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VET20170

Academic Year 2025/2026

Introduction to Pathobiology (VET20170)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Annetta Zintl
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Over the course of this module, students will acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts of infection and immunology relating to domestic animals. Interactive lectures will cover the basic concepts of innate and adaptive immunity, regional immunity, immune-mediated pathologies, the structure and function of lymphoid organs, the principles of vaccination and serological tests used in diagnostics, as well as specific immune responses to infectious organisms. Students will also get an introduction to the infectious agents which cause disease in animals including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. In practical classes, students will be introduced to selected basic bacteriological and parasitological laboratory procedures and learn how to competently operate a microscope.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
Explain and give examples of innate and adaptive immunity relevant to veterinary medicine.
Explain concepts fundamental to the control of infection such as antigen recognition, antibody production and cell-mediated immunity and immune-mediated disease
Describe general characteristics of infectious agents.
Describe and interpret common diagnostic procedures using immunological techniques.
Perform selected routine techniques in bacteriology and parasitology, including using a microscope.
Explain the principles of vaccination, and the uses and effects of specific vaccines to animal owners.

Indicative Module Content:

Innate immunity
Adaptive immunity
Immunopathologies
Immunodiagnostics
Vaccination
Regional immune systems and immune-privileged sites
Maternal and neonatal immunity
The lymphoid system
Introduction to microbiology & bacterial genetics
Introduction to virology
Introduction to parasitology
Introduction to pathology

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Lectures

29
Small Group

2
Practical

12
Total

113

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Interactive lectures
Peer and group work
Lab work
Enquiry & problem-based learning
Active/task-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
VET20080 - Integ Physiol Comm


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Midterm MCQ End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
25
 No
Exam (In-person): MCQs and short answer questions End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
70
 No
Group Work Assignment: Practical lab and group work assignments Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
2.5
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Practical class assignments Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
2.5
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Gerald Barry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Miryam Bonvegna Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Joe Cassidy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Theo De Waal Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Stephen Gordon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Pamela Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Finola Leonard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Aonghus Ó Laoire Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mary Sekiya Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 32 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 32, 33 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 23, 24, 25, 26 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Spring External & School Exams Offering 1 Week(s) - 29 Tues 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
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