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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module you will further explore a range of infectious diseases affecting wildlife, livestock and companion animals and develop a deeper understanding of current and emerging strategies applied to the prevention and management of disease outbreaks. This will expanded on topics introduced in other areas of your course and may include vaccine development and vaccination programmes, biosecurity measures applied to the management of outbreaks and the regulatory frameworks applied. These concepts will be explored through a series of seminars and case-based learning tutorials, where you will further develop communication, teamwork and leadership skills in the delivery of a group seminar. Wider skills in design and evaluation of infection control programmes will be developed as you produce an emergency response plan and devise longer term control and prevention strategies to manage disease outbreak.

The module aims to further develop students’ understanding of the control of infectious disease in wildlife, livestock and companion animals. The module will explore a range of control measures for prevention and management of disease outbreaks, developing from content introduced in other areas of the course. Students will consider a number of approaches to infection control which may include vaccine development and administration, selective breeding and genetic engineering, biosecurity and manipulation of transmission dynamics, and regulatory guidance applied to notifiable communicable diseases. Wider control measures, where appropriate, as part of a One Health approach to human, animal and environmental health, and cross-species transmission will also be discussed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate current and proposed reduction, eradication and control programmes to tackle infectious diseases affecting wildlife, poultry, livestock, and companion animals, including biosecurity and vaccination programmes: 1,2
critically assess a One Health approach to the management of disease transmission and cross-species transmission of zoonotic disease: 2
evaluate the current published guidance to disease outbreak management and notifiable infectious diseases (e.g FMD, Avian influenza) in wildlife and livestock on a local and global scale: 2
critically assess scientific publications, methodologies and regulatory guidelines regarding the treatment and prevention of communicable disease in animals and humans: 1,2
prepare and deliver a scientific seminar as a group, appropriate to scientific audience: 1

Study hours

4 x 1 hour student seminars
8 x 1 hour seminars
8 x 2 hour CBL sessions
3 x 1 hour workshops supporting module assessment
Independent study hours:
8 x 4 hours engagement with directed reading and preparation for CBL sessions
42 hours preparation for group seminar
45 hours preparation of assignment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment