76429 - Transmissible Diseases of Marine Mammals

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student acquires knowledge on the main transmissible diseases of marine mammals, with particular reference to etiopathogenesis and epidemiology. The student acquires also knowledge to support the management of stranded marine mammal and the tools for the diagnosis of the main transmissible diseases of marine mammals

Course contents

Worldwide state of the art of the presence and diffusion of the main transmissible diseases of marine mammals from the wild and confined environment - Biotic and abiotic factors influencing the occurrence of marine mammals diseases - main viral, bacterial, parasitic and mycotic diseases of marine mammals and large marine vertebrates - Marine mammals diseases and Public Health - Mangement of the strandings and diagnostic tools application - Regulatory framework on health and welfare of marine mammals in the wild and in confined environment.

Readings/Bibliography

Didactic material provide by the teacher

CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine (2001), Eds. L.A. Dierauf & F.M.D. Gulland, CRC Press, Boca Raton, USA

Specific literature on the main topics provided by the teacher

Teaching methods

The course is composed of 21 theoretical hours. The lectures take place in a classroom equipped with PC and PC video-projector, with power-point slides.

Assessment methods

The final examination is oral and consists in several questions aimed to verify the knowledge of the student about the topics dealt with during the course. The oral test lasts about 30 minutes. An optimal knowledge of the topics combined to a critical and transversal autonomous approach and the use of a scientific terminology will get the maximum score, such as 30-30 cum laude. A deep knowledge of the topics with autonomous critical and transversal approach and the use of a correct scientific terminology will get the score of 25-29. A proper knowledge of the topics and a proper critical approach with a correct terminology will get the score of 20-24. A sufficient knowledge and critical approach with a correct terminology will get the score of 18-19.

Teaching tools

PC, PC video-projector.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Gustinelli