Outbreak Response

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Approximately 112 hours per semester

The following subjects are prerequisites:

None

Information learned in the prior modules of this course

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Controlling and eradicating a disease outbreak requires the use of a combination of strategies, as well as knowledge of the consequences of a disease and its response strategy on the economy and the broader community.

This module will, through a series of lectures and assignments, cover the various response strategies outlined in the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) and elsewhere, and deal with legal, socio-economic and trade issues.

On completion of this subject, students will have gained:

• detailed knowledge of response strategies used for an EAD incursion, from movement control and quarantine to culling and vaccination;
• generic knowledge of legal instruments used to support EAD responses;
• working knowledge of the economic and social aspects of outbreaks and responses; and
• knowledge of the international obligations related to EAD outbreaks and responses.

Students will be assessed for participation in weekly forum discussions, group assignment in week 5 and final written exam in week 9 and 10. You will be required to identify a university near you where you can be supervised while sitting the exam.

The assessment components of this subject are:

• Participation in online forum discussions (15%)
• Group assignment of 4000 words (25%)
• Written 2-hour final exam (60%)

The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN), available to be downloaded from the Animal Health Australia website.

Other material will be provided as part of the on-line resources with this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:

• data organisation ability;
• ability to analyse data while under pressure; and
• complex problem-solving skills.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking this online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.