VM0147, Infection biology, 21.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-11-11
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Veterinary Medicine

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

Infection biology describes how contagious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and prions infect cells, tissues and organs and how this leads to disease in various host animals. The course also provides knowledge in immunology, including the microscopic structure and function of lymphoid organs. The course teaches the foundations from a Nordic veterinary medicine perspective.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• describe and use terminology in infection biology;
• account for contagious agents and how they are grouped by evolutionary proximity;
• account for how various contagious agents are constructed;
• explain how contagious agents multiply and are spread in the host animal and in the environment;
• account for how contagious agents can cause disease in animals;
• account for infectious agents that can spread between animals and humans and thereby cause zoonotic disease;
• account for how contagious agents can be controlled and combatted and how the climate, animal housing and production forms can affect their spread;
• describe and identify the structure of various lymphoid organs and tissues at microscopic level (histology), as well as describe their normal functions;
• account for the structure and function of essential components of the immune system;
• account for how immune responses against contagious agents are initiated and regulated, and how contagious agents avoid immunological defense mechanisms;
• describe how contagious agents can be diagnosed, including the interpretation and evaluation of results;
• perform diagnostic tests and work safely with contagious agents;
• describe the mechanisms of action and sustainable use of antimicrobial, antiviral and antiparasitic substances and factors that can lead to drug resistance;
• apply necessary hygiene routines when handling pharmaceuticals and when using sterile gloves;
• account for different forms of pharmaceuticals and be able to perform common methods for injecting medicines into horses and small animals.

Content

Subject-related content
The course addresses virology, bacteriology and parasitology as well as the structure and lifecycle of various contagious agents, including their infection pathways and zoonotic aspects. Related diagnostics is also included alongside the interpretation of test results and basic principles of prophylaxis, inspection and control. Additionally, the course will address sustainability aspects on the control of infectious diseases and knowledge about the risks of developing antimicrobial and antiparasitic resistance. Immunology teaching includes the composition and function of the lymphoid organs and the immune system’s function when protecting against various contagious agents. Basic terminology will be taught in all subjects.

A professional development module is included in the course with focus on handling of pharmaceuticals and on hygiene procedures.

Teaching formats
The course uses various teaching formats to promote student learning and discussions. These include lectures, laboratory sessions, practical skills training, specimen studies, case studies, online teaching formats and group discussions.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Information literacy, problem solving, scientific methods, critical thinking, collaboration, written and oral communication.

The following components are compulsory:
Practical skills training and laboratory sessions in addition to certain group work.

External lecturers provide collaboration with the surrounding community.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written and practical exams, and approved participation in compulsory components.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinärprogrammet

The Course Replaces

VM0137

Other Information

Teaching in English may occur.