During the summer of 2015, summer university students from around the world are once again offered an in-depth introduction to the One Health concept and how it is used to tackle challenges related to food safety and zoonoses in a way that benefits animals, people and the environment. The course will be taught by experts from the National Food Institute and the National Veterinary Institute at the Technical University of Denmark, and from the University of Copenhagen. They will present methods for the surveillance, assessment and control of illness-causing microorganisms and chemical hazards that are significant to both human and animal health and welfare.
One Health focuses on the disease risks and the challenges caused by the complex interactions between animals, food, people and the environment. It draws on different sciences and promotes coordination, communication and data sharing between the parties involved by providing solutions to challenges such as food security and safety, emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Zoonoses are illnesses that can transfer from animals and food to humans.
Denmark has a long tradition for using the One Health approach and is among world leaders in pursuing good solutions for some of these challenges. Students at the Summer Course will learn about Denmark’s experiences while also gaining a global perspective through speakers from international organizations such as the European Commission, the US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.
Many of the participants in last year's summer course were veterinarians and food technologists. The organizers hope this year to attract students from additional disciplines such as medicine, economics and anthropology to make discussions more nuanced and educational.
Programme content
The One Health Summer Course is offered jointly by the Technical University of Denmark and University of Copenhagen, through their common food, veterinary and public health platform, Food Science Copenhagen (FOSCO). It consists of a six-week e-learning module (from April 13 to May 22, 2014) and a two-week on-campus full-time module (from 10 to 21 August, 2014). The teaching during the on-campus module in August will be a mix of lectures, exercises and group work.
Five ECTS points will be awarded for completing the One Health Summer Course programme.
The course will be taught in English.
Deadline for registrations
You can register for the Summer Course programme by filling in a registration form from the University of Copenhagen’s website before April 1, 2014.
More information
Find more information about the summer university including tuition and course locations: One Health Summer University. If you have further questions, you can email onehealth@foodsciencecopenhagen.dk.
Read more about Food Science Copenhagen, FOSCO.