Master of Aquatic Medicine

Studieplan og emnebeskrivelse

for mastergradsstudiet i akvamedisin ved

Norges veterinærhøgskole

Study plan for the master study – Master of aquatic medicine

Norwegian School of Veterinary Science

Class 2008Study year 2008/2009

Content

Study plan 3

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Duration, scope and level of study 3Acceptance criteria 3Study objectives 3Post-graduation employment possibilities 4Organization of the study 4

Module 1: Basics in aquatic medicine 6

Module 2: The research process and introduction to biostatistics 9

Module 3: Treatment and prevention in aquaculture 11

Master thesis 18

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Definitions

Module responsible: The person organising and administrating semester 1-4. Exam responsible: The person organising and administrating the exam

during all semesters. Hippocampus and It’s learning: Intranet pages for the teacher and the students.

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Study plan

Duration, scope and level of studyThe Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NSVS) is an academic institution that works to promote ethics in bioproduction, including marine bioproduction, healthy animals and food products of high safety standards of the end product.

The master of aquatic medicine is a study that will result in the title: master of aquatic medicine. The study is of 2 years duration over 4 semesters. The study points generated are 120 ECTS of which 60 are course related and 60 points are constituted by the master thesis.

Acceptance criteria The general requirements apply for 120 ECTS point master studies as specified in ”forskrift om krav til mastergrad”. In concert with what is stated, to be accepted as a student the applicant would have to document a background of either:

- bachelor - cand.mag. - other relevant background or a working experience of minimum 3 years- an education that would be in accordance with § 3-4 in ”Lov om universiteter

og høgskoler”

Within each of the different education programs indicated above, the requirement is

- A minimum of 80 ECTS acquired - Integrated training of minimum 120 ECTS within the area that this master

study covers

Applicants of foreign countries will have to document that they fulfil the requirement as specified for universities and scientific colleges in Norway (Forskrift om opptak til grunnutdanninger ved universiteter og høyskoler).

Study objectives After completion of the Master of Aquatic Medicine the student shall have a good basis for understanding and practicing fish health management and disease control. The introductory courses of the first module “Basics in aquatic medicine” will give the candidate an introduction to fish anatomy and fish pathology, fish nutrition including nutritional-based diseases, fish genetics, and infectious diseases (bacterial, viral and parasitic) of aquaculture fish.

The second semester builds on the first semester module and is a continuation and more in-depth presentation of methods of treatment and prevention of diseases in aquaculture. The courses include disease control through vaccination, infectious disease epidemiology, diagnostic methods used for diagnosis and control, treatment by antibiotics and anti-parasitics, and a final field course where everything is compiled and discussed under practical conditions.

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Post-graduation employment possibilitiesThe Master of aquatic medicine will give the candidate a strong basis for acting as a competence provider to a global and growing industry – marine bio-production. The main focus and the majority of the examples used under theoretical and practical training of the students will emanate from aquaculture of salmonids and Atlantic salmon in particular. The principles are however general and can be applied also to other fish species.

Organization of the studyThe first year of the study which is based on lectures, discussion groups, laboratory courses and field courses and all are theoretically oriented. It is structured in such a way that the students will experience a gradual development in complexity of the topics presented. The students will clearly benefit from following all courses during the fall semester for their second semester lectures and courses.

Having completed year 1, the students are well prepared to start their master thesis studies. The institutes at NSVS offering master thesis study programs are as follows;

NSVS and the National Veterinary Institute (NVI) have signed a collaboration agreement where NVI will accept Master students at relevant sections, up to 3 students in total.

The study starts on August 25th and lasts for 17 weeks. The spring semester starts 2nd week of January and lasts for 22 weeks.

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Study plan for the Master of Aquatic MedicineThe main outline of the studies is as follows (more details are found in the semester plan)Introduction to master studiesIntroductory meeting with Department of Academic Affairs and Research AdministrationFall semester (15 weeks)Module 1

Compulsory course:Basics in aquatic medicine, Part 1 (20 ECTS):

Introduction to aquaculture Anatomy/Pathology combined with field course Infectious diseases of aquaculture animals Written exam – 6 hours. Grade A-E

Basics in aquatic medicine, Part 2 (10 ECTS): Basic principles of nutrition Introduction to fish genetics Written exam – 4 hours. Grade A-E

Spring semester (22 weeks)

Module 2 Compulsory courses:

The research process. Introductory course to Biostatistics (Master Thesis)Submitting protocol (Study requirements)

Introduction to biostatistics (10 ECTS)Written exam 5 hours Grade A-E

Module 3 Treatment and prevention in aquaculture:

Treatment and prevention in aquaculture, compulsory models (13 ECTS)

compulsory modules (unless otherwise stated) Basics in fish immunology Diagnostic principles and procedures Veterinary drugs in aquaculture Field courseWritten exam – 6 hours Grade A-E

Treatment and prevention in aquaculture, elective modulesAlternative 1:

Vaccinology in disease control in aquaculture (elective) (5 ECTS)Group task exam Grade A-E

And Infectious disease epidemiology (2 ECTS)Individually task exam Grade A-E

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Alternative 2: Introduction to epidemiology (elective) (10ECTS)Individually task exam Grade A-E

TOPICS:

Fall semester:

Module 1: Basics in aquatic medicine (17 weeks)

Basics in aquatic medicine, Part 1 (20 ECTS)- Introduction to aquaculture, Anatomy/physiology, Infectious diseases and

Pathology Basics in aquatic medicine, Part 2 (10 ECTS)

- Nutrition and genetics

ObjectivesThe objective of the first semester is to give the students an introduction to basic disciplines in aquatic medicine, including overview of global aquaculture, give an introduction to anatomy and physiology through a field course/practical training programme, present histopathology nutrition, genetics including principles of breeding, and finally an introductory course in infectious diseases.

Learning objectivesAt the completion of the module the students shall:

- know which fin fish species are important in aquaculture operations in different parts of the world including know the main principles applied in fish farming in the Nordic countries

- know the relative amount of the different species produced and their economic importance (regionally and internationally)

- understand the development trends in different markets. - explain the basic principles of genetics - explain and assess the principles used in practical breeding of fish- explain and present important aspects of nutritional physiology in fish- know the basic principles regarding estimation of nutrient requirements

(energy, essential fatty acids/amino acids and minerals) of fish (herbivorous, omnivorous and carnivorous)

- explain feed evaluation - know fish feed ingredient characteristics- explain the close relationship between feeding and health in fish- recognize and know the name of internal organs of fish and their anatomical

localisation, and gross appearance (form, size, colour) and recognize the organ from histological slides.

- recognize important fish diseases in sections - explain the aetiology and describe and characterize pathological findings and

differentiate them from similar diseases - understand and describe different techniques used to differentiate between

cells, tissues and diseases. - know the disease-causing agents for the major viral, bacterial and parasitic

diseases affecting cold-water fish

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- basic understanding of virulence mechanisms including bacterial antibiotic resistance

- explain the basic principles of international fish disease legislation - perform, by computer, molecular characterization of disease causing organisms

Content

1. Introduction to aquaculture2. Anatomy and pathology of fishes, including a field study trip3. Basic principles of nutrition4. Introduction to fish genetics5. Infectious diseases of aquaculture animals

Teaching form and approaches- Lectures and colloquia- Group work - Field trip - Laboratory courses

Text booksFish nutrition (Halver and Hardy)Biotechnology and Genetics in Fisheries and Aquaculture (Beaumont and Hoare)

Study requirementsMid-term exam in Nutrition “Nutrient requirements and utilization”Students should pass the mid-term exam in order to present themselves for the final exam at the end of the semester. Grading is pass/not pass. Students that do not pass or that have a legal reason for not presenting themselves for the mid-term exam will have a second chance by end of the course. Students that have not passed the mid-term exam prior to the final exam can present themselves for final exam but it will not be approved until the mid-term exam is passed.

Compulsory teaching

Field study The field course will be arranged the third week of the fall semester. The field course includes visit to hatcheries, grow-out sites and a brood fish station (as times allows). The field course may be arranged under the NOVA umbrella and include collaboration with Norwegian and Nordic universities (University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Technical University, Copenhagen, Denmark etc) and will be arranged in one of the Nordic countries.

During the field course, students will be given small tasks (individual or in groups) and present their findings and results.

The NOVA University will cover accommodation and travel costs will be covered by NSVS. The module responsible and the NSVS will arrange travel and accommodation for the students. Any students requiring visa will be notified by the study administration at NSVS and cost incurred for visa application will be covered by NSVS.

Students will not get any daily allowance and will have to cover their daily cost (food etc.).

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The field course is mandatory and students prevented from attending will have to complete the course the 2nd year of their study. The students not attending the first year of the study can present themselves for the exam at the end of the 1st semester but final approval of the exam will be given until the field course has been completed.

Laboratory course in “Infectious diseases of aquaculture animals”

Laboratory courses are mandatory. This will also be stated in the timetable. No more than 10% absence of the mandatory courses will be accepted. Depending on the reason for absence, individually adapted courses may be arranged in certain cases. If a student does not pass the course because of absence he/she will have to repeat the course the following year.

It will be required that the students bring a laboratory coat. The student will work with live, contagious agents in the laboratory. How to deal with such agents in the laboratory, including general hygienic principles and how to avoid spread of agents will be demonstrated.

Basic knowledge requirementsBachelor level in biology/biological disciplines.

ExamWritten exams:

One covering Part 2, nutrition and genetics, will be held in October: 4 hours duration. Graded exam, A (best) to E (lowest score). F is given for candidates not passing the exam. No helping aids are allowed.

One covering Part 1 the remaining courses of the fall modules, at the end of the semester: 6 hours duration. Graded exam, A (best) to E (lowest score). F is given for candidates not passing the exam. No helping aids are allowed.

Students will be notified within 3 weeks after the exam.

ResponsibleModule responsible: Øystein Evensen Teaching responsible: Beate Thu, BasAMDepartment Head Basam: Mona Alexandersen

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Spring, semester 2 (year 1):

Module 2:

The research process, establishing a research protocol (2 weeks)

Overall aimThe course is an introduction to the research process, and presents the students basic aspects of scientific reasoning and research planning. Further, the student is expected to establish a dialogue with his/ her supervisor(s) in writing a preliminary study protocol.

Study objectiveThrough the course the students are expected to reach the following platforms

Knowledge Understand basic aspects of theory of science and scientific integrity Know the basics of research planning in epidemiological and laboratory studies.

Skills Be able to formulate a clear research idea and describe to some detail the

experiment or study to be conducted in a preliminary study protocol. Course contentsThe course brings the students the necessary starting platform to start her/ his research planning:

Theory of science/ causality How to write a preliminary study plan Short introduction to the thinking behind different research approaches

Teaching materialSome handouts will be given to the students during the course. Lectures will be available as .pdf files on It's Learning. Additional files are available through the net.

Competence platformTo participate in the course, a biological training corresponding to the 1st semester of the Master courses is necessary.

EquipmentAccess to a PC is essential for writing the protocol. Those who do not have a laptop may use the student PC room.

Rules of studyThe course is a compulsory part of the training for the Master students. However, the lectures are not compulsory as such, but it is strongly recommended to participate as the handouts alone will not be able to reproduce the dialogue during the course.

Evaluation and creditsEach student has to submit their study protocol for evaluation. When submitting the protocol via It's Learning, a signature sheet has to be signed by student and

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supervisor(s). The protocol will then be presented by the student and comments given by other students and lecturers. The course is linked to the research project and the protocol must be accepted before the research project starts. The course is an integrated part of the ECTS credits given to the research part and does not give separate ECTS credits.

Course responsibleEystein Skjerve [email protected]

Responsible departmentDepartment of Food Safety and Infection BiologyHead of Department: Gudmund Holstad [email protected]

Introduction to biostatistics (10 ECTS) The course is a basic course offered for all Master or PhD students at NVH without formal training in biostatistics.

Overall aimThe course aims at establishing the necessary starting platform to understand research planning and some competence in statistical analysis. The course or equivalent is necessary to follow further courses in statistics/ research design at NVH.

Study objectiveThrough the course the students are expected to reach the following platforms: Knowledge

Know the main principles of applied biostatistics. Know properties of important probability distributions Understand main principles behind estimation theory and statistical hypothesis

testing.

Skills Be able to describe statistical patterns using tabular and graphical techniques. Be able to establish a confidence interval and formulate and perform testing of

hypotheses in specified situations

ContentsThe course focuses on the following topics:

Probability theory Random variables and probability distribution Special important probability distributions in Medical Research The Central Limit Theorem Estimation and demands to Estimators Interval Estimation Formulation of hypotheses Testing hypotheses in Binomial and Poisson model, in continuous parametric-

and nonparametric models as well as in Contingency Tables

Teaching material

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Handouts covering all lectures are available as .pdf files on It’s Learning, but will also be available in print before the course starts. Exercises etc. are also found on It’s Learning

Competence platformThere are no formal requirements for background in statistics, but necessary skills in biology and some (high school level) mathematics is required.

EquipmentAccess to a computer, preferably a laptop is needed. The software JMP will be made available for students.

Rules of studyLectures are not compulsory, but it is recommended that the students follow the lectures and participate in the exercises/ group work. Evaluation and creditsA written exam is given at the end of the course. Grades A-E (F) are based upon the written exam. The course gives 10 ECTS.

Course responsibleStig Larsen [email protected]


Module 3: Treatment and prevention in aquaculture (16 weeks)

ObjectivesThe module Treatment and prevention of diseases in aquaculture introduces the students to basic principles of immunology, vaccinology, epidemiology of infectious diseases, principles of diagnostics, treatment of diseases, and a field course.

The courses include: 1. introduction to basic principles of immunology and fish immunology2. principles of fish vaccination (vaccinology) with emphasis of

immunoprophylaxis in disease control 3. introduction to diagnostic principles and procedures used in diagnosis of fish

diseases4. veterinary drugs in aquaculture5. field course including visits to hatcheries and fish farms

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mailto:[email protected]

Learning objectives

The students should: - know how to carry out a routine sampling of material for diagnostic

examination following an autopsy- understand how to preserve samples for different diagnostic procedures - know the limitations as regards the possibility for identification of

disease causing agents- explain basic principles of immune responses in general and fish in

particular - know methods of immune assessment - know methods collection of fish blood and preparation of serum- describe solutions and strategies used for vaccination of farmed fish

under different production settings - know the basic principles of development, documentation and use of

biologicals (vaccines) in aquaculture- explain the importance of immunoprophylaxis in controlling infectious

diseases- know the basic principles concerning absorption, distribution,

metabolism and excretion of drugs in fish- be familiar with the indications for use and modes of action of the most

commonly used groups of veterinary drugs intended for fish- know and understand the basic concepts of a toxicological risk

assessment - know and understand how ADI-, MRL-values and withdrawal times are

determined- know about the most important legislation concerning drug residues in

food and feed, both international and national - know about surveillance programmes for drug usage and drug residues

in fish- know about the general legislation regulating the use of experimental

animals- know about animal welfare considerations when using fish as

experimental animals- explain common experimental techniques, as handling, injections,

sampling- know about the most common marine biotoxins affecting aquaculture

and aquaculture products- know about common toxic algae and their effects on fish- explain the basic biological mechanisms of disease transmission in

natural populations- know basic concepts of infectious disease epidemiology- understand the basics for deterministic disease models - construct and use a simple epidemic model (Reed-Frost) in a spread-

sheet- know the production chain for Atlantic salmon production, explain

bottlenecks in production and know and be able to identify key clinical traits of the major disease problems at different stages of production

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Content1. Comparative immunology2. Infectious disease epidemiology3. Veterinary vaccinology (elective)/Epidemiology (elective)4. Diagnostic principles and procedures5. Veterinary drugs in aquaculture6. Field course

Teaching form and approaches- Lectures and colloquia- Group work - Field trip - Laboratory courses

Text booksImmunobiology (Janeway, Travers, Walport & Shlomchik)

Study requirementsSelf-tests will be available for the students and they are not mandatory. It is recommended however that each student should answer at least 3 of the tasks (out of 6). Colloquia will be arranged to discuss selected topics.

Compulsory teachingCompleted laboratory report for “Diagnostic principles and procedures”Field course

Laboratory courses are mandatory. This will also be stated in the timetable. No more than 1 day of absence (out of 5) of the mandatory courses will be accepted. Students with absence above the given limit can present themselves for the final exam, however it will not be approved until the course has been completed and approved by the module responsible.

The field course will be arranged in May/June. The field course includes visit to hatcheries, grow-out sites and a brood fish station (as times allows) and students will travel to the islands of Hitra and Frøya for these visits.

During the field course, students will be given small tasks (individual or in groups) and present their findings and results.

NSVS will cover accommodation and travel costs. The module responsible and the NSVS will arrange travel and accommodation for the students.

Students will not get any daily allowance and will have to cover their daily cost (food etc.).

The field course is mandatory and students prevented from attending will have to complete the course the 2nd year of their study. The students not attending the first year of the study can present themselves for the exam at the end of the 2nd semester but final approval of the exam will be given until the field course has been completed.

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Required knowledge This module builds on the module Basics of Aquatic Medicine

Evaluations:

Compulsory modules (13 ECTS): Comparative immunology Diagnostic principles and procedures Veterinary drugs in aquaculture Field course

Written 6 hour exam at the end of the semester. Graded exam, A (best) to E (lowest score). F is given for candidates not passing the exam.

ResponsibleModule responsible: Øystein Evensen Teaching responsible: Beate ThuDepartment Head BasAm: Mona Aleksandersen

Elective modules:

Alternative 1:

Infectious disease epidemiology (2 ECTS)See description under Introduction to Epidemiology with infectious disease epidemiology, b. Infectious disease epidemiology.

Individually task exam Grade A-E

And

Vaccinology in disease control in aquaculture (5 ECTS)

Vaccinology is an elective module with a separate written exam in the form of task work where students will be split into groups of 3-4 and present a vaccine proposal on a defined topic. Vaccinology will be given a separate grade (on the curriculum).

Group task exam Grade A-E

ResponsibleModule responsible: Øystein Evensen Teaching responsible: Beate ThuDepartment Head BasAm: Mona Aleksandersen

Alternative 2:

Introduction to epidemiology with Infectious disease epidemiology (5 weeks, 10 ECTS)

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The module consists of two separate courses; Introduction to Veterinary Epidemiology and Infectious disease epidemiology.

Evaluation and creditsDuring the course Introduction to veterinary epidemiology, each student has to submit a set of assignments and a full study protocol. Evaluation of the course Infectious disease epidemiology is by a submitted case. Total grades A-E (F) will be given based upon assignments (25%) study protocol (50%) and Infectious disease epidemiology case (25%). The whole course gives 10 ECTS credits.

a. Introduction to veterinary epidemiology

Overall aimThe course aims at establishing the necessary competence for design of epidemiological studies and analysis of data from epidemiological studies.

Study objectiveThrough the course the students are expected to reach the following platforms:Knowledge

Know the basic theoretical fundament of planning and analysis of epidemiological studies.

Skills Write a full study protocol for own study Ability to perform basic analysis of data from epidemiological studies

ContentsThe course is a mix of theoretical introductions (before lunch) and independent work on reading / assignments after lunch. Lecturers will be available for questions every afternoon. Most assignments are from the textbook, where also suggested solutions are given. Throughout the course, each student will develop a full study protocol for his/her study, based upon a standard protocol made available at the course. The following topics are covered:

Using Stata Causal concepts Questionnaire design Sampling Measures of disease Introduction to observational studies Cohort design Casus control studies Hybrid study design Diagnostic test properties and test evaluation Measures of association Validity in observational studies Confounder bias: analytic control and matching Linear regression

Teaching material

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The course is based upon the first 14 chapters (Ch 11 excluded) of the textbook Veterinary Epidemiological Research by Dohoo, Martin and Stryhn. In addition to this book, handouts and assignments will be available on the web. Throughout the course, Stata version 10 will the software used in teaching and assignments, and basic training in the use of Stata is integrated in the course. A course licence if Stata will be available.

Competence platformThe course assumes a competence platform similar to Introduction to biostatistics or similar courses. EquipmentAccess to a PC, preferably a laptop is necessary to follow the course.

Rules of studyTheoretical lectures are not compulsory, but working with and submitting assignments is compulsory. The study protocol is compulsory and has to be submitted and presented for discussion during the course.



b. Infectious disease epidemiology

Overall aimThe course will present basic elements of infectious disease epidemiology with an emphasis on disease control in populations.

Study objectiveThrough the course the students are expected to reach the following platforms:Knowledge

Understand the basic biological mechanisms of disease transmission in natural populations

Know basic concepts of infectious disease epidemiology Understand the basics for deterministic disease models, simple difference and

differential equation based modelsSkills

Construct and use a simple epidemic model (Reed-Frost) in a spread-sheet Establish a graphical infectious disease model

ContentsThe following topics are covered:

Introduction to infectious disease epidemiology; Definitions Introducing mathematical models for epidemics, R0

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Difference and differential equations Outbreaks; Surveillance Measuring infectivity Natural history of infectious diseases Sero-epidemiology Contact patterns, social networks Infectious or non-infectious? Geographical Information systems, GIS

Teaching materialThe textbook Giesecke J: Modern Infectious Disease Epidemiology. 2 ed. Arnold Publishers. (Chapters 1-4; Chapters 11-18) covers most of the topics at the course, and is available at the NVH bookstore. Lectures and handouts will be made available as .pdf files on It’s Learning. Basic epidemiological models (Reed Frost) will be established in Excel. Software for dynamic (SIR) models and GIS models will be demonstrated during the course.

Competence platformA basic competence in biostatistics and epidemiology is necessary for attending the course, similar to the PhD courses Introduction to biostatistics and Introduction to veterinary epidemiology.

EquipmentAccess to a computer, preferably a laptop is necessary for following the course.

Rules of studyTheoretical lectures are not compulsory, but working on and submitting a case is compulsory.



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Master thesis

1 year 60 ECTS points

The master thesis work will be carried out during the 3rd and 4th semester of the master study (2nd year). Topics for the master thesis will be presented by research groups and scientists at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the National Veterinary Institute and will be selected by the students during the first part of the 2nd semester. For further information please confer the regulations set forward for the Master study at NSVS.

ContentThe structure and the content of the master thesis are described in the regulation for the master thesis at NSVS.

Evaluation The Master thesis will be subject to evaluation with two independent examiners (1 external). For further information please confer the regulations set forward for the Master study at NSVS.

The thesis will be graded as: pass/not pass or graded from A-E (Class 2007 students can select evaluation form). Graded from A-E for class 2008 students

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Education

Master of Aquatic Medicine