Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
50% Essay, approx. 2500 words (1,2,3,4)
50% short answer test (in class 1.5 h) (1,2,3,4)

Students will be provided with formative feedback opportunities in the module. Please refer to module handbook for details.

Infectious diseases are a major global threat to health, social stability and prosperity. In this module you will examine the biology and epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease and the factors contributing to the continued and increased threat posed by these diseases.
At least 30 previously unknown infectious diseases have become prominent over the last 35 years (for example: vCJD, HIV, Hepatitis C and E, E.coli O157:H7, H5N1 (avian flu), SARS-CoV). For many of these diseases detailed knowledge of their pathogenicity and transmission is required in order to develop fully effective treatment and instigate control measures. We will investigate the emergence of these diseases, the features of their pathogenicity and transmission together with current research outlining the extent of our knowledge of these disease agents. Similarly, we will examine the factors influencing the re-emergence of diseases previously under natural or human control. Action required to combat emerging and re-emerging disease will be investigated and will focus on surveillance systems and networks, efficient and effective clinical reporting, the use of surveillance data to predict outbreaks and importance of workable global links with recognised laboratories. Other issues pertinent to the study of emerging /re-emerging disease will include development and spread of drug resistance, adaptation of pathogens, rises in numbers of immunocompromised people, development of new treatments, drugs and vaccines, public health education, changes in environment and behaviour together with a brief examination of issues such as poverty displacement and urban overcrowding, collapse of public health infrastructures in times of natural disaster or conflict, under funding, complacency, poor standards of hygiene, the role of the media & advances in technology and the spectre of deliberate release of biological agents.
Extensive use of illustrative examples will be made during the module but please note that the examples used may be changed at short notice in response to new research findings or international alerts or events.

The module will be delivered in the following format:
Lectures (24 hours): Twelve 2-hour sessions which are tutor led. The second hour may include student centred activities, small group work, discussion, IT resource activity etc.

Independent study (126 hours): You will be guided to specific additional reading (books, papers, articles and web resources) relevant to every lecture topic. This guided reading combined with attendance at the lecture sessions will enable you to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.

Access to internet. Library and Learning Resource Centre. Lecture room equipped for PowerPoint presentation, video and with blackout facilities.

Study of Level 1 Cell Biology or Disease

Emerging Infectious Disease (Online)
http://www.cdc.gov.ncidod/eid/

Further sources will be provided in the module handbook.