Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
The natural history of disease and chain of infection. Disease ecology, including an overview of host factors and environmental factors, as well as agents of disease (parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses).
Welcome to Principles of Disease I. In this course, you will be introduced to the ecology of disease, as well as some of the agents of disease (parasites, bacteria, fungi, viruses and prions) and the immune response to disease. Basic concepts relating to epidemiology will be explored and applied to measuring population dynamics of host and agent interactions with respect to disease. The course involves lectures, tutorials and considerable laboratory classwork. You will develop basic skills in the handling and identification of parasites and bacteria. By the end of the course, you will be well prepared for Principles of Disease II, which introduces you to the disciplines of pathology, applied immunology and pharmacology.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students in this course are assumed to have a sound knowledge of:
- the husbandry of domestic animals (VETS1025 or equivalent)
- basic cell biology, including biochemistry of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes (VETS1060, AGRC1021, AGRC1041, ANIM1020 or equivalent courses)
Students should also have some understanding of the structure of the major livestock industries (VETS1025).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
AGRC1041 or ANIM1020
Restrictions
Enrolment is restricted to Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.
Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.
Aims and outcomes
This course develops the knowledge and skills required to understand and investigate issues relating to the ecology of animal disease. It develops knowledge and skills required for a foundational understanding of the discipline of veterinary epidemiology, and investigates the basic biology of the parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses that infect animals. Students learn the basic biology of the vertebrate's immune response to pathogens.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the epidemiological principles required to design disease control or eradication programs and to measure disease frequency in populations.
LO2.
Describe the structure, classification and life cycle of important veterinary parasites and explain the impact of environmental conditions on parasite populations and disease.
LO3.
Describe the structure, pathogenicity, replication, genetics and diagnostic approaches used for bacteria, fungi, viruses and prions of veterinary significance.
LO4.
Explain how different components of the immune system interact with each other in dealing with invading pathogens.
LO5.
Demonstrate practical skills in identifying and manipulating parasites and bacteria in the laboratory, including the use of microscopes and aseptic techniques where appropriate.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment sequence: Online quizzes
|
10% |
Quiz 1 14/03/2025 8:00 am Quiz 2 28/03/2025 8:00 am Quiz 3 4/04/2025 8:00 am Quiz 4 2/05/2025 8:00 am Quiz 5 16/05/2025 8:00 am Quiz 6 30/05/2025 8:00 am
Each quiz will be open for a 24-hour window, commencing at 8 am on the Thursday of the specified week and ending at 8 am on the Friday of that week, with an Inspera test time of 20 minutes. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam (Virology, Parasitology)
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
In-semester Parasitology Practical Exam
|
8% |
10/04/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
In-semester Microbiology Practical Exam
|
7% |
29/05/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam (Microbiology, Immunology, Epidemiology)
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Assessment sequence: Online quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Quiz 1 14/03/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 2 28/03/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 3 4/04/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 4 2/05/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 5 16/05/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 6 30/05/2025 8:00 am
Each quiz will be open for a 24-hour window, commencing at 8 am on the Thursday of the specified week and ending at 8 am on the Friday of that week, with an Inspera test time of 20 minutes.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
There will be a series of 6 online non-invigilated quizzes throughout the semester. Each quiz is worth 2%, with only 5 of the quizzes contributing to the final assessment of 10%. The 5 quizzes with the student's highest marks will be used to calculate their mark out of 10.
The quizzes will be set in Inspera and will consist of multiple response, text entry, matching/pairing, true/false, drag and drop, composite, hotspot and matching, short-answer, multiple choice, and inline choice questions. Students will be given a random selection of 10 questions in each quiz. Students are required to use their own devices for these quizzes. Students may use textbooks and lecture notes to source answers, but marks will not be awarded for answers recognisably obtained from the internet. Quiz answers must be the work of individual students, collusion when identified will be considered misconduct.
The schedule for the 6 quizzes is as follows:
Quiz 1 (week 3): Parasitology (arthropods)
Quiz 2 (week 5): Virology
Quiz 3 (week 6): Parasitology (trematodes, cestodes, nematodes & protozoa)
Quiz 4 (week 9): Immunology
Quiz 5 (week 11): Microbiology
Quiz 6 (week 13): Epidemiology
Each quiz will be open for a 24-hour window, commencing at 8 am on the Thursday of the specified week and ending at 8 am on the Friday of that week, with an Inspera test time of 20 minutes.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
In-Semester Exam (Virology, Parasitology)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Examines the virology and parasitology modules.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination on the Inspera platform. The total exam duration is 70 mins comprising 60 mins work time and 10 mins reading/planning time. Exam questions may include: multiple choice, multiple response, matching/pairing, inline choice, true/false, drag and drop, composite, hotspot and matching and text entry (short answer).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
In-semester Parasitology Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 8%
- Due date
10/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
This exam assesses students’ skills that they have acquired in the parasitology practical classes. The skills to be assessed may include any of the following:
- Set up and use a microscope for examination of parasite specimens, including the use of appropriate magnification and microscopes for viewing different organisms.
- Identify ectoparasites and endoparasites of domestic animals using dichotomous keys and other tools.
- Identify the factors that lead to transmission of these parasites to hosts and to the site of infection.
- Perform a faecal float and faecal smear and identify parasites within these diagnostic samples.
- Collect, preserve and store parasite samples from animals.
This is an Open-book assessment. Students can bring notes, electronic devices or other materials to the exam.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
In-semester Microbiology Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 7%
- Due date
29/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam assesses students’ skills that they have acquired in the microbiology practical classes. The skills to be assessed may include any of the following:
- Set up and use a microscope for microbiological examination of specimens, including the use of appropriate magnification.
- Identify microorganisms using a key provided.
- Perform and interpret a Gram stain (includes the correct use of a microscope and Bunsen burner).
- Streak a microbiology plate.
- Interpret a microbiology plate (e.g. morphology).
- Interpret results of an antibiotic sensitivity test.
- Perform good laboratory practices and Occupational Health & Safety protocols.
This is an Open-book assessment. Students can bring notes, books or other printed materials to the exam
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
End of Semester Exam (Microbiology, Immunology, Epidemiology)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Examines microbiology (lectures and practicals), immunology (lectures) and epidemiology (lectures and tutorial).
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination hosted on Inspera. The exam duration is 100 mins including 10 mins planning time.
Exam questions may include: text entry (short answer), calculations, multiple choice, multiple response, matching/pairing, inline choice, true/false, drag and drop, composite, hotspot and matching.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0- 29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30 - 44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85 - 100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS2006
Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks).
Grade calculations
When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Supplementary Examination
The supplementary exam in VETS2006 will assess all five course modules, i.e. parasitology, virology, immunology, microbiology and epidemiology.
Assessment using the Inspera platform
Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.
For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.
It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that power outlets will not be available during exams.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
SUQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services
Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
The Hub
The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all SVS students.
The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.
The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.
If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.
SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support
The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025 SCIE0586_7520_00101
This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:
- Orientation and new student information
- Mental health and wellbeing
- OH&S
- Program rules and requirements
- Study planners
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Study help and support
- Useful SVS staff contacts –
- Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director of Students and Admissions, etc.
- SVS Student Information Resource Handbook
The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps us continually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Parasitology module lecture series 11 lectures covering arthropods, helminths and protozoa. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 6 |
Practical |
Parasitology module practical classes 6 practicals supporting lecture material (arthropods, helminths) and 1 online tutorial (protozoa). Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Virology module lecture series 4 lectures covering viruses and prions |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Immunology module lecture series 7 lectures on the immune response |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Microbiology module lecture series 7 lectures introducing bacterial structure, bacterial growth and nutrition, bacterial classification and identification, antibiotics, disinfectants, special bacteria and fungi, bacterial genetics and bacterial pathogenesis. |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Microbiology module practical classes 5 practical classes covering basic techniques in microbiology, classification and identification of bacteria, infection control and antimicrobials. |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Epidemiology module lecture series 7 lectures on epidemiology of infectious diseases, measures of disease frequency, patterns of disease and molecular epidemiology. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Epidemiology module tutorial An epidemiology tutorial on the measures of disease frequency |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.