B8401 - Biosafety and Biosecurity

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student can understand and follow the measures of biosecurity and biosafety. In particular, the student: knows the concepts and fundamental principles of biosafety and biosecurity in different contexts, including the safe use and containment of biohazardous agents in laboratory; is capable of implementing appropriate biosecurity measures in different veterinary contexts.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate skills in veterinary biosecurity, an understanding of proper laboratory practices within a quality assurance framework, and techniques for handling and approaching animals that prioritize the safety of both the animal and the operator. Additionally, the student develops zoological knowledge and zootechnical classification of animals relevant to veterinary practice, along with a critical perspective on their ethical use.

The Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.12, 1.17, 1.29.

Specific Course contents:

Academic lectures: Definitions and key principles of biosafety and biosecurity, manual of biosecurity, application of biosafety and biosecurity in different contexts such as farms, laboratories, veterinary clinics or hospitals. Laboratories acquired infections and hospital acquired infections.

Practical activity: The practical activity consists of a tour in the Department to see and to use all the information related to biosecurity and biosafety aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

Students can study by consulting suggested book and by using slides and other material available in virtual platform.

• J. Dewulf, F. Van Immersel. Biosecurity in Animal Production and Veterinary Medicine: from principles to practice. CABI, 2019

Teaching methods

The theoretical lectures take place in a teaching room properly supplied with multimedia equipment. The practical lectures are carried out in different areas of the department.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is an OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) aimed at evaluating the acquisition of practical and verbal competences in specific topics of the Integrated Course. This practical part of the exam will consist in 15 different stations, each testing a specific skill. Each station has a fixed duration of 5 minutes and, if completed successfully, can earn up to 2 points. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the OSPE.

The final grade of the Integrated Course is determined by averaging the scores of the two assessments. Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Teaching tools

PC, video-projector.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Piva