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Veterinary Virology (VETS90130)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)
You’re currently viewing the 2025 version of this subject
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - On Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the general principles of veterinary microbiology and to the study of viral infectious agents as causes of disease in animals. It includes taxonomic and biological considerations of common and important viral pathogens, the host-pathogen interaction and the pathogenesis of disease. Key aspects of disease transmission and epidemiology are addressed, as well as methods of diagnosis of viral disease and their prevention, control and treatment.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify the key biological characteristics of viruses of veterinary importance and explain how these contribute to infectious disease in animals
- Apply knowledge of the major components of the immune system to explain how they interact to defend animals against infection and how specific pathogens can evade these defences
- Explain how different viruses exert their pathogenic effects and produce clinical signs of disease
- Apply knowledge of viral pathogenesis as the basis of making a microbiological diagnosis, including the collection of appropriate samples and the identification of infections by the detection of common and important viruses, or the detection of antibodies to these pathogens
- Apply knowledge of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of viruses to determine appropriate and effective methods of controlling the spread of viruses and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in animal populations
- Describe and apply principles of epidemiological, therapeutic and non-therapeutic strategies that are used to prevent, treat or control disease caused by common and important viruses in animals
- Identify animals with clinical signs of diseases of zoonotic or biosecurity significance, and describe the appropriate response of a veterinarian
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Have a broad knowledge of science across a range of fields, with an in-depth understanding in one scientific discipline
- Understand the scientific method, and the history and evolution of scientific concepts
- Be intellectually curious and apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to enquiry
- Be able to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats to both specialists and non-specialists
- Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
- Be efficient managers of information
- Be able to apply technology to the analysis of biological problems.
Last updated: 6 November 2025