SHSM13002U Disease Control and Dynamics - in a One Health Setting

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Master's Programme in Veterinary Public Health - compulsory
Content
Part 1 gives an introduction to principles and applications of
- Characteristics of endemic and epidemic diseases
- Purpose, design and performance of disease monitoring and surveillance systems under different conditions
- Disease control options for endemic and epidemic diseases
- Simulation modelling of dynamics of infectious diseases
- Use of GIS for visualization of surveillance or outbreak data
- Basic spatial and spatiotemporal epidemiological methods
- Characteristics of One Health cases

Part 2 is conducted as distance learning during 6 weeks with focus on elements of Part 1 and with individual and group assignments. The participants will work on different aspects of disease control and dynamics in relation to specific case studies.
Learning Outcome
At the end of the course, it is expected that the participant can do the following:

Knowledge:
- define, identify and describe disease outbreaks in animals at the farm, regional, national and international level
- choose among methods for disease surveillance
- select an appropriate method  for simple modeling of transmission of infection
- critically select among control strategies
- describe the characteristics of endemic disease versus exotic and emerging disease and epidemic situations

Skills:
- analyse surveillance data and identify relevant information as input in simulation models
- evaluate alternative control options based on simulation results
- create a map to visualise disease surveillance or outbreak data

Comptences:
- collaborate scientifically and administratively with parties involved in disease control
- carry out disease control activities based on scientific modeling input
- take responsibility and make decisions in the disease control process.
Literature
Selected papers and course notes.
A BSc or MSc degree in veterinary medicine, human medicine, agricultural sciences, engineering or natural science is required - and at least two years of relevant professional experience. If you wish to attend single courses, the above mentioned requirements can be deviated. Good English skills are required.
The participant is recommended to have completed Veterinary Epidemiology part 1 (SFKM10189U) or Statistics for Veterinarians (SHSM13004) or similar course work.
Participants are provided with introductory literature to read before the course. During Part 1 of the course, lectures and exercises on basic and applied topics are given. Participants work individually and in groups on theoretical and practical exercises, with emphasis on understanding basic principles and practical applications.
During Part 2, the e-learning period, participants will work individually and in groups on theoretical and applied topics introduced in Part 1, and relevant teacher support will be provided throughout
Part 1 is given on Frederiksberg Campus, University of Copenhagen.
Part 2 is conducted as e-learning.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 24
  • Lectures
  • 15
  • Practical exercises
  • 83,5
  • Theory exercises
  • 15
  • Total
  • 137,5
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio
Written examination, 24 hours
Examination questions are uploaded on the e-learning platform and answers must be returned electronically within 24 hours. You can use all resources at your disposal to answer the questions, but you must submit your own individual answers. Group answers are not accepted.
Weight: The final examination counts 50 % of the final mark. Activities prior to the final examination count 50 % of the final mark.
Exam registration requirements
Participation in the whole course and successfully completion of 75 % of the course assignments prior to the final exam.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More than one internal examiner.
Criteria for exam assesment
Knowledge:
- define, identify and describe disease outbreaks in animals at the farm, regional, national and international level
- choose among methods for disease surveillance
- select an appropriate method  for simple modeling of transmission of infection
- critically select among control strategies
- describe the characteristics of endemic disease versus exotic and emerging disease and epidemic situations

Skills:
- analyse surveillance data and identify relevant information as input in simulation models 
- evaluate alternative control options based on simulation results
- demonstrate knowledge of visualising disease surveillance or outbreak data

Comptences:
- collaborate scientifically and administratively with parties involved in disease control
- carry out disease control activities based on scientific modeling input
- take responsibility and make decisions in the disease control process.