Division of Infection & Immunity
INFORMATION FOR THE THIRD YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
Items contained within this Course Information Document are sometimes unavoidably subject to
change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the correct lecture, practical,
tutorial and examination schedules. Lecture venues may be changed during the Course. The Year
Notice boards and email should be checked daily.
In light of student feedback and External Examiner comments the following changes have been
made.
Code of Professional Conduct to Fitness to Practice. You are reminded that you will be expected
to have read the above code, sign for it and implemented during your time in the course
CONTENTS
Page
1
Place of the Course in the BVMS Degree Curriculum
2
2
Aims of the Course
2
3
Learning Objectives of the Course
2
Section 1:
Bacteriology
Section 2:
Virology
Section 3:
Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
Section 4:
Veterinary Public Health, Module 1
4
Components of the Course
3
5
Course Content
3
6
Course Texts, Further Reading and Moodle
8
7
Teaching Hours and Teaching Methods
9
8
Methods of Assessment
9
9
Teaching Unit Instructions
15
10
Other Important Information
15
10.1 Protective Clothing, Health and Safety
10.2 Staff and Student Liaison
10.3 Teaching Staff
10.4 Provisional Timetables for Terms I, II and III
10.5 Examples of recent Degree Examination essay questions
10.6 Examples of multiple choice questions
Course Information
INFORMATION FOR THE THIRD YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
1. THE PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM
Veterinary Microbiology is the study of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Microbiology is an extremely important element of veterinary medicine since infectious diseases are
common in domestic animals. In addition, some of these infections may be transmissible to man.
Consequently Public Health is a component of the Microbiology course. The Course is given over
all three terms of the Third Year and then some elements are continued in the Fourth Year within
the Combined Integrated Course when the infectious diseases of each species of domestic animal
are considered in detail. During the Third Year, a proper understanding of Microbiology and Public
Health will be obtained by combining the knowledge acquired in Veterinary Pathology, Parasitology
and Pharmacology with that obtained from the Microbiology Course itself.
2.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
a)
i)
To provide basic knowledge of the microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases of
domestic animals.
To describe the bacteria , fungi and viruses causing these diseases in relation to their
structure, modes of replication and disease producing mechanism.
Describe the mechanism of action of antimicrobial agents and how bacteria may resist their
action
To describe the genetic mechanism leading to cancer development, particularly those
mechanisms used by oncogenic viruses.
Provide details of how the causes of infectious diseases of animals are identified.
To explain the principles of vaccination, epidemiology and control of infectious diseases.
To provide an introduction to Veterinary Public Health and Food Technology.
To apply the knowledge of animal microorganisms and epidemiology to diseases
transmissible to man.
To provide an overview of the organisation of public health administration.
3.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
On completing the course you should:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
2
Have a basic knowledge of the microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases of
animals derived from this course and earlier courses.
Be able to associate the bacteria, fungi and viruses causing animal disease with the diseases
caused.
Be able to describe the structure, modes of replication and disease producing mechanisms of
these agents.
Understand the mechanism of action of antimicrobial agents and how bacteria may resist
their action
Understand the genetic mechanisms leading to cancer developing particularly those used by
oncogenic viruses.
Be able to handle microorganisms safely in a laboratory and carry out elementary
microbiological procedures.
Understand the principles of diagnostic methods used in Veterinary Microbiology.
Division of Infection & Immunity
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
4.
Understand the nature of vaccines and the principles governing their use.
Have knowledge of the fundamentals of epidemiology and be able to supply examples.
Understand the basis for the control of microbial disease, including therapy and the
mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, the use of inoculation, disinfection and vaccine
programmes, especially with reference to Notifiable Disease.
Have a basic knowledge of the importance of food technology.
Understand the basic principles and ethics of Veterinary Public Health and the organisation
of Public Health in the U.K.
Apply the technical knowledge of microorganisms and parasites gained in the course to date
to the control of zoonotic diseases.
COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE
The Third Year Veterinary Microbiology Course extends the information on the basic knowledge of
microorganisms and immunology that was provided in the First Year and Second Year course in
Biomolecular Sciences by focusing on the organisms that are responsible for infectious diseases of
domestic animals and are capable of causing disease in man. The teaching integrates vertically with
the Fourth Year Combined Integrated Course as well as the Biomolecular Sciences course. The
recurring emphasis of the teaching is the relationship of the basic biology and molecular
characteristics of microorganisms with pathogenesis, recovery, diagnosis, epidemiology and control.
The course is given in four sections:
Bacteriology (including Mycology)
Virology (including prion diseases)
Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
Veterinary Public Health (Module 1).
5.
COURSE CONTENT
Section 1: Bacteriology
Course Aims
1. To provide a broad view of bacteriology and mycology in general, and veterinary bacteriology
and mycology in particular.
2. To describe the structure, ultrastructure and physiology of bacteria and fungi as an aid to the
understanding of their biology, replication and culture. Characters that distinguish them from
other infective agents are discussed.
3. To discuss the genetics and molecular biology of bacteria, with emphasis on gene regulation,
the transfer of genetic information and genetic variation in bacteria.
4. To discuss the basis for classifying bacteria and fungi into groups and the properties of the
major groups with reference to bacteria and fungi of veterinary or public health importance.
5. To give specific information about the action of antimicrobials on bacteria and fungi. This is
intended to form a basis for the descriptions of antimicrobial therapy that occur in the third year
course in Veterinary Pharmacology. The genetic basis of antibiotic resistance and the transfer
of resistance are described.
6. To illustrate the broad mechanisms of pathogenesis of bacterial and fungal diseases, and the
non-specific and specific immunological response to bacteria and their role in resistance to and
recovery from bacterial infections.
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Course Information
7. To provide an understanding of the principles of vaccination against infectious diseases. The
salient features of different types of vaccine are discussed. Both traditional and experimental
bacterial vaccines will be described.
8. To consider the theoretical aspects of the detection and identification of bacteria and fungi and
their products. Analysis of the specific immune response to bacteria and fungi and their
products in the diagnosis of infection is also considered.
9. To describe, in the practical classes, the basic principles of bacterial culture and bacterial
identification. To use simple exercises to develop practical skills in the safe handling of
bacterial and fungal pathogens. An approach to problem solving in bacterial diagnosis is
developed. The practical classes are intended to supplement formal teaching on bacterial
groups and to provide a forum for small group informal discussions.
Student Objectives
By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to undertake or to know the following:
1. Describe the structure and function of bacterial and fungal cells and their components.
Understand the differences between bacteria and eukaryotic cells.
2. Understand the basis of bacterial and fungal growth and replication. Know the basic physiology
and metabolism of bacteria and fungi. Know the principles of sterilisation and disinfection.
3. Know the characteristic features of the major bacterial and fungal groups and which bacteria
and fungi are of veterinary importance, the diseases they cause and their host range.
4. Understand the basics of bacterial genetics including the mechanisms of gene regulation,
mutation and gene transfer and understand the importance of plasmids and bacteriophages.
5. Understand the basis of antimicrobial action and know the broad categories of antimicrobials.
Know the basis of antimicrobial resistance, its importance, evolution and spread, and how it is
measured.
6. Give an outline of the basic processes involved in the pathogenesis of bacterial diseases
including the molecular basis of how bacteria colonise their hosts, resist the defence systems of
the host, acquire nutrients and damage the host. Appreciate the role of mycotoxins in disease.
7. Know the innate and acquired host defences and the mechanisms involved in resistance to and
recovery from bacterial and fungal infections
8. To understand the principles of vaccination, the different types of vaccine and their advantages
and disadvantages. Know examples of current and experimental anti-bacterial vaccines and the
diseases they prevent
9. Understand and know the principles of how to identify bacteria and fungi or their products
using culture, direct visualisation, metabolic tests, serological and nucleic acid based
techniques.
10. Carry out the examination of clinical samples for the presence of bacteria and fungi in the
laboratory in a safe manner. Presumptively identify cultures of the commonly isolated bacteria
and fungi and know how their identity should be confirmed.
Section 2: Virology
Course Aims
1. To provide an overview of the structure and mode of replication of viruses.
2. To illustrate the basis of the methods used to diagnose viral infections including tests that can
be carried out in veterinary practice.
3. To explain the basis of classifying viruses into groups. The properties of the major groups are
discussed by reference to viruses of veterinary importance. Emphasis is given to understanding
the mechanisms by which viruses cause disease.
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Division of Infection & Immunity
4. To develop major themes in virology, including strategies for the survival of viruses, persistent
viral infections, cancer-causing viruses, variation in viral antigenicity and pathogenicity,
arthropod-borne viruses and emerging viral diseases.
5. To explain the mechanisms by which animals recover from viral infections, particularly through
immune responses.
6. To explain the effect of genetic change on virus biology and how this can potentially influence
the virulence, antigenicity and the host range of viruses.
7. To illustrate the different types of viral vaccine available and the genetic manipulation of
viruses in the production of new generation vaccines.
Student Objectives
By the end of the course students are expected to be able to undertake or know the following:
1. Describe the principles of virus structure and replication.
2. Know the characteristic features of the major viral groups and the important veterinary viruses
within those groups, including the agents causing the spongiform encephalopathies. Understand
the different types of relationship that viruses can have with their hosts and how certain viral
infections become persistent.
3. Appreciate the mechanisms of genetic change in viruses and the selection pressures that lead to
changes in virulence, antigenicity or host range.
4. Know the mechanisms involved in recovery from virus infections.
5. Understand the principles involved in the diagnosis viral infections.
6. Describe the types of viral vaccines available and their relative advantages and disadvantages.
7. Know how recombinant DNA technology may be used to directly modify viral genomes and
understand its significance, particularly for vaccination.
Section 3:
Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
Aims of the course
1. To describe the general principles of epidemiology and consider the mechanisms of spread of
some of the more important infectious agents of domestic animals. The different types of
epidemiological investigation are studied by consideration and discussion of original
publications. An introduction to the epidemiological modelling of infectious diseases is given.
2. The aims of the section on control is to bring together all the earlier work on the description of
infectious agents and to introduce the concepts of prevention of disease by general methods
such as barrier maintenance, isolation and disinfection. The value of vaccination of individuals
and populations in disease control in a veterinary context is discussed. The idea of
antimicrobial treatment in prophylaxis, disease eradication and in treatment is discussed.
Finally, the design of national, farm or individual household disease control programmes is
given.
Student objectives
1. To be able to define the principle terms used in epidemiology. To understand the several ways
in which epidemiological data are collected and appreciate the relevance of each method.
2. To know the principal methods of spread of infectious disease between individuals, between
generations of animals and between populations of animals on a local, national and international
basis.
3. To know how infectious agents may persist in a population of carrier animals, in the
environment and in vectors and to understand the importance of such survival.
5
Course Information
4. To understand the reasons why some diseases are classed as notifiable and to be able to give
examples of how such diseases may be controlled.
5. To understand the ways in which the cycle of infection can be broken in order to control or
eradicate infectious disease.
6. To understand the ways in which antimicrobials can contribute to the control of infectious
disease through treatment, prophylaxis and in eradication programmes.
7. To understand the importance of isolation and barrier maintenance in the control of infectious
disease and to be aware of the importance of specific pathogen free status of individual herds
and the National Herd.
8. To know the principles behind the control of animal disease at a UK and EU level and to know
of examples of the successful control and eradication campaigns carried out in the UK and EU
on Notifiable Diseases.
Section 4:
Veterinary Public Health, Module 1
Outline of the course
This module comprises an intensive short course that emphasises the importance of veterinary
public health and draws together information presented at other stages of the curriculum,
particularly in the earlier parts of the Veterinary Microbiology course and in the Veterinary
Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology courses. It is composed of twelve hours of illustrated
lectures and a "syndicate" session where individual topics and problems are discussed in small
groups and then presented to all participating staff and students for general discussion.
Course aims
1. To demonstrate the importance of the role of the veterinarian in safeguarding public health.
2. To consolidate previous elements in the curriculum relating to public health.
3. To promote the consideration of public health aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis and
treatment of disease in animals.
Student objectives
1. Understand the role and organisation of medical and environmental health agencies.
2. Appreciate the ethical and legal obligations of the veterinary profession in relation to public
health.
3. Have a working knowledge of the control of zoonotic disease.
4. Understand the principles of food and water safety and the conflicts which can arise between
maximising production and maintaining safety.
5. Understand the importance of food and water borne disease in man and animals.
6. Know the main stages in food production and the possible sources of contamination.
7. Appreciate the role of all branches of the veterinary profession in the production of foods of
animal origin.
8. Be aware of the causes and effects of drug residues and environmental contaminants in relation
to public health.
9. Be aware of the complexities of the legislation relevant to public health and know where to get
additional information.
10. Give soundly based advice when presented with a problem related to veterinary public health.
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6. COURSE TEXTS, FURTHER READING AND MOODLE
Recommended Textbook
The following textbook is recommended:
Concise Review Of Veterinary Microbiology. Quinn, P. et al. 2003. Blackwell Scientific ISBN:
1405108983
Details of other useful texts are given on the Microbiology Moodle site (see below)
Moodle
Moodle is the University's centrally supported Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The Faculty
Moodle site can be accessed from on- or off-campus at: http://moodle.gla.ac.uk/vet/moodle/
Users should log in with their Novell username and password. After a successful login you will be
asked to update your profile.
Once you have logged on, you will be able to access individual courses within Moodle, as well as
general information, and information relating to EMS, summer vacation scholarships, and career
opportunities. Many of the courses require a one-time enrolment key. The enrolment key for
Microbiology is VETMICRO3.. Within individual courses, you will find links to lecture notes and
presentations, past papers, timetables, and links to relevant websites that have been reviewed by
your tutors. Throughout the year your tutors may also add additional Moodle ‘activities’ such as
self-test material, assignments, surveys and discussion forums.
Within ‘General resources and links for students’, you will find links to courses designed to help
you start using Moodle.
Moodle replaces the Student Web Server, a 2004-5 archive version of which is still available on- or
off-campus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/teaching/sws/
You will need to username 'vetstudent' and the password 'jamesherriot' to access this.
7
Course Information
7. TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING METHODS
Section
Lectures
Practicals,
tutorials
demonstrations,
Student hours
Staff hours
Student hours
Staff hours
Bacteriology
21
21
14.25
29.5
Virology
21
21
4.5
19.5
Epidemiology and
Control
7.5
7.5
5
5
Veterinary Public Health
(Module 1)
9
9
3
18
Total
58.5
58.5
26.75
72
A variety of teaching formats is used. Technical aspects of each area are explained in practical
classes and demonstrations. During the course, problem-solving exercises are set at the end of some
sections for individual home study or may be given as group exercises in class. Some of these
exercises may require reference to material in publications and all will require integration of
information from different areas of the course or between courses.
All staff are not routinely made aware of Students with Disabilities. This information is considered
confidential unless such a person agrees to complete disclosure. Consequently, the onus is on you
to make individual staff aware of special needs you may have that impact on a particular method of
teaching; staff will attempt to make reasonable adjustments. E.g. you may have a degree of redgreen colour blindness and have difficulty distinguishing certain tissues or cells during microscopy.
8.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT.
8.1
Assessment of Student Learning
All the examinations in Veterinary Microbiology in 2005/2006 will be considered as summative
assessment, for the Degree Examination:
Term 1
Term 2
June Examination
Examination worth 7.5
Examination worth 7.5
Examination worth 85
All examination papers are submitted in advance to the External Examiner for their approval. The
examinations in Term 1 and Term 2 will be marked internally and the results will be available to the
students as provisional Grades. The final Grades will be assessed, and if necessary, modified after
consultation with the External Examiner, at the time of the June examination. The External will
attend in June and September to oversee the examination, the completion of the Grades and to
conduct Pass/Fail and Distinction Orals. If a student fails to complete any of the Examinations then
the Code of Practice on incomplete assessment and good cause (University of Glasgow Calendar
2003-2004 pp. 44-46 available in the Library) will apply. Under the Data Protection Act students
are entitled to see their examination scripts but staff will not discuss individual scripts in detail.
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Division of Infection & Immunity
Code of Practice on complete assessment and good cause (University of Calendar 2005-2006, Sect.
Gen. 44-46). This section sets out the rules covering the treatment of students prevented by good
cause from completing an assessment or performing adequately therein.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
For the purposes of this section ‘good cause’ shall mean illness or other
adverse personal circumstances serious enough to prevent a candidate from
completing a summative assessment at or by the due time; ‘evidence’ shall
mean a full medical report, not merely a medical certificate, or a written
report detailing the adverse personal circumstances including independent
written evidence as appropriate.
If a candidate believes that good cause has prevented a piece of summative
assessment, including an examination script, being completed at or by the due
time or has seriously prejudiced his or her performance in a summative
assessment, then he or she must promptly notify the Head of Registry and
submit appropriate evidence. Notification later than a week after the due date
for completion of the assessment will not normally be taken into account
except where circumstances prevented the student from notifying the Head of
Registry within this time. The Head of Registry will notify the Teaching Unit.
Where the claim for good cause is pursued the evidence submitted shall be
considered by the Board of Examiners which shall determine.
(a) if the evidence is of sufficient weight to constitute evidence of good cause;
(b) if sufficient material has been presented in respect of the summative
assessment in question for it to be regarded as completed, rather than
merely attempted; in the latter case the assessment shall be treated as
though it had been prevented by good cause from being completed.
If a candidate fails to complete a summative assessment required by a course without
adequate evidence of good cause then he or she shall be awarded zero marks or equivalent for
that assessment, and his or her mark or grade for the course shall be calculated accordingly.
If a candidate is adjudged by the Board of Examiners to have been prevented by good cause
from completing the assessment of the course, then the following arrangement shall apply;
(i)
The extent of the completion of the assessment shall be determined as a
percentage of the totality of summatively assessed work, based on
assessment weightings published in the course data-base, required by
the assessment scheme approved by the Senate.
(ii)
The Board of Examiners shall make an overall judgement of the
standard reached in the completed part of the assessment, using as far
as possible the same procedures as apply to candidates who have
completed the assessment.
(iii)
If the candidate has completed 85 per cent or more of the assessment
the Board of Examiners shall recommend the award of an appropriate
grade (or no credit) on the basis of the completed proportion.
(iv)
If the candidate has not completed 85 per cent of the assessment then
the candidate shall be regarded as not having attempted the
assessment.
Second Diet of Examination – September
The Grades for the second diet will be based on the single examination unless the student has
missed the June examination with good cause. In such a case the total assessment will be based on
the results for Term 1, 7.5 Term 2, 7.5 September Examination 85.
9
Course Information
8.2
Examinations and Course Work
Term I (Martinmas) Exam (Bacteriology)
This examination consists of a Practical Examination and a Written Examination held during the
last week of the Term. The Practical Examination (1 hour) consists of four questions in which the
student comments on aspects of the practical classes in bacteriology and mycology that are
presented. The Written Examination (2 hours) consists of two sections: a Multi-Choice Question
(MCQ), suggested time 1 hour, and an Essay section of 2 questions (suggested time 1 hour). In the
Essay section there are two parts, each containing two questions and one question from each part
should be answered. The marks are allocated in the ratio 3:3:1 for the MCQ: Essay Section:
Practical Examination.
Term II (Candlemas) Exam (Virology)
This examination consists of a Practical Examination and a Written Examination held in the last
week of the Term. The format of these examinations is as for the Martinmas Term examinations in
Bacteriology.
8.3
June Examination
This examination is held at the end of Term III (Whitsun) and the dates are given on the current
notice "University of Glasgow - Final Dates Degree Examinations" as well as the 3rd year notice
board opposite the TU offices. The June examination in Veterinary Microbiology will consist of
the following components:
(a) A Practical Examination (1 hour) of four questions. All must be answered.
(b) A Written Examination composed of a MCQ Section (1.5 hours) and an Essay Section (1.5 hour)
of 3 essays. The essay section is in three parts: Bacteriology, Virology and Epidemiology/Public
Health. In each part there is a choice of one question from two.
(c) The final grade is obtained by summing the marks from all three examinations.
Term 1,7.5; Term 2,7.5; June Exam, 85.
The result is expressed as a grade according to the system approved by the veterinary faculty. The
aggregation score is used only for the calculation of honours and commendation which is arrived at,
at the end of the Complete 5 year Course.
(d) All papers are made available to the External Examiner. The External Examiner is specifically
requested to examine papers of those candidates achieving less than a Grade D and those with marks
at or just below Grade A. The External Examiner has the discretion to adjust the marks awarded in
the written Examinations.
After the External Examiner has confirmed the marks for the written Examinations in consultation
with the Internal Examiner:
 At the discretion of the external examiner a candidate who has achieved a Grade A, (at a
first attempt at the examination) maybe invited to attend a Distinction Oral Examination
conducted by the External Examiner and at least one of the Internal Examiners. A Pass with
Distinction may be awarded at the discretion of the External Examiner. A distinction
indicates that the candidate has a thorough, detailed knowledge of everything required and
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that she/he presented the information in a clear, accurate manner and that in addition she/he
has a clear understanding of broader concepts of the subject.
 candidates with a grade E are required to attend a Pass/Fail Oral Examination conducted by
the External Examiner and at least one of the Internal Examiners.
 candidates with a Grade F, G or N may request an Oral Examination conducted by the
External Examiner and at least one of the Internal Examiners.
The list of students that are invited to attend, required to attend and who may request, an oral
examination will be posted as soon as possible after the marks of the written examination are
collated. The list will indicate the time and place to which the students should report for their oral
exam. On the posted list, students will be identified by matriculation/exam number. It is the
individual responsibility of any student who has opted not to have their marks posted on notice
boards to determine if they are invited, required or may request an oral examination by contacting
the course leader, members of the teaching team or divisional administrative staff. Oral
examinations will normally take place within 2 weeks of the written examination. Students not
called for an oral may request an oral examination, if so desired.
If the candidates fail the 1st Diet of the examination (June) they may take the resit (2nd Diet)
examinations (August/September). The format of the 2nd diet of the examination is the same as the
June exam: a written Examination composed of a MCQ Section (1.5 hours) and an Essay Section
(1.5 hour) of 3 essays. The essay section is in three parts: Bacteriology, Virology and
Epidemiology/Public Health. In each part there is a choice of one question from two. A practical
exam of 1h. ALL students who achieve less than a grade D will be REQUIRED to have an oral
examination conducted by the External Examiner and at least one of the Internal Examiners.
The list of students that are required to attend an oral examination will be posted as soon as
possible after the marks of the written examination are collated. The list will indicate the time and
place to which the students should report for their oral exam. On the posted list, students will be
identified by matriculation/exam number. It is the individual responsibility of any student who has
opted not to have their marks posted on notice boards to determine if they are required to attend an
oral examination, by contacting the course leader, members of the teaching team or divisional
administrative staff. Oral examinations will normally take place within 2 weeks of the written
examination. Students not called for an oral may request an oral examination, if so desired.
(e) All scripts either for Class or Professional Examinations are marked anonymously, using either
exam number or matriculation number as directed by University.
(f) Passing the Third Professional Examination. A student must pass the Professional Examinations
for all four subjects before being allowed to proceed to Fourth Year Classes.
If the candidates fail the examination in June they may take the resit (2nd Diet) examinations in
September. The format of the September examination will be the same as the June examination,
except that ALL students who achieve less than a grade D will be REQUIRED to have an oral
examination conducted by the External Examiner and at least one of the Internal Examiners. Grades
awarded at the second diet of the professional examination will in accordance with university policy
be capped at Grade D.
(g) Location of Examination. The Written Class and Degree Examinations will usually be held at
Gilmorehill. The Practical and Oral Examinations will normally be held in Garscube.
11
Course Information
Grading
The University’s policy on grading has changed and is now as follows, with no EP Grade and only
Grades A to D representing passes. There shall be three categories of award Honours,
Commendation and Pass. A candidate who is not placed in one of three categories shall have failed
the programme. A Distinction may be awarded in an individual part of the examination.
8.3
Marks to Grade Correlation for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Primary
grade
Mark
Secondary
band
Mark
Aggregation
score
BVMS
A
70-100
65-69
C
55-64
D
50-54
E
45-49
F
40-44
G
30-39
80-100
75-79
70-74
69
67-68
65-66
63-64
60-62
55-59
54
52-53
50-51
49
47-48
45-46
44
42-43
40-41
35-39
30-34
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Honours
B
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
H
CR
0-30
Commendation
Pass
Fail
The aggregate scores are used in the overall assessment at the end of the 5 year Course. There shall
be three categories of award Honours, Commendation and Pass.
8.4
The External Examiner
The External Examiner is: Professor W.A. Ellis, Acting Director, Veterinary Sciences Division,
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Stoney Road
Belfast, N. Ireland, BT4 3SD .
8.5
Prizes Which Will Be Given For Work During The Course
There are two special Awards in Veterinary Microbiology: (i) a Silver Medal awarded by The Royal
Highland & Agricultural Society to student with the highest marks in the Degree Examination and
(ii) the George Slavin Prize awarded to the student with the best aggregate marks of the two Class
Examinations and the Degree Examination.
9. TEACHING UNIT INSTRUCTIONS
Students shall be required to comply with such teaching unit instructions as are prescribed by the
Course Leader in charge of the course concerned. Such instructions may require students: to attend
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specified lectures, tutorials, laboratory or practical sessions, examination and other events; to submit
items of work, including essays, dissertations and project reports, by such dates as may be
instructed. All such instructions shall be given to the students in writing at the beginning of the
course concerned. Reasonable notice of any alteration to them will also be given. A student who
fails to comply with such instructions may be refused enrolment in and admission to degree
examinations in the subject.
10. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
The following additional information is useful and important.
10.1: Protective Clothing, Health and Safety
The study and practice of Microbiology unavoidably involves being exposed to and handling animal
tissues and fluids that may contain microbiological agents that are harmful for human beings and
other animals. Some of the instruments, equipment and laboratory reagents that are used in this
work are also potentially dangerous. Students are expected therefore not only to wear the
appropriate protective clothing recommended but also to adjust their own dress suitably and to be
responsible in their behaviour when taking part in practical classes held in laboratories. For all
practical classes and demonstrations held in the Microbiology Teaching Laboratory, laboratory
coats must be worn.
Students who consider that handling infectious organisms may damage their health, for
example if they are receiving certain medical treatments, should consult the Course
Coordinator in confidence.
Students will not be allowed to attend practical classes unless the appropriate protective
clothing is worn. Drinking or eating (including chewing gum) is not permitted in the
laboratory.
10.2:
Staff-Student Liaison
The staff teaching the Course welcomes the opportunity to discuss problems associated with the
course with the students concerned and you are invited to do so. It has been found useful however
to have members of staff who pay particular attention to this matter and for the Veterinary
Microbiology course these are Professors Mark Roberts and David Taylor and Dr Lesley Nicolson.
13
Course Information
10.3:
Teaching Staff
The academic staff involved in teaching, examining and administering the Veterinary Microbiology
course is: Prof Mark Roberts, Course Leader, Prof David Taylor, Dr Paul Everest, Prof Willie
Donachie, Prof David Smith, Dr Lesley Nicolson, Dr Diane Addie, Prof Saveria Campo, Prof James
Neil, Dr Brian Willett, Dr Steve Dunham, Dr Adrian Philbey, Dr Linda Scobie, Dr Dom Mellor,
Prof Bill Reilly, Mr W Steele.
14
Division of Infection & Immunity
10.4: PROVISIONAL TIMETABLES..
TERM I (MARTINMAS) 2005/2006
BACTERIOLOGY
THIS TIMETABLE IS PROVISIONAL – SEE 3RD YEAR NOTICEBOARD/INTRANET FOR CURRENT VERSION
Wk
1
Tue
Date
27 Sept 2005
Time
0930-1000
1000-1100
1130-1230
Subject
Intro to the Microbiology Courses
Overview 2nd year work
Bacterial identification
L
L
L
MR
MR
DT
Venue
LAD
LAD
LAD
Mon
03 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Overview of bacterial pathogenesis
Practical
L
P
MR
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Tue
04 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Antimicrobial action and resistance
Practical
L
P
MR
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Mon
10 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Staphylococci and Streptococci
Practical
L
P
MR
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Tue*
11 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Mycobacteria and related bacteria
Practical
L
P
PE
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Mon*
17 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Clostridia and Bacillus
Practical
L
P
PE
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Tue
18 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Pasteurellaceae
Practical
L
P
MR
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Mon
24 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Salmonella and E.coli
Practical
L
P
WD
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Tues
25 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1100-1200
1200-1300
Gram positive rods
Anaerobic Gram negative bacteria
Regency meetings
L
L
PE
MR
LAD
LAD
Mon
31 Oct 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Small G -ve bacteria
Practical
L
P
MR
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
Tue
01 Nov 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Enterobacteria + Pseudomonads
Practical
L
P
PE
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
7
Wed
9 Nov 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Fungi
Practical
L
P
DT
MR/DT/PE
LAD
TL
8
Wed
16 Nov 2005
0930-1030
1100-1200
Recovery from bacterial infections
Bacterial Vaccines
L
L
MR
PE
AH
AH
9
Wed
23 Nov 2005
0930-1030
1100-1200
Obligate intracellular organisms
Mycoplasma
L
L
DS
DS
AH
AH
10
Wed
30 Nov 2005
0930-1030
1030-1300
Spirochaetes
Practical
L
P
DT
MR/DT/PE
AH
TL
11
Wed
07 Dec 2005
P
MR/DT/PE
TL
12
Wed
Wed
14 Dec 2005
14 Dec 2005
1000-1200
Practical revision class
NB exam arrangements are PROVISIONAL
0930-1130
Class Examination (Written)
1430-1630
Class Examination (Practical)
2
3
4
5
6
Main Campus - TBA
TL
L = Lecture, P = Practical, MR = Prof Mark Roberts, DT = Prof David Taylor, PE = Dr Paul Everest, WD = Prof Willie Donachie,
DS= Prof David Smith. Venues: LAD = Lge Animal Dem , AH = Assembly Hall, TL = Preclinical Teaching Laboratory.
Course Information
TERM II (CANDLEMAS) 2005/2006
VIROLOGY
THIS TIMETABLE IS PROVISIONAL – SEE 3RD YEAR NOTICEBOARD/INTRANET FOR CURRENT VERSION
Subject
Week
Date
Time
Venue
1
Mon
Tue
2
Mon
Tue
3
Mon
Tue
4
Mon
Tue
5
9 Jan
10 Jan
16 Jan
17 Jan
23 Jan
24 Jan
30 Jan
31 Jan
0930-1030
Introduction + overview of 2nd year virology
L
LN
AHTC
1100-1230
DNA viruses: Circo-, parvo-, adenoviruses
L
LN
AHTC
0930-1030
How animals recover from viral infections
L
BW
LAD
1100-1230
Diagnosis of viral infections-1
L
DA
LAD
0930-1030
DNA viruses: Papillomaviruses
L
SC
AHTC
1100-1230
Diagnosis of viral infections-2
L
DA
AHTC
0930-1030
DNA viruses: Asfar-, poxviruses
L
SD
LAD
1100-1230
Diagnosis of viral infections-3
P
DA
LAD
0930-1030
DNA viruses: Herpesviruses
L
LN
AHTC
1100-1230
RNA viruses: Picorna-, caliciviruses
L
LN
AHTC
0930-1030
RNA viruses: Flavi, togaviruses
L
LN
LAD
1100-1230
RNA viruses: Nidovirales
L
DA
LAD
0930-1030
RNA viruses: Orthomyxoviruses
L
LN
AHTC
1100-1230
RNA viruses: Paramyxo-, rhabdoviruses
L
AP
AHTC
L
LN
LAD
L
SD
LAD
0930-1030
1100-1230
RNA viruses: Reo,birnaviruses
RNA viruses: Retroviruses
Mon
6 Feb
0930-1230
Tutorial preparation (self-directed)
Tue
7 Feb
0930-1030
Viral Vaccines
L
SD
LAD
1100-1230
The spongiform encephalopathies
L
AW
LAD
6
Wed
15 Feb
1030-1230
7
Wed
22 Feb
1030-1230
8
Wed
1 Mar
1030-1230
Tutorials
Tutorials
Tutorials
T
T
T
NB exam arrangements are PROVISIONAL
9
Wed
8 Mar
1030-123
Class examination (Written
Main Campus
9
Wed
8 Mar
1430--1630
Class examination (Practical)
TL
L = Lecture P = Practical T = Tutorial, DA = Dr Diane Addie SC = Prof Saveria Campo, SD = Dr Steve Dunham, LN = Dr
Lesley Nicolson AP = Dr Adrian Philbey, BW = Dr Brian Willett, AW = Dr Alun Williams LS = Linda Scobie. Venues LAD
= Large Animal Demonstration Lab; TL = Preclinical Teaching Laboratory, AHTC = Animal Health Technology Centre.
2
Division of Infection & Immunity
TERM III (WHITSUN) 2005/2006
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
THIS TIMETABLE IS PROVISIONAL – SEE 3RD YEAR NOTICEBOARD/INTRANET FOR CURRENT VERSION
Wk
1
Date
Mon
Tue
2
Mon
Tues
10 Apr 2006
11 Apr 2006
17 Apr 2006
18 Apr 2006
Time
Subject
Venue
0930-1030
2: Epidemiology of bacterial diseases
L
AHTC
DT
1100 -1200
3: Epidemiology of viral diseases
L
AHTC
SD
0930-1030
Control of infectious diseases, 1: Overview
L
AHTC
DT
1045-1245
2: Maintenance of disease-free stock.
Antimicrobials in disease control.
L
AHTC
DT
0930-1030
Introduction to Food Technology
L
AHTC
DT
1100-1230
Practical Food Technology
P
TBA
DT,
MR, PE
0930-1000
Epidemiology of infectious diseases:
L
AHTC
DM
D
AHTC
DM
Epidemiological methods
1030-1130
Epidemiological modelling for disease control
L = Lecture, P = Practical, D = Demonstration, Dr Dominic Mellor, SD =. Dr Steve Dunham , MR = Prof Mark Roberts, DT = Prof
David Taylor, PE = Dr Paul Everest,. Venues: LAD = AHTC = Animal Health Technology Centre
VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH (MODULE 1)
Venue
3
4
5
Mon
24 Apr 2006
Regency day
Tue
25 Apr 2006
Mon
1 May 2006
Tue
2 May 2006
0930-1230
Mon
8 May 2006
Tue
9 May 2006
0930-1230
Veterinary Public Health-1
L
AHTC
WJR
Veterinary Public Health-2
L
AHTC
WJR
0930-1230
Veterinary Public Health-3
L
AHTC
WJR
0930-1230
Veterinary Public Health-2
L
AHTC
WJR
University Holiday
A separate timetable with details of the course will be posted. WJR = Prof WJ Reilly
REVISION
Venue
6
Wed
17 May 2006
1030-1230
Microbiology practical revision
P
TL
DT, MR, PE
DEGREE EXAMINATION
7
Wed
24 May 2006
0930-1230
Microbiology Written Exam
Wed
24 May 2006
1430-1630
Microbiology Practical Exam
3
Division of Infection & Immunity
10.5: EXAMPLES OF CLASS EXAMINATION PAPERS
Wednesday 4 September 2002
0930-1230
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
SECTION 1 ESSAYS
Answer THREE questions: ONE from Part A, ONE from Part B and ONE from Part C. Write
your answer to each question in a separate book.
Note that the allocation of marks to parts of questions is given as a guideline only and may not be
strictly adhered to in marking.
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1 Describe the morphological and cultural characters of Clostridium tetani.
Describe how Clostridium tetani can cause fatal disease in the horse.
Outline methods by which the disease caused could be treated and prevented.
2 Describe the action of the major groups of antibiotics and how resistance genes in bacteria
can counteract these actions.
3
Discuss the importance of fungi in animal disease.
PART B. VIROLOGY
4 Variant viruses that arise in animals infected with bovine virus diarrhoea virus, feline
leukaemia virus or feline coronavirus may cause disease in that infected individual.
Indicate the novel features of these variant viruses and outline the pathogenesis of the
diseases that they induce.
5 What factors may influence the ability of viruses to grow in particular cells, tissues or
whole animals? Use specific viruses as examples.
How can viruses acquire the ability to grow in different cells or hosts? Give examples of
the consequences for animal populations that have followed such changes in viruses.
6 Give examples of viruses of domestic or wild animals that cause disease in man, describing
how these viruses are maintained in their natural populations and how they may be
transmitted to people.
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
7 Give an account of the ways in which Cryptosporidium in water can infect man.
Suggest ways in which water contamination may be reduced or prevented.
8 Describe the types of vaccines that are available to prevent bacterial and viral infections of
domestic animals. Explain the advantages and potential drawbacks of each type.
In future, new vaccines will be required to prevent infectious diseases. Discuss further
challenges that we might have to face and explain how vaccines might be developed to
overcome these problems.
9 What are the requirements of an employer under the Control of Substances Hazardous to
Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999? Describe how this should be implemented for
veterinary students undertaking lambing experience.
30
40
30
100
100
100
50
50
100
70
30
60
40
100
Course Information
Wednesday 18 June 2003
0930-1230
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
SECTION 1 ESSAYS
Answer THREE questions: ONE from Part A, ONE from Part B and ONE from Part C. Write
your answer to each question in a separate book.
Note that the allocation of marks to parts of questions is given as a guideline only and may not be
strictly adhered to in marking.
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1 A previously unknown Gram-positive bacterium was isolated from the blood of several
cattle in the same herd that died from septicaemia. How might it be established that the
isolated organism was indeed the cause of the disease in these animals? If the organism
was found to be the cause of the disease, suggest ways in which the molecular basis of its
pathogenicity could be examined.
2 a) List the characteristics of Escherichia coli , the species it infects and the diseases it
cause.
b) Describe the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disease caused by E.coli .
3 Describe, with examples, the different types of vaccines currently used to prevent bacterial
diseases of animals. How are advances in biotechnology influencing vaccine development?
PART B. VIROLOGY
4 a) Discuss the mechanisms by which antigenic change occurs in influenza viruses and detail
the selection pressures that may facilitate emergence of new viral strains
b) Describe the role played by avian and mammalian species in the emergence of new
strains of influenza virus.
5 What features of the interaction of viruses with their hosts (at the molecular, cellular or
whole animal level) might be responsible for the differences in the susceptibility of
different species of animals to a virus? Illustrate your answer with examples of veterinary
viruses which have distinct clinical consequences in different species.
6 a) Coronaviruses are important pathogens of domestic animals. Give a brief
description of coronaviruses, in particular those of pigs, cats and
chickens, including the diseases that they cause and the way in which they
are transmitted.
b) Discuss the possible consequences of genetic change of coronaviruses for humans and
animals.
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
7 Discuss the differences in the life cycles of Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma
gondii in terms of their public health importance.
8 Describe the procedure adopted when a food poisoning outbreak is suspected. Include in
your answer the time required for each stage of the response and the personnel involved.
Use E. coli O157 as a prime example, but draw on other information at your disposal.
9 Carcase disposal by burial has been made illegal from the beginning of May, and a
collection system will be introduced with final disposal by landfill, rendering or
incineration. On farm incineration will still be permitted. Outline the benefits and
disadvantages of these measures:
a) for animal health
b) for Public Health Illustrate your answer with examples
2
100
50
50
100
50
50
100
50
50
100
100
50
50
Division of Infection & Immunity
Wednesday 3rd September 2003
0930-1230
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
SECTION 1 ESSAYS
Answer THREE questions: ONE from Part A, ONE from Part B and ONE from Part C. Write
your answer to each question in a separate book.
Note that the allocation of marks to parts of questions is given as a guideline only and may not be
strictly adhered to in marking.
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1 a) Describe the characteristics of the genus Clostridium and list the species of veterinary
importance, the host species they affect and the diseases they cause.
b) Describe how Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum cause disease.
2 Explain, with examples, how antibiotics are able to exhibit selective toxicity against
bacteria.
3 Discuss the role of the innate and acquired immune systems in the resistance to and
recovery from bacterial infections.
PART B. VIROLOGY
4 a) Describe the general characteristics of herpesvirus virions, genomes and the diseases
caused by this family of viruses
b) Herpesviruses are subclassified into 3 subfamilies. Describe characteristics of
members of each subfamily.
c) What strategies do herpesviruses use for persisting in infected hosts?
5 a) Describe viral diseases in the UK and worldwide where transmission by arthropod borne
vectors is important.
b) Illustrating your answer with examples, describe how arthropod borne diseases are
controlled.
6 Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus is a coronavirus which emerged suddenly
in the human population, the natural host is said to be the civet cat.
a) Using your knowledge of veterinary coronaviruses, what would you surmise that the
basic structure of the SARS virus would be?
b) Which two body excretion samples would you take from a living patient to try to
establish where the virus is being shed? Illustrate your answer with examples of
coronavirus shedding in other species. What kind of tests would be used to detect the
virus?
c) Journalists speculate about SARS not being gone for good and that it might re-emerge in
the future. State why, in your opinion, healthy human carriers might, or might not, be
found. Again, give animal coronavirus examples.
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
7 (a) Discuss the role of wildlife reservoirs in the epidemiology of rabies
(b) Outline the implications of these reservoirs for the control of rabies virus
in domestic animals and humans
8 Give an account of the way in which bovine tuberculosis spreads within the UK and
summarise the methods used in its control.
9 Give an account of the Public Health importance of E.coli 0157 infection in the UK.
Include in your answer the sources of the organism for man and possible methods of
control.
50
50
100
100
50
20
30
50
50
20
50
30
60
40
100
100
3
Course Information
Wednesday 9 June 2004
9.30 – 12.30
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
SECTION 1: ESSAYS
Answer THREE questions: ONE from Part A, ONE from Part B and ONE from Part C. Write
your answer to each question in a separate book.
Note that the allocation of marks to parts of questions is given as a guideline only and may not be
strictly adhered to in marking.
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1.
Give an account of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of anthrax. Why is Bacillus
anthracis considered to be a potent biological warfare agent?
100
2.
A. Describe the genus salmonella in terms of taxonomy, identification, diseases caused,
host range and which animals are affected.
70
B. Describe how salmonella cause diarrhoea.
30
PART B. VIROLOGY
3.
How do viruses transmit from one animal to another? Give examples of veterinary viruses
for each mode of transmission.
100
4.
A. Detail the mechanisms by which genetic variation can occur in viruses and discuss the
potential effects of virus mutants on animal populations.
60
B. How might emerging viral diseases be controlled?
40
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
5.
Describe the methods used throughout the world to control foot and mouth disease. How
and why do control methods differ for regions where the disease is endemic and epidemic?
What difficulties are associated with control of an epidemic (highlighted by the recent
outbreak in the UK)?
100
6.
Compare the foodborne infections caused by Mycobacterium bovis with that caused by
Escherichia coli 0157 and outline methods for their prevention.
100
4
Division of Infection & Immunity
Wednesday 1st September 2004
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
0930-1230
Answer THREE questions: ONE from Part A, ONE from Part B and ONE from Part C. Write
your answer to each question in a separate book.
Note that the allocation of marks to parts of questions is given as a guideline only and may not be
strictly adhered to in marking.
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1 Describe how bacteria can become resistant to the following types of antibiotics: betalactams, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides. How can antibiotic resistance be passed from
one bacteria to another?
2
Using examples, outline the mechanisms Clostridium species use to cause disease in
animals.
100
100
PART B. VIROLOGY
3 Discuss, with specific examples, mechanisms employed by viruses to evade host immune
responses.
100
4
100
In the late 1970s, canine parvovirus emerged as a new infection of dogs. The mortality rate
was extremely high, with many dogs dying within hours of first manifesting clinical
disease. Nowadays, most cases survive – why do you suppose that is?
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
7 What methods are available to treat and prevent viral diseases in domestic animals?
Describe, using examples, how vaccines may be used to control viral diseases in animal
populations.
8
Discuss the importance of heating and refrigeration for the prevention of foodborne
disease.
100
100
5
Course Information
Wednesday 25 May 2005
0930-1230
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
PART A. BACTERIOLOGY
1.
Write an essay on Staphylococci. Include in your answer: the basic microbiology of the
group; diseases caused and pathogenesis of infection.
Give a general account of Yersinia species and their importance in veterinary medicine.
2.
PART B. VIROLOGY
Pestiviruses and herpesviruses are both associated with important diseases of production
3.
animals in the UK.
A. Briefly describe the major diseases of production animals that are associated with these
viruses
B. Contrast the mechanisms by which these viruses persist in a population of animals
C. Using one example from each, briefly outline the methods for disease control
4.
40
40
20
20
B. Name three coronaviruses of animals and indicate the diseases that each causes.
C. What features of coronaviruses enable them to persist in animal populations?
30
50
A. List the agents present in sheep (or lamb) faeces which could cause zoonotic disease.
B. Briefly outline the circumstances in which zoonotic disease could result from exposure
to these agents.
C. Describe the principles used to prevent human infection from sheep faeces i) in the
abattoir and ii) in an open farm
6
100
Coronaviruses.
A. Describe the structure of a coronavirus.
PART C. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
A. Describe the ways in which bacterial respiratory diseases spread. Illustrate your answer
5.
with examples
B. Suggest methods for the control of bacterial respiratory diseases in animals
6.
100
50
50
20
30
50
Division of Infection & Immunity
10.6
EXAMPLES OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
THIRD PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION
FOR THE DEGREE OF B.V.M.S.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
MULTIPLE CHOICE - PART A
EDPAC QUESTIONS - Instructions for completion of the PINK answer sheet
1. Use a pencil (HB preferably)
2. Complete the identifying sections at the top of the pink answer sheet.
a) Write your name in the top line of boxes as follows: JONES IL
b) Pencil in the letters of your name as above with a horizontal line through the small
rectangle e.g. [B].
c) Mark your matriculation number in 6 consecutive boxes in the area marked
'CANDIDATE NUMBER'
3.
Do NOT write on the form other than in the boxes indicated.
4.
You do not have to complete the boxes marked 'SUBJECT' or 'SUBJECT CODE'.
Marking
Correct answer
Wrong answer
No answer
1
-1/3
0
1-3
Which of the viruses on the left has the particle structure indicated on the right?
(A) Naked, icosahedral capsid
(1)
Adenovirus
(B) Enveloped, icosahedral capsid
(2)
Flavivirus
(C) Naked, helical nucleocapsid
(3)
Herpesvirus
(D) Enveloped, helical nucleocapsid
(E) Complex
4-6
Indicate which of the techniques on the right are most relevant to the aims on the left.
(A) Capture of viral antigen by a monoclonal
antibody
(4)
Haemagglutination.
(B) Growth of virus in cell culture.
(5)
Immunofluorescence.
(C) Visualisation of lesion fluids.
(6)
Virus isolation.
(D) Incubation of fixed, virus-infected cells with
antibody.
(E) Incubation of sample with a suspension of red
blood cells
7
Course Information
7-9
Which of the canine viruses on the left has the properties on the right.
(7)
(8)
(9)
Canine adenovirus
Canine parvovirus
Canine herpesvirus
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Genome is single stranded DNA
Genome is in several fragments
Replicates in cytoplasm
Envelope is initially acquired from nuclear
membrane
(E) Fibers project from the capsid
10-12 Indicate which mechanism on the right is associated with the survival of the virus on
the left.
(A) Persistence in an arthropod vector
(10)
Feline calicivirus.
(B) Continuous excretion from the tonsil
(11)
Feline herpesvirus.
(C) Latent infection in nerve cells
(12)
Feline leukaemia virus.
(D) Very resistant to the environment
(E) Integration of proviral DNA into cell DNA
13-15 Which of the attributes on the right is most closely associated with the viruses on the
left?
(A) Cause lytic infections
(13)
Alphaherpesviruses.
(B) All cause respiratory disease
(14)
Betaherpesviruses.
(C) Grow slowly
(15)
Gammaherpesviruses.
(D) Infect lymphocytes
(E) Cause giant cell formation
16-18 Which disease on the left is transmitted by the arthropod vector on the right?
(16)
(17)
(18)
Tick.
Mosquito.
Flea.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Myxomatosis
Western equine encephalomyelitis
Equine infectious anaemia
African swine fever
Classical swine fever
19-21 Which virus on the left is responsible for the condition in chickens on the right?
(A) Marek's disease
(19)
Circovirus.
(B) Infectious bursal disease
(20)
Herpesvirus.
(C) Infectious bronchitis
(21)
Birnavirus.
(D) Chicken anaemia
(E) Fowl pest
22-24 Match the specific diagnostic procedure on the left with the most appropriate virus on
the right.
(A) Feline leukaemia virus
(22)
Detection of plasma antigen
(B) Feline immunodeficiency virus
(23)
Detection of serum antibody
(C) Feline calicivirus
(24)
Detection of antigen in faeces
(D) Feline orthopoxvirus
(E) Feline parvovirus
8
Division of Infection & Immunity
25-27 Match the disease on the left with the control measure used in the UK on the right.
(25)
(26)
(27)
Rabies
Foot-and-mouth disease
Marek's disease
(A) Vaccination of all susceptible animals
(B) Slaughter of all susceptible animals in
contact with cases of disease
(C) Slaughter of all affected animals
(D) Quarantine of affected animals for 6 months
(E) Quarantine and vaccination of potentially affected
animals
28-30 Match the function on the left with the bacterial structure on the right.
(28)
(29)
(30)
Motility
Adhesion to mucosal surfaces
O-antigenicity
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Lipopolysaccharide
Fimbriae (pili)
Peptidoglycan
Flagella
Lipoprotein
31-33 Match the cultural character on the left with the organism on the right.
(31)
(32)
(33)
Swarming on blood agar.
No growth on artificial media
No growth aerobically
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Proteus
Fusobacteria
Salmonella
Rickettsia
Mycobacterium
34-36 Which antimicrobial on the left has the mode of action on the right
(34)
(35)
(36)
Bacitracin
Trimethoprim
Rifampicin
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Inhibits cell wall synthesis
Inhibits transcription
Inhibits translation
Inhibits folic acid synthesis
Inhibits DNA supercoiling
37-39 Match the organisms on the left with the vaccines on the right.
(37)
(38)
(39)
Leptospira canicola
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Clostridium tetani
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Live attenuated vaccine
Killed alum adjuvanted vaccine
In-feed killed vaccine
Toxoid vaccine
Ribosome vaccine
40-42 Which practice on the right is the most efficient method of carrying out the objective
on the left?
(40)
(41)
(42)
Stimulation of colostral
immunity
Stimulation of local gut
immunity
Producing antitoxic immunity
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Intramammary inoculation in lactation
In-feed administration
Using a washed cell vaccine
Vaccinating 6 and 2 weeks before parturition
Using an adjuvanted toxoid
9
Course Information
43-45 Choose the feature on the right which is most appropriate to the organism on the left.
(43)
(44)
(45)
Listeria monocytogenes
Clostridium tetani
Campylobacter jejuni
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Strictly anaerobic
Strictly microaerophilic
Strictly aerobic
Grows at 4°C
Saccharolytic in cooked meat medium
46-48 Which organism on the left is responsible for the disease on the right?
(46)
(47)
(48)
Serpulina hyodysenteriae
Clostridium tetani
Clostridium perfringens
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Wooden tongue in cattle
Necrotic enteritis of fowls
Swine dysentery
Tetanus
Calf diphtheria
49-51 Match the organisms on the left with the disease on the right.
(49)
(50)
(51)
Malassezia pachydermatis
Aspergillus flavus
Cryptococcus neoformans
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Favus in the fowl
Feline rhinitis
Thrush
Otitis externa
Aflatoxicosis
52-54 Match the bacterial toxin on the left with its action on the right.
(52)
(53)
(54)
Tetanus toxin
E. coli heat stable toxin
E. coli heat labile toxin
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Increases intracellular cyclic AMP
Increases intracellular cyclic GMP
Introduces pores into the cell membrane
Inhibits neurotransmitter release
Inhibits protein synthesis
55-57 Match the organism on the left with a statement on the right.
(55)
(56)
(57)
58.
Cryptosporidium
Campylobacter
Verotoxigenic E. coli
Associated with eggs
Is not killed by chlorination
Associated with soft cheese
Can cause kidney failure in humans
Most common cause of gastroenteritis in humans
Which ONE of the following is an example of experimental epidemiology in veterinary
medicine?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
10
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
A randomised clinical trial
A cohort study
A case control study
A survey
A cross-sectional study
Division of Infection & Immunity
59. Which one of these diseases of sheep is caused by a virus that may produce disease in
cattle?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
60.
Which ONE of the viruses that cause the following diseases of poultry has a segmented
double-stranded RNA genome?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
61.
Maedi-visna
Border disease
Orf
Sheep pulmonary adenomatosis
Sheep pox
Infectious bursal disease
Fowl plague
Newcastle disease
Infectious bronchitis
Marek’s disease
Which ONE of these statements most appropriately explains the mechanism of
attenuation of viruses by prolonged passage in cell cultures?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Selection of mutant viruses.
Induction of mutation in viruses
Selection of resistant cells.
Selection of susceptible cells.
Loss of infectivity of virus.
62.
Which ONE of these statements applies to rotavirus infections:
(A) Actively dividing cells in the crypts of the intestinal villi are destroyed.
(B)
Differentiated cells at the tips of the intestinal villi are destroyed.
(C)
Commonly causes disease in geriatric animals.
(D)
Cannot be controlled within a population by vaccination.
(E)
Virus is transmitted by arthropod vectors.
63.
Which ONE of these agents is directly transmissible to man from sheep?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
64.
Flavivirus
Scrapie
Parapoxvirus
Lentivirus
Paramyxovirus
Which of the following viruses is commonly associated with reproductive failure ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Feline immunodeficiency virus
Feline coronavirus
Porcine parvovirus
Equine influenza virus
Fowlpox virus
11
Course Information
.65.
Which ONE of the following statements is most appropriate to Clostridium
perfringens?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
66.
By which ONE of the following methods does Bacillus anthracis survive between
hosts?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
67.
Guttural pouch mycosis in the horse
Avian respiratory mycosis
Subcutaneous dermatomycosis in the dog
Canine nasal mycosis
Abortion in cattle.
Which ONE of the following organisms would you expect to be sensitive to penicillin?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
12
Produces spiral hyphae
Produces pink colonies with a powdery border
Produces spindle-shaped macroconidia in vitro
Is a possible contributor to otitis externa in the dog
Is susceptible to oxytetracycline spray
Which of these diseases is NOT associated with Aspergillus spp.?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
70.
For the differentiation of mastitis-associated streptococci
For the differentiation of staphylococci
For the differentiation of Actinomyces pyogenes
For the selection of Salmonella
For the differentiation of Salmonella from E. coli
Which ONE of the following responses is correct?
Microsporum canis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
69.
As a dried vegetative cell
In soil as a spore
In water
In semen
In milk
Which ONE of the following statements is correct? Edward's medium is used:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
68.
Gram negative rod
Grows aerobically on chocolate agar
Produces a variety of exotoxins
Is proteolytic in cooked meat medium
Causes braxy
E. coli
S. typhimurium
Chlamydia psittaci
E. canis
S. equi subsp. equi
Division of Infection & Immunity
71.
Which ONE of the following syndromes is associated with Haemophilus parasuis?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
72.
Which ONE of the following bacteria produces an enterotoxin?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
73.
Salmonella pullorum
Enterococcus faecium
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus equi
Lactobacillus acidophilus
To which ONE of the following does "Duty of Care" for the disposal of clinical waste
NOT apply?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
74.
Pleuropneumonia
Erysipelas
Atrophic rhinitis
Glasser's disease
Greasy Pig disease
Pet animal carcases
Pet animal faeces
Farm animal carcases
Soiled swabs and dressings
Used syringes and needles
Which ONE of the following is the most frequently isolated Salmonella from people in
the UK?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Salmonella agona
Salmonella hadar
Salmonella enteritidis
Salmonella bongori
Salmonella virchow
13
Course Information
MULTIPLE CHOICE - Part B
TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS
Instructions for completion of the WHITE answer sheet
1. Use a pencil (HB preferably)
2. Complete the identifying sections at the top of the green answer sheet.
a) Write your name in the top line of boxes as follows: JONES IL
b) Pencil in the letters of your name as above with a horizontal line through the small
rectangle e.g. [T].
c) Mark your Matriculation Number in 6 consecutive boxes in the area marked
'CANDIDATE NUMBER'
3.
Do NOT write on the form other than in the boxes indicated.
4.
You do not have to complete the boxes marked 'SUBJECT' or 'SUBJECT CODE'.
5.
Answer (T), (F) or (?).
Marking
Correct answer
Wrong answer
No answer (?)
1
-1
0
1.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
Viral envelopes have the following
characteristics.
(1)
Never formed at the nuclear membranes.
(2)
Their formation inevitably precedes cell death.
(3)
Contain virus-specific glycoproteins.
(4)
Contain cellular lipids.
(5)
Only occur in viruses with helical nucleocapsids.
2.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE. Enzyme immunoassays for anti-viral antibodies:
(6)
Require living cells and virus.
(7)
Can be completed in a few minutes.
(8)
May be used to detect antibodies to internal viral antigens.
(9)
Must be conducted under sterile conditions.
(10)
Are suitable for use in practice laboratories.
3.
Indicate whether the following statements about coronaviruses are TRUE or FALSE.
(11)
Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA-containing viruses.
(12)
All of the porcine coronaviruses are antigenically very closely related.
(13)
Feline coronaviruses are readily isolated in cell culture.
(14)
Feline infectious peritonitis is due to cardiomyopathy.
(15)
Infectious bronchitis virus causes egg drop in adult birds.
4.
Indicate whether the following statements about herpesviruses are TRUE or FALSE.
(16) Herpesviruses obtain an envelope from the nuclear membrane.
(17) Alphaherpesviruses do not grow well in cell culture.
(18) Herpesviruses are antigenically stable.
(19) In latency, herpesvirus DNA is integrated into cellular DNA.
(20) Some herpesviruses can cause tumours.
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Division of Infection & Immunity
5.
Indicate whether the following statements about rotaviruses are TRUE or FALSE.
(21)
Non-enveloped and contain double-stranded RNA.
(22)
Have a segmented genome.
(23)
Are transmitted by arthropod vectors.
(24)
Produce diarrhoea in animals during the first week of life.
(25)
Only replicate in mitotically active cells within the intestinal crypts.
6.
Indicate whether the following statements about influenza A viruses are TRUE or
FALSE.
(26)
Enveloped RNA viruses with a segmented genome.
(27)
Envelope contains separate glycoproteins with neuraminidase and
haemagglutinating properties.
(28)
Cell mediated immunity to influenza virus may be directed against internal proteins
of the virus.
(29)
Pandemics of influenza virus are often associated with antigenic change in the
nucleocapsid protein.
(30)
Neutralising antibody is largely directed at the haemagglutinin glycoprotein.
7.
Indicate whether the following statements about African swine fever virus (ASFV) are
TRUE or FALSE.
(31) ASFV replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells
(32) ASFV is transmitted from wild to domestic pigs by a soft tick vector
(33) ASFV does not cause disease in wild pigs in Africa
(34) ASFV could not spread between domestic pigs in the UK because there are no
suitable arthropod vectors
(35) ASFV does not induce virus neutralising antibodies
8.
Indicate whether each of the following statements about inactivated viral vaccines is
TRUE or FALSE.
(36)
May only require a single dose.
(37)
Require an adjuvant for efficacy.
(38)
Induce mucosal immunity.
(39) More likely than live vaccines to be inactivated by maternally derived antibodies.
(40)
Readily induce cytotoxic T cell responses.
9.
Indicate whether the following statement about bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) are TRUE or FALSE
(41)
Caused by natural transmission of the scrapie agent between sheep and cattle.
(42)
Incidence has increased slowly over a period of 20 years.
(43)
More common in dairy cattle than in beef cattle.
(44)
Is declining in incidence.
(45)
Specifically diagnosed by an enzyme immunoassay for anti-prion antibodies.
10.
Indicate whether the following statements about immunofluorescence (IF) are TRUE
or FALSE:
(46)
IF can identify the site of virus antigen production in infected cells.
(47)
IF cannot be used to measure levels of anti-viral antibodies in serum.
(48)
Direct IF is much more sensitive than indirect IF.
(49)
Intracellular viral antigens can be identified in live cells by IF.
(50)
IF is routinely used in practice laboratories.
15
Course Information
11.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE. In the isolation of Campylobacter from a sample
of faeces:
(51)
A selective medium containing antimicrobials is essential to suppress other
elements of the flora.
(52)
Anaerobic cultures are essential.
(53)
Campylobacters can be identified presumptively by their morphology in Gramstained smears.
(54)
Identification can be confirmed biochemically.
(55)
The presence of acid-fast bacteria is diagnostic.
12.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE. The genome (chromosome) of bacteria is:
(56)
Single stranded DNA.
(57)
Double stranded DNA.
(58)
Linear and may be either DNA or RNA.
(59)
Circular and may be either DNA or RNA.
(60)
Bounded by a nuclear membrane.
13.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE. The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria:
(61)
Contains lipopolysaccharide.
(62)
Contains peptidoglycan.
(63)
Acts to exclude large molecules from direct contact with the bacterial cell.
(64)
Acts as a "molecular sponge".
(65) Can be responsible for resistance to some antibiotics.
14.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
(66)
Essential cell functions.
(67)
Antibiotic resistance.
(68)
Self-transmissibility.
(69)
Motility.
(70)
Pathogenic determinants.
15.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
(71)
Macroconidia are sexual spores.
(72)
Arthrospores may remain viable in the environment.
(73)
Aseptate mycelium is produced by the Phycomycete class of fungi.
(74)
Dermatophytes are keratolytic.
(75)
Dimorphic fungi have two forms: yeast and mycelial.
16.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
MacConkey agar:
(76)
Escherichia coli
(77)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(78)
Bordetella bronchiseptica
(79)
Salmonella typhimurium
(80)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
16
Plasmids may encode:
The following bacteria are lactose fermenters on
Division of Infection & Immunity
17.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
and typing of Salmonella:
(81)
Phage typing.
(82)
Plasmid profiling.
(83)
API enteric strips.
(84)
Lancefield grouping.
(85)
Serotyping
The following tests are used in the identification
18.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE. Dichelobacter nodosus is:
(86)
A strict anaerobe.
(87)
Piliated.
(88)
Belongs to a single antigenic type.
(89)
Produces a powerful exotoxin.
(90)
Keratolytic
19.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
(91)
Anthrax is associated with sewer workers.
(92)
Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae is an increasing problem in dairymen.
(93)
Orf is a Prescribed Disease under the Industrial Injuries Scheme.
(94)
The COSHH Regulations only apply to non-infectious hazards.
(95)
Chlamydia from enzootic abortion in ewes frequently causes
human illness.
20.
Indicate whether TRUE or FALSE.
(96)
Toxocariasis is a more common cause of human infection
than is toxoplasmosis.
(97)
Treatment with tetracyclines for 25 days will eliminate the
carriage of Chlamydia psittaci in infected parrots.
(98)
Rabies in bats in Europe is being reduced by wildlife vaccination.
(99)
Leptospira canicola infection in people is increasing.
(100) Microsporum canis infection is the most common
zoonotic cause of ringworm in people.
17
Course Information
ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS EDPAC
A
A
D
1
22
43
64
B
B
A
2
23
44
65
B
E
B
3
24
45
66
67
E
E
C
4
25
46
68
D
B
D
5
26
47
69
B
A
B
6
27
48
70
71
E
D
D
7
28
49
72
A
B
E
8
29
50
73
C
A
B
9
30
51
74
10
11
12
B
C
E
31
32
33
A
D
B
52
53
54
D
B
A
13
14
15
A
C
D
34
35
36
A
D
B
55
56
57
B
E
D
16
17
18
19
20
21
D
B
A
D
A
B
37
38
39
40
41
42
B
A
D
D
B
E
58
59
60
61
62
63
A
B
A
A
B
C
C
C
B
A
C
C
E
D
C
A
C
TRUE/FALSE
T
13 61
F
62
T
63
T
64
T
65
1
1
2
3
4
5
F
F
T
T
F
5
21
22
23
24
25
T
T
F
T
F
9
41
42
43
44
45
F
F
T
T
F
2
6
7
8
9
10
F
T
T
F
T
6
26
27
28
29
30
T
T
T
F
T
10
46
47
48
49
50
T
F
F
F
F
14
66
67
68
69
70
3
11
12
13
14
15
T
F
F
F
T
7
31
32
33
34
35
T
T
T
F
T
11
51
52
53
54
55
T
F
T
T
F
15
4
16
17
18
19
20
T
F
T
F
T
8
36
37
38
39
40
F
T
F
F
F
12
56
57
58
59
60
F
T
F
F
F
16
18
17
81
82
83
84
85
T
T
T
F
T
F
T
T
F
T
18
86
87
88
89
90
T
T
F
F
T
71
72
73
74
75
F
T
T
T
T
19
91
92
93
94
95
F
F
T
F
F
76
77
78
79
80
T
T
F
F
F
20
96
97
98
99
100
F
F
F
F
T
Division of Infection & Immunity
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON
INTRODUCTION
1. An important statutory function of RCVS is to determine the “standard of
proficiency” and “knowledge and skill” to fit veterinary surgeons for practising in
the United Kingdom. The standard set for registration is a key benchmark that
affects the approval of veterinary degree courses in the UK and overseas, and
should also be seen as the starting point for consideration of an individual’s
continuing education and training needs after registration. Maintaining and
further developing professional competence is a requirement for all veterinary
surgeons.
2. This document sets out the essential competences required of the veterinary
surgeon for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
3. There are many definitions of ‘competence’ and many views on how it can be
developed and assessed. In general terms, however, competence is a concept
that integrates knowledge, skills and attitudes, the application of which enables
the professional to perform effectively, and to respond to contingencies, change,
and the unexpected.
4. This document takes a broad definition of competence as being “the ability to
perform the roles and tasks required by one’s job to the expected
standard”
(Eraut & Boulay, 20001).
The definition recognises that
requirements and expectations change depending on the job role and context. It
also recognises that competence develops, and that an individual may work
‘competently’ at many different levels, either at different stages of their career,
or indeed from one day to the next depending on the nature of their work.
5. Eraut and Boulay (2000) point out the importance of distinguishing between an
individual’s competence – what one can do, and performance – what one
actually does. RCVS is concerned with competence when it undertakes its
primary function of determining “the standard of proficiency required for
registration” and ensuring that individuals “will have acquired the knowledge
and skill needed for the efficient practice of veterinary surgery” (Veterinary
Surgeons Act 1966, section 3). Performance may be affected by factors such as
workload, working conditions, levels of support, and so on. The regulation of
performance is a function of RCVS through its statutory disciplinary powers.
6. The essential competences have been broken down into three main areas. They
are:
-
-
A General professional competences and attributes
describing the distinguishing characteristics of a veterinary surgeon
B Underpinning knowledge and understanding
describing in general terms the breadth of knowledge and understanding
needed for a career as a veterinary surgeon, and for subsequent professional
development in whatever sphere of veterinary science the individual wishes to
pursue
C Practically-based veterinary competences
1 “Developing the Attributes of Medical Professional Judgement and Competence”, a review funded by the
Postregistration Medical and Dental Education Research Initiative of the Dept. of Health’s Policy Research Programme, by
Professor Michael Eraut and Benedict du Boulay, University of Sussex. The full paper is available on the web at
http:/www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/bend/doh
19
Course Information
describing the basic practical competences that are expected at the point of
graduation.
The ten guiding principles of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct should
be seen as overarching requirements for registration (and by implication,
continued registration) with the College. The Guide states that:
Your clients are entitled to expect that you will: 1. make animal welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most
appropriate attention for animals committed to your care
2. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect
3. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills
4. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting
their views and protecting client confidentiality
5. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession
6. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification
7. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues
8. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the prescription, safekeeping and supply of veterinary medicinal products
9. familiarise yourself with and observe the relevant legislation in relation to veterinary
surgeons as individual members of the profession, employers, employees and
business owners
10. respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE NEW VETERINARY GRADUATE
“DAY ONE SKILLS”
A1 - GENERAL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to:
A1.1 Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and
responsible authorities; listen effectively and respond sympathetically to clients and others,
using language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context
A1.2 Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues
and understandable by the public
A1.3 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to
clients
A1.4 Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual
patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to
their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole
A1.5 Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates,
and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures
A1.6 Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the
advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further
improve the quality of animal care and public health
A1.7 Have an elementary knowledge of the organisation and management of a veterinary
practice, including:
 awareness of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment and health
and safety legislation, and the position relating to lay staff and public liability
20
Division of Infection & Immunity
 awareness of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of
following the practice’s systems for record keeping and book-keeping, including computer
records and case reports
 ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect,
manipulate and analyse information
 importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice
A1.8 Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education
and training, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life
A1.9 Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s
professional and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out
in the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct
A1.10 Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change
A1.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process
A1.12 Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to
seek professional advice, assistance and support.
(Commentary: This last item is considered to be one of the most important, and should guide all
new veterinary graduates when undertaking their professional duties. Veterinary surgeons
undertaking procedures on patients must at all stages in their careers be fully competent in
their performance, or be under the close supervision of those so competent. When in doubt,
the new veterinary graduate must seek professional support and in the interests of animal
and human health, should not attempt to undertake complex procedures unsupervised.)
B1 - UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The new veterinary graduate will need to have acquired a thorough knowledge and
understanding of the following:
B1.1 The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based
B1.2 Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of
veterinary science
B1.3 How to evaluate evidence
B1.4 The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry
B1.5 The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases
and disorders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK
B1.6 Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseases
B1.7 Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines
B1.8 The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare
B1.9 Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.
C1 - PRACTICAL COMPETENCES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to undertake the following:
C1.1
Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and
its/their environment
C1.2 Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these
techniques
C1.3 Perform a complete clinical examination
C1.4 Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid
(Commentary: problems to be handled for any species include first aid management of
haemorrhage, wounds, breathing difficulties, eye & ear injuries, unconsciousness, clinical
deterioration, burns, tissue damage, internal organ damage and cardiac arrest. First aid to
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Course Information
be applied includes bandaging, cleaning, immobilising limbs, resuscitation procedures,
haemorrhage control.)
C1.5 Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on
principles of husbandry and feeding
(Commentary: this applies to commonly presented cases and would not, for example, be expected
to include advanced nutritional advice for complex cases, eg. high performance horses,
high yielding diary cows, certain exotic or zoological species.)
C1.6 Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the
results of those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories
(Commentary: new graduates are expected to have a working knowledge of tests to be undertaken
include conditions relating to infectious & contagious diseases; alimentary system;
respiratory system; circulatory system; urinary system; nervous system; endocrine system;
mucucutaneous system; musculoskeletal system; trauma; poisoning; obstetrics; paediatrics;
parturition; reproduction)
C1.7 Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a
diagnostic aid, safely and in accordance with current regulations
C1.8 Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases
C1.9 Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly
C1.10 Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense
medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that
medicines and waste are safely stored and/or disposed of
C1.11 Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment
C1.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery
C1.13 Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of
restraint, and assess and control pain
C1.14 Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment
(Commentary: the new veterinary surgeon must always seek professional advice and support if
presented with a case beyond his or her immediate capability – see item A.12)
C1.15 Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate
method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard
to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase
C1.16 Perform a basic gross post mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and
transport them
C1.17 Perform ante mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and correctly
identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin
C1.18 Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where
appropriate)
C1.19 Advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species
and commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards,
seeking advice and assistance where necessary from professional colleagues
C1.20 Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the
veterinary premises and in the field.
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