The programme starts in January each year. The degree has a modular structure in order to ensure flexibility, with continued assessments throughout each module. The MSc has the following components:
Module type |
Module Code |
Module name |
Credits |
Research/thesis |
Mini-dissertation: A mini-dissertation must be submitted on an appropriate topic depending on the field of interest of the student. A research project of limited scope must be undertaken and written in the format of a mini-dissertation to fulfil the requirements of the MSc. The research topic is determined in consultation with the supervisor and head of department and the research project must be approved according to Faculty guidelines. Before or together with the mini-dissertation, a student must submit at least one draft article for publication in an acknowledged journal to the Faculty Administration, failing which the degree will not be conferred. The draft article must be based on the research for the mini-dissertation and must be acceptable to the supervisor and meet subsidy requirements. |
90 |
|
Compulsory/Core modules |
Induction |
Induction: A two week orientation at DVTD and Hans Hoheisen which will include sessions on key computing, library, study and research skills. Aspects of the Research Methodology and One Health: Basic concepts modules will also be presented (face-to-face). |
3 of 9 credits for Research Methodology and |
Research methodology A web-based introductory module in research methodology that includes planning and undertaking a research project or clinical trial, collecting and analysing data, scientific writing, and enabling preparation and presenting of a research protocol. |
10 |
||
One Health: Basic concepts This module will introduce students to the philosophy and practice of "One Health", an approach that recognises that the health and well-being of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and the ecosystems in which they live and function and intrinsically connected. |
18 |
||
Basic Epidemiology A web-based introductory module in epidemiology that includes general concepts, quantification of disease prevalence and incidence, interpretation of diagnostic test results, basic sampling designs and basic statistics. |
12 |
||
Introduction to Zoonosis This module deals with basic concepts and principles of zoonoses with a clear focus on wildlife/livestock/human interactions. Key drivers, contributing underlying factors as well as impacts of zoonoses will be investigated against the background of socio-economic determinants, the environment, animal husbandry practices; integrated intervention tools and strategies; integrated medical and veterinary data collection, cultural perceptions and advocacy and policy development. |
15 |
||
Theory-based elective modules |
|||
AHE 821 | 12 | ||
Laboratory Diagnostics This module deals with the principles underlying the effective use of diagnostic methods for pathogen diagnosis and disease surveillance. It includes the collection of appropriate samples suitable for testing; the selection of transport media; the handling, despatch and storage of samples; the principles of biosafety and risk assessment; the approach to the validation and quality assurance of diagnostic assays for infectious diseases |
12 | ||
TBD 815 |
Tick and Tick-bourne Diseases This module will introduce you to the global importance of ticks, addressing the direct damaging effects associated with their feeding behaviour, but also and more importantly their role as vectors of a wide range of pathogens of domestic animals and humans.
|
10 | |
Surveillance and Survey Methodology This module deals with the concepts and principles of terrestrial animal (livestock and wildlife) health surveillance; including the design; implementation and evaluation of surveillance system; the data sources; tools and methods available to perform effective surveillance; and the evaluation and analysis of surveillance data. This module will also provide an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and provide basic skills on how to use GIS in epidemiological studies. |
12 |
||
General Vector-borne diseases The module gives an overview of the most important vectors and vector borne diseases, their importance and insight on the importance of the biology of the vectors on the transmission of the micro-organisms they transmit. |
12 |
||
Skills-based elective modules |
10 |
||
10 |
|||
10 |
|||
10 |
|||
10 |
|||
12 |
|||
Applied Epidemiology This module is a hands-on theoretical and practical introduction to epidemiological modelling, including simulation modelling. It assumes successful completion of the basic and applied epidemiology modules. |
12 |
||
OHB 812 |
Globalisation and Health The module is organised in 3 learning blocks including an assessment at the end of the 3rd week. |
15 | |
OHB 815 |
Outbreaks Investigations and research A set of interdisciplinary sessions will assist the students to gain new insights in outbreak investigation and research which can support outbreak control. |
15 | |
OHB 816 |
Molecular data for infectious diseases MID is a module for molecular biologists on the implementation of molecular techniques, and more specifically the use of molecular data in tropical lowresource settings. In MID, molecular techniques and data are discussed in the context of clinical and epidemiological field studies on infectious diseases. |
15 |
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