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- BSE and vCJD: Their biology and management
BSE and vCJD: Their biology and management

The furore surrounding the so-called 'mad cow' diseases is an important and controversial episode of recent years. Although it peaked several years ago, the topic is still of great medical significance, influencing the way the public thinks about and experiences science and scientists. All of which is touched upon in in this free course, BSE and vCJD: their biology and management.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the way that prion molecules cause diseases such as BSE and vCJD, and how the key discoveries about prions were made
- demonstrate knowledge of the patterns of BSE and vCJD in populations, and how this information is used to predict the number of cases there may be in future (and to assess the accuracy and precision of such predictions)
- demonstrate knowledge of how science can make important contributions to managing episodes such as BSE/vCJD, and how important insights are gained from disciplines outside the natural sciences and also members of the general public, including farmers and consumers of beef-related products.
First Published: 09/08/2012
Updated: 23/10/2018
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If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.
Course content
- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The biology of prions
- 3 The origin and spread of BSE
- 4 The emergence of vCJD
- 5 The epidemiology of vCJD
- 6 Is prion-like behaviour exceptional or the norm?
- 7 Managing the BSE/vCJD episode: an overview
- 8 Managing the BSE/vCJD episode up to May 1990
- 9 Managing the BSE/vCJD episode from May 1990 to March 1996
- 10 Managing the BSE/vCJD episode from March 1996
- 11 The official inquiries
- 12 The international dimension
- 13 course summary
- 14 course questions and answers
- Conclusion
- Keep on learning
- Acknowledgements
- This site has Copy Reuse Tracking enabled - see our FAQs for more information.
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About this free course
15 hours study
Level 2: Intermediate
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