Masters Degrees (Zoonotic)

Livestock are vital to the lives of millions of people, but endemic and epidemic diseases that affect livestock limit productivity and exacerbate poverty.

The diseases that can be transmitted between animals and people also threaten the health of livestock keepers, their families and their communities. In many developing regions farmers and animal health workers are often ill equipped to deal with this risk.

This programme draws together expertise from across the University to deliver first-class teaching and research to tackle these issues.

Building on a solid foundation of biological, immunological, pathological and epidemiological principles, this online MSc will equip you with the skills needed to identify, control and manage animal diseases and the expertise to tackle the international animal health challenges of the 21st Century.

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.

• Global Health Academy

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

Students may study to certificate, diploma or masters level.

Year 1: certificate

• Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance
• Host Responses to Infection
• Pathogen Strategies for Transmission and Survival

Year 2: diploma

You will undertake the following compulsory course:

• Zoonotic disease

Choose one one of the following two courses:

• Surveillance and control of transboundary diseases affecting international trade
• An introduction to transboundary diseases and their impact on trade and wildlife populations

Then choose from the following electives (up to 60 credits):

• Control of economically important parasites
• Environmental and nutritional diseases of livestock of international importance
• New developments in epidemiology and the control of vector borne disease
• Veterinary vaccinology
• Wildlife animal health and environment
• Technology advances in veterinary diagnostics
• Animal disease survey design and analysis
• Project planning and decision support for animal disease control
• Animal healthcare systems in the post-privatisation era
• Introduction to health and production of aquatic species
• Introduction to GIS and spatial data analysis
• Advanced GIS and spatial epidemiology and modelling
• An Introduction of Project Cycle Management
• Globalisation and health
• The Modern Zoo
• The Use of Artificial Reproductive Technologies in Threatened Species
• Pastoralism and herd health
• Zoonotic diseases in a global setting
• Socioeconomic Principles for One Health

Year 3: masters

For a masters, you will choose either to conduct a written reflective element of 10–15,000 words or to take Project Cycle Management and Funding Application Preparation.

• Read more about the programme structure

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to enhance your career in animal management throughout the world with first-rate expertise and a highly regarded qualification.

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In the past few decades there has been almost one new disease emerging each year and more than 75 per cent of these diseases derive from zoonotic origins. There is now more demand for investment and research to help us manage these diseases better.

This programme aims to address the challenges posed by infectious diseases in the 21st Century by offering you courses in surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as evaluating how they impact public health.

This is a professional postgraduate qualification for biomedical, medical, public health, and veterinary personnel with an interest in global health and infectious diseases.

The programme draws upon the parallels that exist between these diseases, learning from the challenges that exist and aiming to connect individuals to lay the foundations for a global community of practice. Our aim is to provide advanced qualifications for biomedical, medical, public health, and veterinary personnel. The course is designed to instruct students in the practice of formulating and implementing strategies and programmes aimed at renewing and strengthening scientific knowledge development and building human capital.

Our online learning system lets you work entirely from your home location while still earning your salary. This can enhance your learning experience and working knowledge while rewarding you with a highly regarded qualification.

• Programme overview

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.

• Global Health Academy

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

The programme normally takes three years, beginning with a series of courses and followed by an individual project or dissertation.

In Year 1 (certificate), you will take courses that include:

• Global Health: Fundamentals
• Understanding Infectious Diseases

And you will choose one from the following two options:

• a single course in Applied Epidemiology and Public Health
• a course each in Global Citizenship and Globalisation and Health

In Year 2 (diploma), you will choose sixty credits from a range that includes:

• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Forensic Medicine and Science
• Global Health: Mortality
• Hospital-acquired Infections
• Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Newborn and Child Health
• Public Health Systems in the Developed and Developing World
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Water and Sanitation
• Zoonotic Disease

In Year 3 (masters), you will conduct a written reflective element of 10,000-15,000 words.

Find out more about how the programme is structured:

• Programme structure

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to help you fulfil leadership roles in international and national organisations that manage health and disease issues. A number of students have also raised their academic profiles through the publication and dissemination of their final year research.

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The aim of the MRes is to provide training at Masters level for intercalating medical undergraduates, medical and science graduates and career academics-in-training, so meeting regional and national demands for research oriented skills in these disciplines.

A key element of the programme design is the development of relevant, appropriate research skills, in addition to a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the research process.

The programme prepares the student for doctoral research training and satisfies the criteria of the Research Councils for Master of Research training.

Programme objectives
Provide training in transferable skills, techniques, and knowledge appropriate to postgraduate research students at Masters level
Develop the capacity for individual work and teamwork in an interdisciplinary research environment
Conduct independent research through practical experience in formulating appropriate research strategies, methods, data collection and analysis via three 12-week research projects
Develop communication skills both oral and written to enable research debate (with scientific and lay audiences) and peer reviewed journal publications
Equip the student to take the first postgraduate steps leading to future roles in biomedical research in the clinical, industrial, and public sectors
Prepare the student for entry into a PhD programme.
The programme is built around the research interests of the Institutes of Ageing & Chronic Disease and Infection & Global Health and consists of eleven Programme Pathways (listed below) reflecting the world-class research being carried out in these areas within both Institutes.

Programme pathways
Clinical Infection & Global Health
Emerging & Zoonotic Infections
Eye and Vision Science
Infection Immunology
Microbial Pathogenesis
Musculoskeletal Biology
Neurological Infections
Obesity & Endocrinology
One Health
Translation Bacteriology
Veterinary Science
During the course you will undertake three 12-week research projects with academics (both clinical and non-clinical) from these Institutes. By carrying out three research projects linked to one of the pathways highlighted above, you will graduate with the pathway branding in your degree certificate, for example MRes in Clinical Sciences (Emerging & Zoonotic Infections) [or other appropriate pathway].

Alternatively, you are able to experience a broader range of research by carrying out projects across different pathways, and receive the qualification MRes in Clinical Sciences.

Further details of the academic members of staff who contribute to the MRes and the research interests of the Institutes can be found at the following websites: https://www.liv.ac.uk/infection-and-global-health/ and https://www.liv.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/.

The programme has a modular structure and is delivered by lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and individual tuition for the research projects.

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One Health is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the complex interactions between human health, animal health and ecosystem health. Its original emergence was largely driven by the threat of global pandemics of disease, in particular highly pathogenic avian influenza and SARS. There was a recognition that the complex health challenges faced in the 21st century required a new interdisciplinary approach that included both the natural and social sciences.

Launched in 2014, this programme utilises the many strengths of the University of Edinburgh across multiple disciplines to provide the key training and skills required for a successful career in this emerging field.

The One Health programme is part of the Global Health Academy and we share many elective courses with other programmes in the Academy. This provides a great deal of flexibility allowing you to personalise your studies to reflect your professional interests and career aspirations. As well as learning from our expert tutors you will join with students from around the world on a number of different master’s programmes to share experiences and knowledge.

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.

• Global Health Academy

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

Year 1: Courses for the Certificate

The Certificate comprises four compulsory courses. These four courses are:

• Introduction to One Health (20 credits)
• Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance (20 credits)
• One Health Policy (10 credits)
• Ecosystem Health (10 credits)

Year 2: Courses for the Diploma

For the diploma a selection of courses totalling 60 credits must be made from the following courses. Each 20-credit course is taught over a period of ten weeks, whilst the 10-credit courses are taught over a five-week period.

• Socio-economic Principles of One Health
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases in a Global Setting
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Communication and Public Engagement of Conservation
• Introduction to GIS and Spatial Data Analysis
• Wildlife Disease Management
• Ex-Situ Wildlife Management
• Environmental Law
• Extreme and Fragile Ecosystems
• Water and Sanitation
• Introduction to Transboundary Diseases and their Impact on Trade and Wildlife Populations
• Managing Ecosystems for Human Health and Wellbeing
• Captive and Free-ranging Wild Animal Welfare
• Surveillance and Control of Transboundary Diseases Affecting International Trade
• Pastoralism and Herd Health
• Animal Disease Survey Design and Analysis

Please note that although all courses are offered, we cannot guarantee that places will be available on all elective courses to all students, each year (it will be at the discretion of the Programme Director to assign places on courses and this will depend on demand).

Year 3: Completion of the MSc programme in One Health

The written reflective element is an assignment of 10-15,000 words (60 credits). This may take the form of one of the following:

• a written dissertation
• a casebook (relating to relevant professional experience)
• a personal portfolio of reflective and practical activity
• a research project

Students will be required to submit a proposal that demonstrates an appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection, or one health practice depending on the choice made, prior to being admitted to the masters year. The University of Edinburgh’s common marking scheme will be applied.

Postgraduate Professional Development

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

• More information on PPD

Career opportunities

A qualification from our programme will enhance your career prospects in academia, research, government departments, non-governmental organisations, international development and the private sector.

Despite being a relatively new field, One Health is rapidly gaining global recognition and current students have already reported improvements in career development through studying on the programme.

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Program Description

Delivered fully online, the course-based Master of Science (MSc) in One Health degree program is designed to equip veterinarians, animal scientists, medical doctors, health professionals and biological scientists with an in-depth understanding of the principles of, and issues associated with, One Health. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is committed to a One Health approach to sectoral and multidisciplinary integrative mechanism to enable research aimed at sustainably reducing the burden of zoonoses. RUSVM’s geographical location in the Caribbean, its existing research focus on One Health, its experienced faculty and its global partnerships will allow students to gain a hands-on educational experience on one of the most topical global issues.

Zoonoses and other diseases affecting livestock production and health have serious impacts on the economic growth, health and food security and alleviation of poverty in tropical and resource constrained countries. Students will have the opportunity to explore the complex interplay of altered environments and infectious diseases as an increasing threat to agriculture, public health and endangered/threatened species, on a global basis.

The MSc One Health degree program requires 41 credits ( based on guidelines from the United States Department of Education), obtained through coursework and a project, leading to the submission of a thesis. Students are required to undertake specified core courses amounting to 23 credits. The MSc program is delivered over 1 year on a full-time basis as well as part-time over 2 or 3 years.

Course Structure

• Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics (5 cr.)
• Public Policy Formulation & Implementation (3 cr.)
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3 cr.)
• Research project design (1 cr.)
• Conservation medicine/ecosystem health (5 cr.)
• Zoonoses (intersection between human and animal health) (3 cr.)
• Surveillance and diagnostic methods (3 cr.)

The program also includes a research project/Mini Dissertation (15 cr.) and a 1-week residential in St Kitts (1cr.) as well as electives (dependent on availability) such as animal health program management (2 cr.), safety of foods of animal origin (2 cr.), disaster management (2 cr.).

Learning Outcomes

The MSc One Health degree program is designed to provide the skills and preparation needed for careers in a broad range of environments. The flexible program of study has particular strengths in:
• Tropical animal health and diseases
• The intersection of animal health and human health
• Epidemiology
• Conservation medicine
• Food safety
• Policy Formulation
• Leadership
• research and diagnostic methods
• the interface between domestic animals and wildlife

On completion of the degree program the student will have gained knowledge, research skills and research experience in topics relevant to the broad field of One Health. The program provides graduates the background and experience to assess, investigate and manage animal health and zoonotic disease risks, to design and execute targeted research in animal health, and to manage veterinary intervention in the prevention and control of animal disease. Within the program the student will have had the opportunity to focus on an area of interest, such as area disease control, vector borne diseases, zoonotic infections or conservation medicine.

Students will acquire and enhance intellectual skills in scientific assessment and research methodology, as well as practical skills in communication, organization and scientific writing.

Delivery

The taught component will be instructed by distance learning via eCollege®, our virtual learning environment. You will be taught by our faculty and specialist modules may be delivered by our partner institutions.
The research project may be carried out in St. Kitts and Nevis or in other locations, as appropriate, under the supervision of a RUSVM faculty member. The research component may be desk-based, lab-based or through fieldwork and will result in the submission of a thesis. A short residential component will allow the student cohort to share their perspective and dissertation work to the RUSVM research community.

Assessment

Assessment will be conducted through traditional and novel methods suited to an online delivery mode and will include, for example, essays, critical review of peer-reviewed articles, online tests and quizzes, blog writing, research proposal writing, research/fieldwork journal development, group discussions, group project work and social media interactions. The degree is based on certified completion of research training plus other designated projects and the completion of a thesis.

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This programme aims to provide animal health specialists, scientists and public health specialists with an understanding of the conceptual basis of veterinary epidemiology and public health. Optional modules make the studies suitable for people from a range of professional backgrounds.

Our Veterinary Epidemiology course graduates find that the international recognition and prestige of their degree opens doors and creates opportunities in their careers.

Modules are designed for self-study using materials provided and with full support from RVC academic experts. Everything you require will be mailed to you, including textbooks and reading material. A Virtual Learning Environment and an on-line library are also available.

Under the microscope

The programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the role of veterinary epidemiology and economics in the design and delivery of effective livestock services, and knowledge of risk analysis approaches in food safety and how human health can be protected through control of zoonotic diseases. The programme also aims to equip you with skills in basic and advanced statistical methods in order to undertake epidemiological investigations and disease modelling.

The course

The course modules provide an essential introduction to a variety of approaches, methods and subjects. These modules are designed to equip you with the preliminary practical and intellectual skills necessary for progression to the next level.

Within the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc, there is a natural progression from the core modules to the optional modules. Within the selection of optional modules, there is an element of choice in subject matter and disciplinary areas of study. Although the optional modules may not in themselves be more difficult, students will develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking as they work through the modules.

You are required to study three compulsory core modules:
- Epidemiology and animal health economics
- Statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Veterinary public health

Plus four further optional modules selected from:
- Advanced statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Developing and monitoring of livestock production systems
- Economics for livestock development and policy
- Management of infectious disease outbreaks in animal populations
- Research, design, management and grant application writing
- Surveillance and investigation of animal health
- Research project in veterinary epidemiology and public health (MSc only)

How will I learn?

This course is a distance learning course, meaning that you can further your studies without attending the RVC in person.

At the start of the course, you will receive a Study Pack consisting of a study guide, reader and textbooks/CDs. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allows studies to be portable, by offering on-line access to the programme handbook, study guide, student discussion board, structured academic tutorials, as well as past exam papers/examiners reports (for the previous 2 years).

A tutorial calendar will be released at the beginning of the academic year and students are advised to plan for these sessions, as academic queries will be answered during tutorials only. Although non-compulsory, indicative study calendars are available and provide an indication of the time to spend on each section.

Examinations take place annually in October, however, the flexibility of the programme allows exams to be deferred, if necessary.

A five-year period is offered to complete the MSc degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, with an average completion time of three years. A two year period is offered for completion of Individual Modules.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to -

- Improve the health and production of livestock
- Understand the interaction of livestock with people and the environment
- Gain an overview of the factors that influence livestock production (including components on nutrition, reproduction, disease, welfare and the environment)
- Implement control strategies by integrating this knowledge with the principles of epidemiology, economics and disease control within the context of management and infrastructure
- Address the interaction between livestock and the public, in terms of zoonotic disease and clean food production
- Communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, politicians and other key policy makers
- Comprehensive appreciation of welfare and ethical issues connected with farm animal practice
- Formulate a hypothesis and undertake a research project, analyze and present data and how to develop a grant application

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Programme description

This online learning programme provides an interdisciplinary approach to conservation management.

It draws together expertise from within the University of Edinburgh's Global Health Academy and partner global associates, to deliver first class teaching and research in the field of Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health.

You will assess all aspects of ecosystems, aiming to conserve and maintain their sustainability in both the developing and developed world.

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Academies.

• Global Academies

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered using innovative online learning. It involves a mixed teaching approach that includes independent study and reflection, as well as online discussion and group project work.

Year 1: certificate

You study the following areas:

• Evolution and Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Health and Sustainability
• Ecosystems and Governance
• Conservation Ethics

Year 2: diploma

You choose six elective courses from the following:

• Climate Change, Policy and Practice
• Communication and Public Engagement of Conservation
• Connecting Environment and Society
• Conservation Genetics
• Ecosystem Resilience and Extreme Events
• Environmental Law
• Ex-situ Wildlife Management
• An introduction to transboundary diseases
• Introduction to GIS and spatial data analysis
• Invasive Non-Native Species
• Land Use and Food Security
• Managing and Leading Conservation Projects
• Reflections on Professional Development
• The Marine Environment
• The Modern Zoo
• The Use of Artificial Reproduction Technologies in Threatened Species
• Water and Sanitation
• Wildlife Crime and Forensic Investigation
• Wildlife, animal Health and environment
• Zoonotic Disease

Elective courses are subject to minimum student numbers and timetabling restrictions.

Year 3: masters

You complete your own choice of dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words.

• Read more about the programme structure

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to help you find work in environmental, intergovernmental, national and international agencies, as well as lobby groups, NGOs and other research groups.

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The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare).

Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.

The course will be run entirely by research active and will offer students the opportunity to gain experience in internationally competitive laboratories.

PROGRAMME CONTENT
The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare). Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.

Students undertaking this MSc course will study the folling modules:

- Foundation for Research in the Biosciences 20CATS
- Fundamental Parasitology & Advanced Skills 20CATS
- Advanced Parasitology I 20CATS
- Advanced Parasitology II 20CATS
- Bio-Entrepreneurship & Advanced Skills 20CATS
- Literature Review 20CATS
- Research Project 60CATS

CAREER PROSPECTS
It is anticipated that the skills set and knowledge acquired will equip participants with a comprehensive academic and methodological repertoire to undertake careers in agriculture, plant science, animal and human health, pharmaceutica, academia and food security, underpinning the transdisciplinary nature of the programme.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

WHY QUEEN'S?
The MSc programme embraces the One Health approach to these infectious diseases, with strong recognition of the interplay between health and disease at the dynamic interface between humans, animals and the environment.

In addition to embedded generic skills training, students will have the opportunity to acquire subject-specific skills training, e.g. molecular biology techniques, diagnostics, epidemiology (human, animal and plant diseases), drug/vaccine development, pathogen management/control, host-parasite interaction, immunobiology, drug resistance and the potential impact of climate change on parasites and their vectors.

In addition to the taught elements of the course, MSc students will undertake a research project working in research active laboratories (academic or industrial), or in the field, e.g. the impact of helminth infections on animal welfare, the economic impact of parasites on agriculture, the role of vectors in emerging diseases, the ecology of zoonotic diseases, the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, emerging technologies for drug discovery, the pathology of infection, parasite immunomodulation of the host.

The transferrable skill set and knowledge base acquired from the programme will equip students with a highly desirable qualification that is suited to those wishing to pursue careers in human health/infectious disease, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal/plant biology, pharmaceutical sciences and food security.

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Study for a prestigious MSc Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health

by distance learning

This programme provides animal health specialists, epidemiologists and public health specialists with an understanding of the conceptual basis of veterinary epidemiology and public health. Students learn economic concepts in animal health and production and develop statistical skills for epidemiological investigations and disease modelling.

Programme aims

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

- develop their skills in basic and advanced statistical methods in order to undertake epidemiological investigations and disease modelling
- understand the use of economic concepts in animal health and production
- challenge the perceptions of what constitutes safe food production and make an objective judgement of contemporary issues such as antibiotic resistance
- develop their own strategies for combating chronic farm animal diseases, control zoonotic diseases through surveillance and apply herd health programmes to maximise economic returns from animal production.

Prestige

The programme has been developed by academics at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the oldest and largest veterinary school in the UK and one of the leading veterinary research centres in Europe. In 1999, the RVC became the first UK veterinary school to be granted approval by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The RVC also provides support for the veterinary profession through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses.

Career progression

Graduates of the programme are employed in a variety of organizations, including the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), University Veterinary faculties and international organisations including the FAO and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Comprehensive study materials and support

The support you receive includes:

- academic feedback on written assignments
- tutorial support concerning academic matters from RVC staff
- opportunities for local networking and mutual support from other students on the programme
- as all of the study materials you require are mailed to you, there is no requirement to purchase expensive textbooks or spend time trying to locate journals, which may not be available to you locally.

A student perspective

Our graduates find that the international recognition and prestige of their degree opens doors and creates opportunities in their careers.

Stuart Jaques chose to study for the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health. When he was appointed to the role of Chief Veterinary Officer to the Isle of Man Government, he became interested in the detail of disease transmission and control, and felt he required a deeper understanding of certain concepts.

"I’ve found my studies have fully reintegrated my knowledge; filling in certain gaps and enhancing my skill set substantially. Would I recommend distance learning? Absolutely." - Stuart Jaques, MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Isle of Man

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advice Centre:
http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/contact-us

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In the absence of subsidy, the EU poultry sector relies on highly efficient production systems, with successful companies often using sophisticated technologies. This is reflected in the integrated structure of most poultry companies and the number of graduates and postgraduates employed by them.

Many companies have responded to the pressure on financial margins by setting up operations world wide. There continues to be a good demand for suitably trained graduate and postgraduate level entrants into the sector.

The skills and knowledge delivered by the Applied Poultry Science programme are highly relevant to companies using intensive methods of production and those responding to retailer demand for extensive systems. This enables both new entrants and existing employees wishing to build on their expertise and aspirations, to enhance their career opportunities within the poultry sector.

The Applied Poultry Science course is offered on a part-time distance learning basis.

It is designed to suit those in continuing employment or with other commitments. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including nutritionists, breeders, vets and other poultry sector workers, all of whom wish to develop their career and businesses.

Specific course objectives are to provide graduates with:
- A sound knowledge of the underlying science of poultry production.
- A good understanding of the issues underpinning poultry production systems.
- A wide range of specialist skills appropriate to poultry science professionals.
- The ability to critically evaluate developments in poultry science, including nutritional, genetic,
- Welfare, quality assurance and environmental issues.
- The ability to produce professional level recommendations and reports.
- Research skills.

The MSc Applied Poultry Science degree is awarded by the University of Glasgow.

Course Content

The programme is a mix of technical, scientific, environmental and management skills development modules. It is taught largely by staff from the SRUC Avian Science Research Centre who are involved in poultry research studies on a daily basis and who aim to provide up to the minute, highly relevant knowledge transfer into the Applied Poultry Science programme.

The Avian Science Research Centre has a full range of facilities for those wishing to study or carry out research with SRUC ranging from a hatchery to a processing plant and a good range of different poultry production systems.

Poultry Production Systems

This module studies the poultry meat and poultry egg industry in terms of its structure and sectors including intensive and non-intensive systems. It includes global export and import markets for the major poultry meat and egg products and evaluates their quality assurance systems. It will examine the requirements for optimal performance within the various systems and investigate factors affecting performance.

Poultry Nutrition and Growth

Poultry nutrition and growth examines the principles of poultry nutrition, particularly the importance of different nutrients in terms of growth and production and how they are processed in the avian body. It includes a study of the major anatomical and physiological systems in poultry and describes the role of nutrition in poultry health in different production environments, with particular regard to nutrient deficiencies. The partitioning of energy and nutrients into the growth and development of the whole body and different components of the body will also be examined, as will methods of describing different growth patterns.

Incubation and Hatchery Practice

This module develops knowledge and an understanding of the science and technology that underpins the production of day-old stock. Students study embryo-genesis in poultry and how this is exploited by the poultry sector to maximise the production of viable hatchlings. At the conclusion of the module students will be able to critically evaluate poultry hatchery practices, where appropriate, from an international prospective.

Housing and the Environment

Large scale poultry production seeks to manage the birds’ environment to optimise the competing demands of welfare, productivity, quality and environmental protection in an economically viable way. Recognising the impacts of different housing alternatives, the relationship to environmental emissions, and the sustainability of systems are therefore essential skills for those engaged in the industry that this module addresses. The approach will initially be one of directed study in order that the full range of issues are covered; but later in the module, students will be asked to do a case study on a real poultry enterprise with the coursework being centred on the completion of the IPPC application form for an intensive poultry enterprise. Even though some students may not be familiar with large scale poultry enterprises, the structured approach required to carry out the IPPC assessment process, and the wealth of information available in the relevant technical document will give a sound basis for understanding the range of housing and environmental issues involved.

Poultry Behaviour and Welfare

This module explains the general principles of poultry behaviour and welfare and studies sensory perception, motivation and learning in poultry. It evaluates the behavioural and physiological indicators that are used to assess welfare in given circumstances. It examines current practice with respect to welfare and current welfare legislation.

Poultry Health and Hygiene

A range of different infectious and non-infectious diseases will be covered in depth, mostly affecting chickens and turkeys but with specific sessions on diseases of game birds and diseases of pigeons. The importance of notifiable diseases such as Newcastle Disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza will be emphasised, and the significance of other potentially zoonotic organisms such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Chlamydophila Psittaci and West Nile Virus will be discussed.

Advanced Poultry Nutrition

Advanced poultry nutrition builds on the poultry nutrition and growth module and examines theoretical and practical poultry nutrition in greater depth. It links current nutritional theories, (eg. amino acid balance and requirements or the anti-nutrient and toxic properties of feedstuffs) with methods of alleviation. These are integrated with classical nutrition-balance studies and proximate analyses, exposing students to all aspects of a nutritional study. It also involves a detailed study of nutrition with respect to bird growth and health and the environmental constraints imposed on the system.

Experimental Design

This module aims to develop statistical skills to aid the technical, scientific and management decisions. It explores a range of statistical processes from the collection of data and its interpretation to the production of information charts, diagrams and tables and the analysis of data looking at differences, significance and trends.

Management Skills

With the labour market becoming more competitive there is a real need for today's graduates to develop skills beyond academic knowledge in order to thrive. This module introduces various management skills which include communication, teamworking, leadership, time management, decision-making, empowerment and motivation. It aims therefore to improve the student’s knowledge and ability to manage. A range of practical methods and approaches will be used to enable the students to better organise and motivate themselves and others.

The study weekends and short study tour are an integral part of teaching delivery and students are strongly recommended to attend these if they are to succeed in this course.

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Under the microscope

This programme is designed for veterinarians, animal health specialists and livestock farmers. It addresses contemporary issues of livestock production using innovative and interactive teaching methods. It has a worldwide relevance and reputation and offers options that are suitable for people from a range of professional backgrounds.

The course aims to provide you with:

- Knowledge on agents of animal diseases and how animals respond to them
- Advanced knowledge in animal nutrition, breeding and management to optimise animal health and production
- Farming systems approach to animal production and an understanding of how to appraise and monitor livestock production systems through development and execution

Modules

Students are required to study three compulsory modules:
- Animal disease
- Developing and monitoring livestock production systems
- Principles of livestock productions

PLUS four further optional modules selected from:
- Animal welfare
- Economics for livestock development and policy
- Epidemiology and animal health economics
- Management of infectious disease outbreaks in animal populations
- Reproduction and fertility: a species approach
- Research design, management and grant application writing
- Research project in livestock health and production
- Sustainable livestock farming in the environment
- Veterinary public health

How will I learn?

The modules are designed for self-study using materials provided and with full support from RVC academic experts. Everything you require will be mailed to you, including textbooks and reading material. A Virtual Learning Environment and an on-line library are also available.

You will receive a Study Pack at the start of the course, consisting of a study guide, reader and textbooks/CDs, and our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allows studies to be portable by offering on-line access to the student handbook, study guide, student discussion board, occasional academic tutorials, as well as past exam papers/examiners reports (for the previous 2 years). A tutorial calendar will be released at the beginning of the academic year and students are advised to plan for these sessions, as academic queries will be answered during tutorials only.

Although non-compulsory, indicative study calendars are available and provide an indication of the time to spend on each section.

Examinations take place annually in October, however, the flexibility of the programme allow exams to be deferred, if necessary.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are able to:
- Improve the health and production of livestock
- Understand the interaction of livestock with people and the environment
- Gain an overview of the factors that influence livestock production (including components on nutrition, reproduction, disease, welfare and the environment)
- Implement control strategies by integrating this knowledge with the principles of epidemiology, economics and disease control within the context of management and infrastructure
- Address the interaction between livestock and the public, in terms of zoonotic disease and clean food production
- Communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, politicians and other key policy makers
- Comprehensive appreciation of welfare and ethical issues connected with farm animal practice
- Formulate a hypothesis and undertake a research project, analyze and present data and how to develop a grant application.

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Research profile

The Neurobiology Division conducts research in the fields of neurobiology and neuropathology. We investigate mechanisms that regulate normal brain function as well as the causes and consequences of dysfunction during ageing and in acute or chronic neurodegenerative disease.

The division has an excellent track-record in the supervision and training of postgraduate students by staff highly experienced in teaching and research. It has 13 Group Leaders and 1 career track fellow who supervise more than 10 postgraduate students.

Why our work is important

Some of our current research focuses on:

-identifying new TSE strains and their zoonotic potential, examining routes of transmission and the genetics of host susceptibility to disease
-characterising the pathways and cells involved in the uptake and transport of TSE agents to the brain using rodent models and our natural scrapie sheep flock
-understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with both chronic and acute neurodegenerative disease using unique disease models
-understanding the long-term consequences of adverse experiences in early life on future health
-identifying novel mechanisms regulating homeostasis and responses to stress in neuronal networks

In addressing these fundamental questions we contribute to the improvement of both animal and human health, livestock productivity and welfare.

Students will be able to take advantage of our multidisciplinary tools including proteomics, bio-imaging, computer-aided behavioural analysis, genetics, molecular biology, in vitro cell models, transgenic rodent models and natural diseases of large animals to dissect biological networks in the nervous and immune systems. The Roslin Institute is uniquely placed to transfer our experience of rodent models into livestock species such as sheep and pigs.

Training and support

Studentships are of 3 or 4 years duration and students will be expected to complete a novel piece of research which will advance our understanding of the field. To help them in this goal, students will be assigned a principal and assistant supervisor, both of whom will be active scientists at the Institute. Student progress is monitored in accordance with School Postgraduate (PG) regulations by a PhD thesis committee (which includes an independent external assessor and chair). There is also dedicated secretarial support to assist these committees and the students with regard to University and Institute matters.

All student matters are overseen by the Schools PG studies committee. The Roslin Institute also has a local PG committee and will provide advice and support to students when requested. An active staff:student liaison committee and a social committee, which is headed by our postgraduate liaison officer, provide additional support.

Students are expected to attend a number of generic training courses offered by the Transkills Programme of the University and to participate in regular seminars and laboratory progress meetings. All students will also be expected to present their data at national and international meetings throughout their period of study.

Facilities

In 2011 the Roslin Institute moved to a new state-of-the-art building on the University of Edinburgh's veterinary campus at Easter Bush. Our facilities include: rodent, bird and livestock animal units and associated lab areas; comprehensive bioinformatic and genomic capability; a range of bioimaging facilities; extensive molecular biology and cell biology labs; café and auditorium where we regularly host workshops and invited speakers.

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The One Health concept recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and ecosystem health. A One Health approach involves applying a coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach to address potential or existing risks that originate at the animal-human-ecosystems interface. The overarching aim of One Health is to achieve optimal health for humans, animals and the ecosystem. This Masters in One Health aims to offer online, specialist teaching to students to acquire knowledge and skills required to work within a One Health framework. The programme seeks to explore an integrative approach to human, veterinary and ecological health, recognising the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and the interconnectedness of public health, environmental issues, veterinary and human medicine. The programme also raises awareness of cultural and societal factors that influence how One Health approaches are translated into practice.

Why this programme

◾The flexible, online delivery of this programme by world researchers and clinicians allows you to study from anywhere across the globe.
◾Glasgow employs some of the most prominent UK researchers in the One Health framework, giving you access to up-to-date expertise.
◾Our teaching is research-led. The courses have been developed to reflect the latest academic research and up-to-date challenges of One Health.
◾During a course, from week to week you will interact with your teachers and fellow students using online discussion boards. Your teachers will direct and observe the discussion and respond to student questions about the course content.
◾You will have the opportunity to collaborate on a research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff or an external supervisor.
◾The One Health concept is gaining momentum worldwide and an early adoption thereof is putting the University of Glasgow at the forefront of teaching and learning within the One Health framework.

Programme structure

This programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied and the number of credits obtained. There is a set of core courses and optional courses that can be undertaken to complete a certificate (60 credits), diploma (120 credits) or masters (180 credits).

We place emphasis upon community building and creating a sense of presence within the online learning environment using a range of educational technology tools, such as asynchronous and synchronous discussions, virtual classrooms, wikis, interactive quizzes, audio and video resources, to create a sense of students being at and part of the University

The first year of study will explore the One Health framework and examine the value thereof, and provide foundations in epidemiology. The first year also introduces zoonoses and infectious diseases, a core area of One Health. During the second year of study, students will be able to choose courses in an area of special interest from a range of subject areas from human and veterinary medicine and public health. Students planning to continue on to Masters level are required to study research methods, a course that will provide the necessary skills to plan, research and write a dissertation. The third year of study will allow students to gain in depth knowledge in their area of special interest by undertaking a research project. The research project is a written dissertation. The format of the dissertation output is flexible and may include a research paper, a grant application or a briefing paper for a company / policy maker.

Core courses

◾Introduction to One Health
◾Zoonoses and infectious disease
◾Introduction to epidemiology
◾Research methods (MSc students only)
◾Dissertation (MSc students only)

Optional courses

◾Global veterinary medicine
◾Globalisation of public health
◾Veterinary epidemiology: methods in surveillance and field investigation
◾Veterinary public health and service delivery
◾Infectious disease control
◾Wildlife and livestock management
◾Ecological Principles
◾Health economics
◾Health promotion: principles and practice
◾Health technology assessment in a global context

Studying online - http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/onehealth/#/studyingonline

Career prospects

Graduates of the One Health programme may establish careers for front line healthcare providers, for example as developers and implementers of prevention and treatment programs. Graduates may be employed by international health organisations (ie WHO, FAO OIE), local agencies, government agencies (ie DFID, public health sector) or non-governmental organisations. Graduates may also establish careers in the academic sector, specialising in a One Health subject (for example zoonotic diseases).

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