework and approach for animal management and animal experiments.

After the course the students should be able:

• describe the structure, function, life cycle and pathogenicity of the most important parasitic protozoa, helminths, and arthropods and pathogenic fungi in animals and humans, as well as explain the general principles to prevent and treat infections caused by them.
• describe the biology and pathogenicity of the viruses and bacteria that cause infectious diseases of major veterinary medical importance, and analyse and evaluate societal consequences of major outbreaks in e.g. livestock
• describe the methodological principles and problems relating to veterinary diagnostics and surveillance of infectious agents and their spreading
• explain the basic principles of the so-called emerging diseases and zoonotic infections and account for important zoonotic infectious agents
• based on a knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the interaction between the immune system of the host and various pathogens account for principles and strategies for different vaccination methods and critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these
• independently search for, compile, evaluate and critically interpret relevant scientific literature and information, based on a given issue, and critically analyse methods, interpret results and discuss these both orally and in writing

Content

The course is divided into three sections: Parasitology, 5 credits, Mycology, 3 credits, and Veterinary infection biology and zoonotic infections, 7 credits

The subsections parasitology and mycology treats occurrence and classification of various parasites, including protozoans, arthropods and helminths, and pathogenic fungi respectively. Lifecycle, structure and biology of the pathogens are discussed, but also their interactions with the host's immune system and methods for preventing disease and spreading.

The module Veterinary Infection Biology and zoonotic infections treats bacterial and viral pathogens of importance to animal health. Spread of infections between animals and humans - zoonotic infections - are discussed in detail. Furthermore methods to diagnose not only existing but also to identify new infectious agents, so-called emerging diseases, are discussed. The module also deals with the principles and mechanisms of how, based on the host's immunological response, different vaccination strategies can be applied to prevent disease and spread of infection in both animals and humans.

Instruction

Teaching is performed in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health and the Department of Microbiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Teaching is in English and consists of lectures given by specialists from academia, hospitals and government agencies.

Compulsory parts of the course includes practical laboratory work, exercises, field trips and seminars.

Assessment

Written tests with the grade Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) ends the respective module. The mandatory parts are examined at seminars, oral presentations/reports and through written reports and given the grade of pass or fail.

To pass the course all mandatory parts must be approved. The grading from exams and assignments will together generate a final weighted course grade. Possibility for completion of not approved compulsory assignments may be given at the earliest at next course and only in case of a vacancy.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.