Module Information

Module Identifier
BR26520
Module Title
One Health Microbiology
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Professor Hazel Davey
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
BG12110 or BR12110
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Fact sheet (group work)  3000 Words  20%
Semester Assessment Written report based on practicals  (2000 words)  40%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam  40%
Supplementary Assessment Written assignment  20%
Supplementary Assessment Written report based on practicals  (2000 words)  40%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Supplementary exam  Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Explain the one health concept.

2. Critically evaluate microbiome research.

3. Discuss examples of zoonotic disease.

4. Compare and contrast the types and structures of the major bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses involved in infectious disease.

5. Use results from epidemiological models to make decisions about disease control strategies.

Brief description

The One Health approach acknowledges the relationship between health and disease at the human, animal, insect vector and environment interfaces. It has become an important focus in both medical and veterinary science with the recognition that health is influenced by the presence of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. This module explores these concepts and provides students with a broad range of relevant examples while enabling them to perform research relevant to their degree scheme.

Content

The module begins with an introduction to the ‘one health’ concept and the species barrier. The role of the microbiome in healthy individuals will be explored with a critical reflection on the growing volume of research in this area. Bacterial, viral and eukaryotic pathogens will be discussed with examples of transmission from horses, livestock and wild animals to the human population. This will include discussion of the pathogenesis and control of disease. Examples of established zoonotic diseases such as influenza and campylobacteriosis as well as emerging infectious diseases with an animal origin and/or associated with habitat destruction such as Ebola will be used as case studies. Practices such as the use of growth-promoting antibiotics in livestock production and the impact of antimicrobial resistance on the human population will be discussed. The module will also enable students to develop an understanding of the value of epidemiology and its application in investigation of disease outbreaks.
The biodiversity of the community that a pathogen belongs to, and the role of climate in disease will also be included as further examples.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This will be developed and assessed through practicals and associated work.
Communication Students will be required to listen effectively in lectures. Students will need to communicate effectively in practicals and when undertaking group work.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be expected to use resources available through Blackboard and to take responsibility for managing their time to submit work on time.
Information Technology Coursework will be word processed.
Personal Development and Career planning Beyond what is already mentioned above, this is not an element of this module, however the students will be expected to relate the material to their chosen degree scheme.
Problem solving Practicals and the assessment of these will involve solving a variety of problems.
Research skills Research will be required in producing the report and group work
Subject Specific Skills Practical techniques and core knowledge of transmission, pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of infectious diseases.
Team work Students will be required to work together to prepare their group work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5