Entry requirements

One year of studies at the Master Programme in Infection Biology or correlative. English proficiency, normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• describe and explain the principles behind the formation and genetic evolution of pathogenic microorganisms

• apply relevant the bioinformatics tools to genetically determine the origin and development of pathogenic microbes

• apply and critically assess adequate diagnostic methods for pathogenic microbes, as well as measures to minimise contaminations during handling and laboratory work

• describe the most important plant pathogens

• use epidemiological methodology to describe the frequency and the distribution of disease and health in populations and to evaluate causal relationships

• describe the microbial flora in different ecological systems (air, soil, water, body fluids, food etc.) and discuss and assess risk factors of importance for propagation and dissemination in and from contaminated environments

• account for and assess methods to predict, monitor and prevent proliferation and presence of pathogenic microbes, in particular regarding zoonoses

• explain central ecological theories and concepts

• describe the main metabolism and physiological adjustment of microbes to different ecological systems including important microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions

• critically analyse and evaluate effectiveness, practical applicability and cost effectiveness of immunisation against pathogenic microorganisms regarding the choice of immunogen, adjuvant and route of administration

• 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

Content

The course constitutes the third semester (of four) of the Master programme in infection biology and comprises of modules on clinical diagnoses, microbial evolution, plant infections, epidemiology, food microbiology, zoonoses, surveillance, vaccinology, microbial ecology 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 academia, hospital, government agencies, authorities and pharmaceutical industry. The lectures are complemented by mandatory seminars, group exercises and lab work. Visits to authorities working with monitoring of infectious diseases as well as a field trip are also included.

Students, who after specific application, have been accepted for parallel research training, can substitute the mandatory assignments with lab-rotations.

Teaching is in English.

Assessment

Examination includes three written exams graded fail (U), pass (G) or pas with distinction (VG). The 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 assignments and exams must be completed and approved, which generates a final weighted grade.

Missed mandatory assignment may be complemented during the next scheduled course occasion and only if there are available slots.

Students accepted for parallel research training, must complete the lab rotation(s) according to specific instructions in addition to passing the three written exams.