Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Vector Sampling, Identification & Incrimination
Module code
3141
Module Organiser
Dr Mary Cameron
Contact email
Mary.Cameron@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ)
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
Disease Vectors, Epidemiology (incl. surveillance), Quantitative Methods,
Malaria, Parasitic Diseases, Disease Prevention and Control
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall 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.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Appreciate the importance of accurate identification of the major groups of
arthropods and snails in relation to disease transmission and control;
Select appropriate sampling methods for the major groups of vectors;
Identify the major groups of vectors;
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;
Understand the principles and the methods of vector incrimination.
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.
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):

Introduction to both traditional and modern techniques, including
morphological keys, cytotaxonomy and PCR
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Species complexes in relation to biology and control
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Sampling and identification of: mosquitoes; blackflies; phlebotomine
sandflies; tsetse flies; triatomine bugs; blackflies; and snails
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Current research at a major reference centre
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Vector incrimination
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Study resources provided include the 3141 Course Handbook (including a
reader), a Preparation of Material Handbook (A Guide to the Preparation of
Medically Important Insects and Acarines for Identification and Preservation),
and the 3122 Entomology Handbook.
Teaching and learning
methods
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.
Assessment details
A one hour practical test relating to practical sessions and a one hour short
answer test relating to lecture material. The two tests have equal weighting.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be a practical exam with questions relating to material covered
during practical sessions (does not require a laboratory) and a short answer
theory exam.
Assessment dates
Assessments will take place during the morning of the last day of the module
(Wednesday 23 March 2016).
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment date will be the standard School-recommended date in
mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Monday morning and Wednesday lunchtime
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Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 22 February 2016 and finish on
Wednesday 23 March 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot D1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 63 hours
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Directed self-study ≈ 10 hours
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Self-directed learning ≈ 31 hours
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Assessment, review and revision ≈ 46 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
To gain full benefit from this module, a basic prior knowledge of, and an
interest in, vectors is recommended
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 25 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students [particularly those registered
for MEDiC and MP] and LSHTM research degree students. Other applicants
meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a place in the order
applications are received, until any cap on numbers is reached. Applicants may
be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next time the module is run.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
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Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, applications ahead of the MSc deadline are
strongly advised. All applications should be submitted at the latest 8 weeks
prior to the start of the module. Formal registration will take place on the
morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 8 July 2013 by Mary Cameron; Minor amendments 20 July 15 SDB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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