VSC323 Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology (8)

This subject follows on from VSC310 Principles of Pathobiology which gave a brief introduction to the mechanisms of diseases caused by microbial and parasite pathogens. This subject further develops on the role of infectious organisms in animal health and pathogenesis of disease. Student cannot progress to Phase 2, without the completion of Phase 1.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VSC323. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
 

Prerequisites

VSC310

Incompatible Subjects

VSC326

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to recognise infectious pathogenic agents (viruses, prions, bacteria, fungi, protozoan and metazoan parasites) and name the major diseases they cause;
  • be able to describe the Gram reaction and morphology of the major phenotypic groups of bacteria;
  • be able to describe key culture requirements and characteristics of major bacterial and fungal pathogens of veterinary significance;
  • be able to summarise the key steps that occur in the pathogenesis of parasitic and microbial diseases;
  • be able to distinguish sites with normal microbial flora present and normally sterile sites in the host animal;
  • be able to demonstrate proficiency in obtaining a pure culture of a microorganism in the laboratory;
  • be able to explain the life cycles of important parasites of animals;
  • be able to identify the major groups of internal and external parasites of animals using identification keys;
  • be able to explain the concepts of virulence and virulence factors for a variety of pathogens;
  • be able to explain the epidemiological, host environmental and management factors contributing to infectious and parasitological diseases;
  • be able to describe the chemical and physical methods of disinfection;
  • be able to perform and interpret common laboratory tests used for identification of infections and diseases;
  • be able to apply evidence based medicine principles to all conclusions and recommendations concerning infectious disease;
  • be able to make recommendations regarding effective preventative, treatment and control measures for infectious diseases;
  • be able to describe the concept of One Health - linking human, animal and environmental health and use examples.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Advanced Bacteriology
  • Advanced Virology
  • Advanced Protozoology
  • Advanced Helminthology
  • Advanced Mycology
  • Serology
  • Zoonotic agents
  • Life cycles and reservoirs of infectious agents
  • Host - parasite - environment relationships
  • Revision of innate and adaptive immune defences to infectious agents
  • Laboratory investigation of microbial disease (including specimen & history collection and transport; isolation & identification of microorganisms using stained smears, culture, biochemical and other tests).
  • Culture media and other diagnostic tests used in microbiology to diagnose disease caused by infectious agents.
  • Phenotypic groups of microorganisms causing disease in animals.
  • Major pathogens belonging to each phenotypic group, their phenotypic characteristics and disease features.
  • Epidemiology and pathogenesis of microbial and parasitic disease using examples.
  • Treatment and/or control measures that are used for disease caused by microorganism, using examples.
  • Endoparasites

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of VSC323 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Staff evaluation of laboratory technique
0
2
Mid-session examination
40
3
Practical exam
20
4
Final written examination
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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