Module type

Module Code      

Module name

Credits

Research/thesis

AHE 895

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
4 of 12 credits for One Health: Basic concepts

VRM 815

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

OHB 810

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

EPL 801

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

AHE 805

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 815

Advanced One Health Policy

Policy is generally defined as a plan of action on the part of a government, business or other organisation intended to influence decisions and actions in a particular direction. This module introduces the key principles in policy making in regard to animal health and trade in livestock or livestock products. It will consider the essentials of “effective” policy creation, the role of science and uncertainty in policy, policy analysis and the role of government versus the private sector in animal health.

12

EPL 803

Advanced Epidemiology

This module builds on the subjects dealt with in the ‘Basic Epidemiology’ module. It includes advanced statistical models (generalised linear model, mixed models, survival analysis) and introduces quantitative risk assessment.

12

Animal Health Management: High Impact and Emerging Diseases 

This module will introduce you to the reasons why animal health needs to be managed, the beneficiaries of animal health management, the concepts of what constitutes a high impact disease or an emerging disease with examples, and the basic principles and tools available for managing both high impact and emerging diseases, with an emphasis on the wildlife/livestock/human interface.

AHE 820

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

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.

AHE 822

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

GVD 815

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
(including a practical component)

AVB 820

Applied Veterinary Bacteriology

This module provides an introduction to the basic concepts of veterinary bacteriology, from sampling and handling of specimens to the methods and tools used for isolation and identification of bacteria of veterinary significance in the laboratory.

10

VMB 820

Applied Molecular Biology

Theoretical and practical study in the principles and applications of PCR, cloning and DNA sequencing techniques. 

10

ASR 813

Applied Serology

The module will enable delegates to develop proficiency in procedures in veterinary immunology and serology, and to implement and standardize different serological techniques with special emphasis on ELISA and FA techniques.

10

AVV 820

Applied Veterinary Virology

Theoretical and practical study of the use of cell cultures and embryonated chicken eggs for the isolation and identification of viruses.

10

TCK 815

Selected Tick identification

The objective of this module is to provide the basic knowledge of the biology, ecology, life-cycles, and importance of ticks. There will be a practical session to acquire the necessary laboratory skills to identify ticks of companion animals, equids, ruminants and wildlife.

10

AVH 815

Applied Veterinary Helminthology

This module provides an introduction to the control of helminth infections of economic or public health importance in the tropics. The focus is on transmission of helminths of livestock and on sustainable methods to break the lifecycles. Practical study includes common parasitological techniques and interpretation of parasitological parameters.

12

EPL 804

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

Globalisation and Health

The module is organised in 3 learning blocks including an assessment at the end of the 3rd week.
In the first block ‘Introduction to the globalisation and health nexus’, students will be familiarised with practical and theoretical debates about processes of globalisation, the global political economy, power and how these processes impact on health and people’s access to health services in very different settings.

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.
In the first part of the module, emphasis will be on introducing the different theoretical and operational concepts, using exercises to practice hands-on skills

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.