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LSC-30086 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-30086 - Case Studies in Animal Infection and Control
Coordinator: Najmul Haider
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In a world where emerging diseases, global trade, climate change, and human–animal interactions are reshaping health risks, understanding how infectious diseases spread and how they can be controlled has never been more important. This module will give you the opportunity to explore real-world disease outbreaks affecting wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, while developing a strong understanding of vaccination, biosecurity, surveillance, and outbreak management. Using a One Health approach, you will examine the connections between animal, human, and environmental health and learn how scientific evidence informs disease control policy and practice. Through case studies, group discussions, and applied problem-solving activities, you will develop the skills to critically evaluate disease control strategies, design evidence-based response plans, and communicate complex scientific issues effectively. These are valuable skills for careers in veterinary science, animal health, public health, government agencies, research, and the wider life sciences sector.

Aims
The module aims to further develop students’ critical understanding of the control of infectious disease in wildlife, livestock and companion animals. It will explore and evaluate a range of control measures for the prevention and management of disease outbreaks, building on prior learning. Students will consider and apply approaches to infection control, including vaccination, genetic strategies, biosecurity, and regulatory frameworks for notifiable diseases, within the context of a One Health approach to cross-species and zoonotic transmission.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate strategies for the control, eradication, and prevention of infectious diseases in animal populations, including vaccination and biosecurity measures: 1,2
Analyse and apply One Health principles to complex disease transmission scenarios, including zoonotic and cross-species dynamics: 2
Interpret and critique national and international regulatory frameworks and guidance for notifiable and emerging infectious diseases: 2
Critically appraise scientific literature and methodologies underpinning disease control strategies: 1,2
Design and justify evidence-based outbreak response and long-term disease control plans: 2
Communicate complex scientific concepts effectively through collaborative oral presentation and discussion: 1

Study hours

ACTIVE LEARNING HOURS: 62 hours
IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES: 32 hours
Lectures/Seminars: 2 hours X 10 weeks
Tutorials: 1 hours X 10 weeks
Drop-in sessions: 1 hour X 2 weeks
ASYNCHRONOUS DIRECTED LEARNING: 30 hours
3 hours X 10 weeks engagement with weekly topics
INDEPENDENT STUDY & ASSESSMENT: 88 hours
Assessment 1 (Student-led seminar):
40 hours preparation and writing
Assessment 2 (Disease control and prevention plan):
48 hours preparation and writing

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 40%
Student-led seminar
Students will select a topic from a pre-determined list at the beginning of the module. Working in groups (maximum of 3-4), students will deliver a seminar to the cohort which will include the use of an appropriate case study and consideration of current advances in that area of research. The seminar will require students to demonstrate critical understanding of the topic, evaluate relevant disease control strategies, and integrate appropriate scientific literature. Students are expected to present material appropriate to a scientific audience and engage with questions and discussion. The seminar will last approximately 30–40 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session. Marks will be based on a combination of: • Staff assessment (80%), using a detailed marking rubric • Peer evaluation (20%), assessing individual contribution to the group task Peer evaluation will be completed anonymously and will be moderated by staff to ensure fairness and consistency. Peer scores will contribute to the individual component of the mark. Presentations will be submitted on Turnitin (to share feedback) and module page (students can access the slides prior the session)

2: Assignment weighted 60%
Disease control and prevention plan
Students will select from a pre-determined list of disease outbreak scenarios. They will be required to prepare a written assignment (2000 words) comprising: • An emergency outbreak response plan (approximately 1,000 words), addressing immediate containment, surveillance, and control measures • A longer-term disease control and prevention strategy (approximately 1,000 words), considering sustainable interventions and management approaches. Students will be expected to apply relevant scientific evidence and consider appropriate national and/or international regulatory frameworks. The assignment should demonstrate critical evaluation of disease control strategies and incorporate a One Health perspective where appropriate.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026