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Continuing Professional Development - MSc Programme Modules (London-based)

VECTOR SAMPLING, IDENTIFICATION & INCRIMINATION (3141)

ORGANISER: Dr Mary Cameron

DATES: 9 January 2012 to 8 February 2012 (9:00am Monday to 12:30pm Wednesday)



AIM
To provide students with a practical understanding of the methods for sampling, identification and vector incrimination applicable to the most important arthropod vectors and snail intermediate hosts.


OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module students should be able to:

  1. appreciate the importance of accurate identification of the major groups of insects, ticks and snails in relation to disease transmission and control;
  2. select appropriate sampling methods for the major groups of vectors;
  3. identify the major groups of vectors;
  4. apply a range of modern techniques available for the identification in areas where the use of conventional methods are problematic, i.e., species complex identification;
  5. understand the principles and the methods of vector incrimination.


CONSTITUENCY
To gain full benefit from this module, a basic prior knowledge of, and an interest in, vectors is recommended.

This module is intended for any student interested in the epidemiology and control of vector-borne diseases; most likely are entomologists, parasitologists, microbiologists and epidemiologists.


CONCEPTUAL OUTLINE
This module will include: Introduction to both traditional and modern techniques, including morphological keys, crossing experiments, cytotaxonomy and PCR. Species complexes in relation to biology and control. Sampling and identification of: mosquitoes; blackflies; phlebotomine sandflies; tsetse flies; triatomine bugs; myiasis agents; blackflies; midges; ticks; lice; fleas and snails. Current research at a major reference centre. Vector incrimination.


TEACHING STRATEGY
This module is predominately laboratory-based with the ratio of contact time in practicals: lectures roughly 2:1. The practical sessions are an important point for extensive personal interaction with teaching staff both in terms of practical skills as well as to support the theoretical content of the lectures. Students will gain hands-on experience of preparation of material, dissection, identification keys, crossing experiments, cytogenetics and the use of PCR. A one day visit is made to the research laboratories of the Natural History Museum.


LEARNING TIME
The module is made up of 150 Notional Learning Hours – 63 hours contact time, 10 hours directed self-study, 31 hours self-directed learning, and 46 hours assessment, review and revision.


ASSESSMENT
A one hour practical test and a one hour short answer test at the end of the module.


FEE
£1,600 including access to LSHTM library and learning resources, study materials and assessment.

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