This course aims to provide students with critical understanding of how knowledge and techniques in vector population biology, including behaviour, ecology and evolution, are applied in the design, implementation and monitoring of control programmes.

Vector population biology is a diverse field at the centre of well-designed control programmes. You will study and apply knowledge of population ecology, genetics and evolution, behaviour and diversity informed control options. The module aims to provide not only in-depth insights into the key features of particularly important vectors and how these can be exploited for control, but also to identify cross-cutting themes, key to integrated multi-disease management programmes. Multiple methods of control, including genetic (transgenic), chemical, biological and physical techniques will be compared and evaluated, along with practical methods essential for data gathering, analysis, and for monitoring and evaluation of interventions. Learning occurs through a combination of lectures and seminars – many involving guest speakers, all of whom are experts in the field, discussion group sessions using problem-based approaches, some with informal presentations (such as a journal club paper evaluation session), and laboratory, field and computer practicals.

Course Outline
1 Vector population ecology and genetics
2 Vector incrimination
3 Vector behaviour
4 Insecticide resistance, mechanisms, evolution, management
5 Ecological data collection and analysis
6 Vector control in diverse systems and settings
7 Integrated vector management
8 Application, modelling and evaluation of control methods
9 Analytical methodologies: models, data management and practical diagnostic application