TM5518 - Medical Entomology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Sch Public Health,Trop Medicine&Rehabilitation Sc

Arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, flies and ticks, transmit diseases to a billion people each year with associated annual mortality of over a million. A few diseases have been eradicated or controlled to some degree, however many are now re-emerging on a global scale due to a lack of vector specialists, insecticide resistance, diversion of funds to other diseases and lack of treatment. This multidisciplinary subject was developed because the practice of public health is demanding an increasing understanding of the relationship between human health and arthropod vectors. Public health professionals will be increasingly relied upon for assistance in formulating strategic eradication or control policies and will be required to explain the human implications of these policies to the public. Students will acquire knowledge, professional attitudes and skills required for vector-borne disease management by learning about the biology, surveillance and control of disease vectors.

Learning Outcomes

• Compare the interactions among arthropods, vectors, pathogens, environments, reservoirs, humans, cultures and public health;
• Develop an understanding of the extent of health problems related to disease-bearing arthropods;
• Critique the evidence relating to various medically important vectors via a thorough understanding of vector biodynamics, behaviour and transmission capacity;
• Define and solve problems relating to the management of vectors implicated in the transmission of disease;
• Critically analyse vector management strategies in relation to resources and policies.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to appraise information critically;
• The ability to use independent judgment to synthesise information to make intellectual and/or creative advances;
• The ability to think laterally and be original.

Availabilities
Cairns, Limited, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2013
Face to face teaching 29-Jul-2013 to 02-Aug-2013
Coordinator:	Professor Scott Ritchie, Ms Rose Spencer
Lecturers:	Professor Scott Ritchie, Professor Tom Burkot.
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); assignments (60%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.