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

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

• The first 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 2/5 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 62% is required to pass the OSPE. The result of the OSPE will be communicated at the end of the session. Students who do not pass the practical exam will not be allowed to sit for the written exam.
• The second part is a written test comprising 27 questions (26 multiple choice and 1 short essay), 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 0.5, 1 or 2 points depending on the type of question; 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. The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 62%.

The results of the exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment ( https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.The exam is considered passed only if all sections of the exam (one per each module) are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by summing up the scores of the two parts. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform ( http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.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. This should be done by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days from the exam. The designated course contact is Eleonora Nannoni.Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

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