General provisions

The course is part of the third semester of the Master's Programme in Infection Biology.

Entry requirements

Prerequisites equivalent to 40 credits of the courses included in year one of the Master's programme in infection biology or equivalent. This corresponds to in-depth knowledge of the biological mechanisms and processes that regulate infection with bacteria and viruses, the immunological response to infection by these as well as knowledge of relevant research methods in infectious biology research. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• Describe the biology of the pathogens that cause infections of major veterinary importance
• Explain the basic principles behind emerging diseases, zoonotic infections and important zoonotic infectious agents.
• Describe the biology of vectors and host animals, the pathogens they transmit and be able to account for factors that affect pathogen transmission cycles in nature and general principles to prevent transmission.
• Identify the most common food- and water-borne pathogens, including their occurrence, reservoirs and ways of transmission as well as be able to explain how the risks of a food- or water-borne outbreak relate to handling, behavior and regulations.
• Describe and assess the methods for surveillance and control of pathogenic microbes, and discuss epidemiological aspects of methods to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Understand and explain factors underlying the occurance and effects of infectious diseases globally.
• Explain basic principles of different formats of scientific communication

Competence and skills

After completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• Analyse disease outbreaks and route of transmission in e.g. livestock and food.
• Choose and apply, adequate methods and approach to track, limit and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Independently and creatively design a research project, with a fixed budget and time plan, aiming for prevention of infections, or their consequences, in a country heavily affected by infectious diseases, with a set budget and time plan
• Search relevant knowledge in scientific literature, extract and critically assess information as well as cite and compile this in a scientifically correct manner.
• Apply scientific and popular scientific forms of communication to convey biomedical knowledge and research in a correct and understandable manner.

Judgement and approach

After completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• Evaluate societal consequences of major outbreaks in e.g. livestock
• Critically evaluate the scientific value, ethical implications as well as financial and practical feasability of a research project.
• Judge and argue for different methods of presentation depending on context and give constructive feedback.

Content

The overall aim for this course is to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of emergence and spread of infectious diseases on a local and global scale in a "One World - One Health" perspective. To give knowledge on the biological basis for how new and old infections may arise and spread to, and between, humans, animals and insects from food, water or the environment.

The course is divided in three blocks covering "Infections in animals and humans", food borne infections "Food safety and hygiene" and infections in a global perspective "Global health". Together, the three modules will provide a deeper knowledge and understanding of the global challenges caused by infectious diseases. All course parts will give knowledge on tools to measure, control and prevent effects of disease outbreaks. During all course blocks, practical exercises and group discussions are given on scientific presentation and communication corresponding to mandatory modules on the doctoral course at Uppsala University's faculties of medicine and pharmacy.

The "Infections in animals and humans" module covers the driving forces and the impact that infections originating in animals have on human and animal health. Here knowledge is provided on how the biology and ecology of different vectors and host animals affect the transmission of pathogens and an understanding of risks for emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Different aspects of both animal husbandry and wild-life and its impact on human and animal health, will be discussed.

The "Food safety and hygiene" module deals with the impact of food borne infections to human health. This block will provide knowledge on risks and challenges in the food industry, how to achieve a safe food production, as well as an understanding of risk assessments, outbreak analysis and how authorities and industry works to ensure safe food and water without risk for infection.

The last module "Global health" is covering the uneven burden and impact of infectious diseases globally, for societies and individuals. Special attention is given to the impact of infectious diseases in countries with unsatisfying sanitary circumstances, lack of clean water and/or limited availability to food and healthcare. Actions to address problems caused by infectious diseases, preventive global and local measures, funding of research, ethical considerations and practical challenges and opportunities are discussed and assessed.

Instruction

Teaching takes place in English and is given on site at Campus. The teaching consists of lectures and mandatory seminars, practical exercises, assignments and exercises in groups and individually, field visits and presentations in various formats. Seminars and assignments are mandatory. The expected workload is approximately 40 hours/week. Unscheduled time is expected to be spent preparing in groups or individually for assignments, exercises, projects, presentations and exams.

Assessment

Modes of assessment

The first two course blocks "Infections in animals and humans" and "Food safety and hygiene" end with written exams. There is an ongoing assessment of performance in compulsory course elements. The final course block "Global health" is assessed through performance in mandatory assignments, discussions, seminars and presentations. Final grade for the course is based on a weighting of grades for all included courseassignments.

Exceptions to modes of assessment

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.

Requirements for a passing grade

For a passed course, passing results are required on all written tests and mandatory elements.

Students who have not passed an exam can retake the exam at re-examination occasion or at an upcoming regular course session. Other parts of the course can be completed during the current course or at future course sessions, if seats are available.