BI3ZE8-Zoonotic Epidemiology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Francoise Mazet
Email: f.m.mazet@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Glyn Barrett
Email: glyn.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Zoonotic diseases (or Zoonoses) are defined as diseases which can be transmitted to humans from animals. Diseases which originate from wildlife or livestock either as hosts or vectors pose significant issues for the health and well-being of people, companion animals as well as other livestock and wild animals. Through a series of lectures this course will provide: 1) A detailed background and knowledge of a range of zoonotic disease-causing organisms, their hosts and vectors, symptoms associated with zoonoses and their impact on human health and the economy; 2) Understanding of the co-evolution of hosts and diseases; 3) The control of zoonotic diseases through management of disease agents, their hosts and vectors and 4) The role of epidemiological modelling in devising effective management strategies. Specific examples of zoonotic diseases discussed within the module will include, but not be confined to: Influenza A, Covid-19, Lyme disease, Malaria, Ebola, rabies and plague.

Students will be expected to read scientific papers as indicated by the lecturers and will be tested on their understanding of the methodologies and results through a set test. Students will examine one aspect in depth through the preparation of an essay on a defined topic.

Aims:

Zoonotic diseases (or Zoonoses) are defined as diseases which can be transmitted to humans from animals. Diseases which originate from wildlife or livestock either as hosts or vectors pose significant issues for the health and well-being of people, companion animals as well as other livestock and wild animals. Through a series of lectures this course will provide: 1) A detailed background and knowledge of a range of zoonotic disease-causing organisms, their hosts and vectors, symptoms associated with zoonoses and their impact on human health and the economy; 2) Understanding of the co-evolution of hosts and diseases; 3) The control of zoonotic diseases through management of disease agents, their hosts and vectors and 4) The role of epidemiological modelling in devising effective management strategies. Specific examples of zoonotic diseases discussed within the module will include, but not be confined to: Influenza A, Covid-19, Lyme disease, Malaria, Ebola, rabies and plague.

Students will be expected to read scientific papers as indicated by the lecturers and will be tested on their understanding of the methodologies and results through a set test. Students will examine one aspect in depth through the preparation of an essay on a defined topic.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Describe and discuss the range of disease-causing agents and cellular mechanisms involved in the different types of zoonotic diseases


2. Describe and discuss the processes in the co-evolution of disease-causing agents and their hosts


3. Describe and discuss taxonomic differences in the role of wildlife including insects as vectors of diseases which affect humans, their companion animals and livestock


4. Describe the relative importance of zoonotic diseases in terms of human morbidity and mortality as well as their economic impacts


5. Describe and discuss approaches to disease surveillance at local, national and international scales


6. Describe, discuss and critically evaluate the mechanisms and approaches used to manage diseases which involve wildlife animals and livestock as host and/or vectors


7. Describe and discuss the implications of changes in host abundance as a consequence of human actions for disease-causing agents


8. Describe and discuss the role of epidemiological modelling in helping develop disease control strategies


9. Describe and discuss a range of emerging infectious diseases and the factors relating to the emergence of these diseases

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience in the review and critical analysis of primary scientific literature and the real-world implications of their studies.

Outline content:

A series of lectures will be used to cover topics relating to the epidemiology and management of wildlife zoonotic diseases. Introductory lectures will address the range of diseases and disease-causing agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) which affect human health, economic interests including livestock and the impact of disease management on wildlife animals.

Subsequent sets of lectures will address: 1) zoonotic diseases, including emerging infectious diseases; 2) the human-livestock-wildlife interfaces; 3) the conservation impacts of diseases; 4) success (or lack) of historical disease management strategies and the range of approaches used to combat them (e.g. disease surveillance schemes; veterinary-based approaches, including the use of vaccines; approaches aimed at controlling vector populations).



Students will be expected to read papers and other literature indicated by the lecturer. Students will be advised of the appropria teness of web-based articles.

Global context:

Zoonotic diseases which involve wildlife and livestock have major impacts on human health, food security, and the local and global economy. The understanding of their dispersion mechanisms from source to other animals and humans, the development of methods to control and manage these conditions/infections, and the ability to identify new emerging diseases will help improve the health and prosperity of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 20 ~50 minute lectures (divided by a short break) delivered over the course of the term. Good engagement with background reading will be expected.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		20
Exam revision/preparation		60
Revision and preparation		40
Essay preparation		20
Reflection		20
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	30
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One set online test

One essay

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback from the online test and the essay will be provided for students self-assessment of their writing and study skills

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 June 2021