Communicable Disease Control

Aims and objectives

During the unit of study we aim:

• To introduce the study of immunology and its relationship to the development of immunisation practices.
• To examine and understand Australian immunisation procedures.
• To study the nature, transmission and control of communicable diseases of public health importance, from a local and global perspective.
• To examine the principles of epidemiology, approaches, data sources and measurements. Surveillance and outbreak investigation principles.
• To develop an understanding for emerging Infectious diseases.
• To develop an understanding for risk assessment and management of communicable diseases.

Teaching methods

Assessment

Generic skills outcomes

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this unit of study and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this unit achieves this. The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce students who are:

• Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.
• Have a basic understanding of the theoretical principles involved in the general area.
• Have an in-depth technical competence in the specific (core) discipline.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.
• Have a sense of social responsibility for subject specific knowledge and its applications.
• Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.
• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Can effectively communicate within and without the subject discipline.
• Have the ability to operate locally and internationally.
• Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.
• Have a broad understanding of the technical, social, cultural, ecological and economic environments and their interconnectedness.
• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.

Content

• Nature and scope of communicable diseases of public health significance, including, transmission and control.
• Immunology. Immunisation procedure. Immunisable diseases Principles of epidemiology. Approaches, data sources and measurements. Surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Principles of infection control for skin penetration premises and beauty establishments and associated guidelines
• Diseases spread by contact and aerosols inc: Mycobacterium marinum, Leptospira spp. Legionnaires Disease, Toxic Cyanobacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Tuberculosis
• Disease spread by ingestion, inc; bacterial, protozoa, viruses eg: Cholera, Typhoid and Paratyphoid fevers, Shigella, E. coli (ETEC etc) Campylobacter, Salmonella, Clostridia, Cryptosporidia, Giardia, Entamoeba, Hepatitis, Rotavirus, Norwalk.
• Diseases spread by direct contact inc: Impetigo caused by S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S pneumoniae, Herpes. Pediculosis, Scabies, Zoonotic diseases inc: Anthrax, Brucellosis, Hydatids, Taeniasis, Toxoplasmosis.