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VETS7004 Veterinary Epidemiology 1

Credit Points

 

3

Mode

 

Online

Core/Elective

 

Core

Semester

 

2

Summary

 

This unit aims to equip students with a clear understanding of key epidemiological principles and the ability to apply this to investigation of animal health issues and critical evaluation of epidemiological studies.

Learning Outcomes

 

After completing the Veterinary Epidemiology I unit students will be able to:

  • discuss epidemiology and the work of epidemiologists in relation to other disciplines;
  • apply the concepts of epidemic theory and herd immunity appropriately to animal disease control issues;
  • contribute to investigations of disease outbreaks and low productivity in animal populations;
  • calculate and interpret the measures of disease frequency and measures of association;
  • select an appropriate epidemiological study design for a specific research question;
  • identify and minimise sources of bias and error in study designs;
  • select appropriate diagnostic tests and interpret their results (at individual and herd level).

Assumed Knowlege

 

This unit of study builds on basic epidemiological knowledge acquired in veterinary science undergraduate programs. It is assumed you will have a basic understanding of veterinary epidemiology from your undergraduate education and a basic understanding of statistical applications from your previous education. Basic understanding of these terms was assumed during development of the study materials for the Veterinary Epidemiology 1 unit:

  • natural history of disease;
  • clinical course of disease;
  • infectivity;
  • pathogenicity;
  • virulence;
  • portals of entry and exit;
  • vertical and horizontal transmission;
  • direct and indirect transmission;
  • innate immunity;
  • acquired immunity (passive and active);
  • critical analysis of literature;
  • categorical variable;
  • continuous variable;
  • descriptive statistics;
  • probability;
  • normal distribution;
  • confidence interval;
  • hypothesis testing;
  • statistical significance;
  • biological significance;
  • t-test to compare two means;
  • simple linear regression;
  • correlation; and
  • chi-square test to compare proportions.

A self-assessment quiz will be provided in the online class. You should undertake this quiz to make sure you have the assumed knowledge and skills to successfully undertake this unit. Your answers to this quiz will also help the facilitator assess the general entry-level skills and knowledge of the class. Where they find gaps in their existing knowledge, advice for remedial work will be provided.

Assessment

 

Assessment of the Veterinary Epidemiology I unit of study will include:

  • participation of the student in the weekly online discussions and other learning activities in the online classroom (15%);
  • a group assignment (40%);
  • an individual assignment (45%).

Textbooks

 

Facilitators

 
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