B9258 - General Microbiology, Biosecurity and One Health

Learning outcomes

He/she understands the structure and morphology of bacteria and viruses, as well as the physical and chemical methods for controlling micro-organisms. Knows the principles of biosafety and is able to interpret a biosafety plan. Knows the principles underlying the "One Health" concept and can recognize them in veterinary public health issues.

Course contents

This course unit is part of the Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH".

At the end of the integrated course “Introduction to Veterinary Public Health", the student understands the fundamental principles of parasitology, microbiology, biosecurity, and food safety within the context of Veterinary Public Health. They are able to recognise the role of zoonotic pathogens from a One Health perpective, to comprehend and apply biosecurity plans, and interpret tools and regulations aimed at protecting animal, human, and environmental health

The Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH.” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: : 1.4; 1.12; 1.29.

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Introduction to microorganisms (0.5h)
• Morphological and functional structure of bacteria (3.5h)
• Introduction to and structure of viruses (2h)
• Physical and chemical methods for the control of microorganisms (2h)
• Biosafety in veterinary clinical facilities (2h)
• Biosafety on farms (2h)
• Biosafety in laboratories (2h)
• One Health approach (2h)

  Practical Sessions:

• Preparation of a slide from a healthy patient and Gram staining (2h)

• Biosafety procedures in the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (2h)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions. The theoretical lessons will be delivered through traditional lectures and a group project focused on the One Health approach. The practical exercises will take place in the laboratory for the slide preparation, and in various areas of the Department for the biosecurity-related activities.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods 

The assessment of the Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH” consists of a one-hour written multiple-choice test comprising 40 questions covering topics from all the course units included in the Integrated Course. The purpose of the test is to verify the acquisition of the expected knowledge.

The written exam, lasting one hour, includes 40 multiple-choice questions:

• 20 questions related to the course unit “General Microbiology, Biosafety, and One Health”
• 10 questions related to the course unit “General Parasitology”
• 10 questions related to the course unit “Food Chain Approach to Food Safety in the International Context”

Each correct answer is worth 0.8 points, each incorrect answer is worth 0.2 points, and unanswered questions receive 0 points.
The exam is considered passed with a minimum total score of 24 points, corresponding to a grade of 18/30. This score must include at least:

• 12 points from the “General Microbiology, Biosafety, and One Health” unit
• 6 points from the “General Parasitology” unit
• 6 points from the “Food Chain Approach to Food Safety in the International Context” unit

Scores of 31 and 32 correspond to a final grade of 30 cum laude.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The results of the written 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 individual scores of each course unit and the final exam grade will be published on the Virtuale platform within 5 working days from the exam date.
Students may reject the grade by notifying the course contact via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Silvia Piva

Students can register for exams through the 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.

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

PowerPoint presentations and resources from the Veterinary Teaching Portal.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Piva