Course Title: Veterinary Virology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Veterinary Virology

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2341

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face


Course Coordinator: Dr Brian Meehan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6494

Course Coordinator Email:brian.meehan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora West Campus 223.1.53A

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Medical Microbiology 2 ONPS1048

You are not permitted to do this course if you have done or are planning to enrol in ONPS1054 (Medical Microbiology 1)


Course Description

This course has a vocational focus. It prepares students, in particular, for a career in veterinary diagnostic microbiology or related research. It extends the student’s understanding of virulence mechanisms of veterinary pathogens and the epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and control of infectious diseases.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

BY THE END OF THIS COURSE STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE ACQUIRED
1. an understanding at an advanced level of selected viral diseases of animals,
2. the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required make a laboratory diagnosis of selected viral infections of animals, to carefully observe, evaluate and report on laboratory findings,
3. advanced scientific communication skills, particularly critical review of literature, oral presentation and small group interaction,
4. an understanding of ethical issues in veterinary virology,
5. the skills to work cooperatively with a small group of peers and to communicate to other scientists, both orally and in written form.
6. the skills to search and critically evaluate scientific literature.
7. the skills to solve unfamiliar problems, plan a work program and learn independently.


This course enhances student’s technical and interpretive skills in microbiology; enhances scientific communications skills, particularly critical thinking and evaluation of scientific literature, scientific communication (oral, written and interpersonal), problem solving, co-operative learning in small groups, independent learning and time management. This course is important in the graduate capabilities of: safe and responsible working practices, employability, adaptability, competency in technical skills, self-directed and motivated learning skills, problem-solving ability.


Overview of Learning Activities

The students will be guided through the course by structured lectures and relevant practical classes and tutorials in the laboratory to achieve competence in technical skills. The normal modes of teaching will be about three hours of lecture/discussions per week and one full week of practical exercises and / or tutorial discussions. Other modes of learning include independent learning through literature review, on-line learning, oral presentations, written reports and group discussion in lectures and practical classes and co-operative small group work.

THE MAIN TOPICS ARE:
Viral pathogens of animals, viral diseases important to Australia’s export of animal products, diagnostic veterinary virology and export testing, Marek’s disease and other avian diseases, foot and mouth disease, bird flu, Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, AQIS and other regulatory bodies, molecular methods for diagnosis and epidemiological analysis, viral vaccines for animals,. The practical course will cover diagnosis of selected viral diseases of animals.

Students have the roles of active learners and have the responsibility of attending and actively participating in all planned student learning activities, reading all relevant references and undertaking such other private study as will benefit their learning towards the objectives of the course. Regular attendance at lectures, practical classes and other planned activities is essential to achieve the necessary standard to pass the course.


Overview of Learning Resources

TEXTBOOKS
Several textbooks on veterinary microbiology are available in the library. The list will be updated from year to year and will be available in the Part B Course Guide.

In addition to material given presented in lectures and practical classes, students are expected to use the material placed on the DLS and to read the reference material provided by lecturers.


Overview of Assessment

ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON

Theory examination, pre-lecture tests, group presentations, practical examination, practical report, performance in practicals including accurate recording of data.

The expectation of the course and program teams is that students will work diligently and effectively towards achieving the required standard of knowledge, comprehension, technical skills and productivity to achieve a pass in the course.