General provisions

The course is part of the third semester of the Master's Programme in Infection Biology.

Entry requirements

One year of studies at the Master Programme in Infection Biology or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• compare and contrast different principles behind the emergence and evolution of pathogenic microorganisms.
• apply relevant the bioinformatics tools to genetically determine the origin and development of pathogenic microbes
• use epidemiological methodology to describe the frequency and the distribution of disease and health in populations and to evaluate causal relationships
• account for the existence, occurrence, risks and contamination by food-borne infections and to assess risks in relation to handling, behaviour and regulations
• account for, assess and apply methods to predict, monitor and prevent proliferation and presence of pathogenic microbes
• in a global perspective, identify and analyse the most important infectious diseases with a particular perspective on problems with poverty, malnutrition and inadequate sanitary circumstances in developing countries
• interpret, critically assess, extract and communicate scientific reports and other relevant information within the subjects of the course both orally and in writing

Content

The course is part of the third semester (of four) of the Master programme in infection biology and comprises of modules on microbial evolution, epidemiology, food microbiology, surveillance and global infections. The modules of the course will complement the previously acquired molecular and biomedical knowledge of infectious biology and provide a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease emergence and spread, as well as tools for control and prevention of these at a local as well as international level.

Instruction

Teaching is conducted as lectures, given by specialists from e. g academia, hospital and government agencies. The lectures are complemented by mandatory seminars, group exercises, individual practical tasks and site visits. If resources are available, the course is concluded with a field trip.

Teaching is in English.

Assessment

Examination includes a written exam graded fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). The other mandatory assignments will be examined at seminars or through oral and/or written reports and will be graded fail (U) or pass (G) only.

To pass the course all mandatory parts must be approved. The grading from exam(s) and assignments will together generate a final weighted course grade. Possibility for completion of not approved compulsory assignments may be given at the earliest at next course and only in case of a vacancy.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.