MSc Veterinary Epidemiology

Program Overview

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The MSc Veterinary Epidemiology program, jointly offered by the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, provides advanced training in veterinary epidemiology, combining expertise in animal health and public health. Students gain in-depth knowledge of disease transmission, surveillance, control measures, and research methodologies, preparing them for careers as veterinary epidemiologists in government, research, and international organizations.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objectives:

• Train skilled professionals to meet the growing need for veterinary epidemiologists in the fight against global disease.
• Provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied veterinary and medical epidemiology.
• Develop students' skills in study design, data analysis, research, and communication to enable them to effectively address epidemiological issues in animal and human populations.

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Description:

• This unique postgraduate veterinary epidemiology course, offered jointly by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), provides students with advanced training in various areas of veterinary epidemiology.
• Led by experienced veterinary epidemiologists and supported by policy experts from the UK government, the program combines RVC's expertise in animal health and production with LSHTM's strengths in public health and global health.
• Students will gain in-depth knowledge of disease transmission, surveillance, control measures, risk analysis, and research methodologies, preparing them for successful careers as veterinary epidemiologists.

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Outline

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Program Content:

The MSc Veterinary Epidemiology program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Principles of Epidemiology: Fundamentals of epidemiology, including study designs, measures of disease frequency, bias and confounding, and data interpretation.
• Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Transmission dynamics of infectious diseases in animals and humans, with a focus on control and prevention strategies.
• Modelling and Dynamics of Infectious Diseases: Mathematical modeling of disease outbreaks and spread, used for prediction and evaluation of control measures.
• Statistical Methods in Epidemiology: Advanced statistical techniques for analyzing epidemiological data, including regression analysis, survival analysis, and meta-analysis.
• Applied Veterinary Epidemiology: Practical application of epidemiological principles to investigate disease outbreaks, design research studies, and evaluate control programs in various animal populations.
• Economics of One Health: Economics and cost-benefit analyses of animal and human health interventions.
• Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology: Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis methods used to map and analyze disease distribution.
• Research Project: A four-month research project on a topic of the student's choice, culminating in a written dissertation and oral examination.

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Structure and Schedule:

• Full-time: One year (September to June), with the research project following in June to August.
• Part-time: Two years, with classes from September to December in the first year and two to three days a week from January to May in the second year.
The research project can be completed during the second year.

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Modules:

• Term 1: Extended Epidemiology (LSHTM), Principles of Epidemiology and Surveillance (RVC), Research Skills and Epidemiological Aspects of Laboratory Investigations (RVC), Statistics for Epidemiology & Public Health (LSHTM).
• Term 2: Applied Veterinary Epidemiology (RVC), Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (LSHTM), Modelling and Dynamics of Infectious Diseases (LSHTM), Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (LSHTM).

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Examinations
• Research project

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Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding and application of epidemiological principles
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking and research abilities
• Communication and presentation skills

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Practical exercises
• On-site visits

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Faculty:

• Experienced veterinary epidemiologists, statisticians, and public health experts from RVC and LSHTM
• Professionals from government agencies (Defra, APHA)

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Unique Approach:

• Collaboration between two leading institutions in veterinary and public health
• Focus on real-world applications and case studies
• Exposure to diverse perspectives from different fields

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Government departments (e.g., Defra, APHA)
• Research institutes
• Pharmaceutical companies
• International organizations (e.g., FAO, ILRI)
• Non-governmental organizations
• Academia

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Career Outcomes:

• High demand for graduates due to increasing focus on disease control
• Senior positions within various organizations
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on global animal and human health
• Competitive salaries

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Other

• Alumni success stories and testimonials
• Application and admissions requirements

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UK Tuition Fees: MSc: £13,310 EU and International Tuition Fees: MSc: £30,830