ANSC40300 Livestock infection, immunity and One Health

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module is for students taking the MSc/Diploma and Certificate in Animal Science. Content will also be made available as part of structured PhD programmes.

It is designed for graduates who want to develop their expertise in immunobiology as applied to livestock production systems. There is an urgent need to reduce the incidence of diseases across animal production enterprises to support system sustainability, and protect the food chain and human health.

The online lectures and materials will give students the necessary theoretical foundation and applied focus to critically engage with the major issues in livestock health from disease prevention to vaccine design. Emphasis will also be placed on the integration of new knowledge within a One Health framework.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Understand the animal health ecosystem in terms of stakeholders, principal livestock diseases, economic and welfare costs of disease

2. Evaluate the evolution and ontology of the immune response in livestock species

3. Communicate the connection between developmental programming of the immune response, the establishment of homeostasis and the primary function of the immune system in the maintenance of health

4. Appreciate the role of both innate and adaptive immune system at systemic and mucosal surfaces in livestock

5. Explain how the immune response can be compromised by management and various infectious agents including bacteria, viruses and parasites over the course of the animals life

6. Apply theoretical knowledge to specific diseases of relevance and identify barriers to control and eradication of livestock diseases

7. Collaborate and communicate with peers and other stakeholders to engage and critically evaluate the latest developments in research and technology across the livestock health spectrum

8. Connect that new knowledge within a One Health framework which appreciates the inter-connectedness of animal, human and environmental health

Indicative Module Content:

1. The animal health ecosystem
2. The evolution of the immune response and comparative immunology
3. Systemic Immunity
4. Mucosal Immunity
5. Ontogeny and lifetime Immunity
6. The health continuum
7. Veterinary vaccines
8. Disease surveillance and diagnostics
9. Priority diseases in livestock
10. Future and One Health

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Practical

8
Specified Learning Activities

56
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system and practical tutorials that will consist of:
• Lectures (including guest lectures)
•Practical tutorials and peer-to-peer work
•Individual and group online presentations
• Asynchronous discussion threads led by tutors 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive feedback from the online practical tutorials taken over the course of the trimester.