Photo of Professor Nicola Williams

Professor Nicola Williams BSc (hons), Ph.D

Professor of Bacterial Zoonotic Disease Livestock & One Health

    Teaching

    Convenor for third year BVSc research projects and teaches infectious disease in the School of Veterinary Science and the School of Life Sciences. Teaching involves a mixture of lectures, small group teaching, tutorials and laboratory practicals.

    Postgraduate Masters Level Teaching

    VETS667 Veterinary Control of Endemic and Zoonotic Pathogens and Disease (20 credits) (2009-present).
    Contribution: Module coordinator and responsible for course design, implementation and assessment.
    Methods: This module utilises lectures, problem-based learning exercises, supported by rigorous resources, interactive tutorials and journal clubs, all delivered by research active staff within the faculty.
    Aims: For students to develop a critical understanding and awareness of the epidemiological and microbiological processes that are required to control infectious disease of animals and humans.

    VETS603 Real-time, simulated disease outbreak investigation scenarios (20 credits) (2012-present).
    Contribution: Assessment of the group presentation and report.
    Methods: This module utilises a real-time outbreak scenario for the students to investigate, to produce a control plan as well as communicating their progress with the general public and stakeholders.
    Aims: To apply knowledge and skills to control a simulated outbreak of infectious disease within animal (including potentially human) populations displaying creativity and originality and based upon a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems informed by current research in infectious disease, and professional and governmental practice.

    VETS609 Research project (60 credits) (2009-present).
    Contribution: Supervision and assessment of the MSc research student.
    Methods: To supervise and advise on field and laboratory work, as well as guidance on producing a research paper, grant application and poster related to the project work.
    Aims: To develop research skills and expertise.

    MCMR005, 6 & 7, MRes in Clinical Sciences (40 credits) (2013-present).
    Contribution: To supervise students undertaking their research projects and undertake assessment.
    Methods: To provide supervision, support and hands on training on aspects of fieldwork and laboratory work, as well as guidance on producing report.
    Aims: To provide advanced training for students in modern approaches to research in clinical sciences.

    Undergraduate level

    VETS351/BIOV351 Infectious Diseases (15 credits) (2010-present).
    Contribution: Module co-ordinator, responsible for course design, implementation and assessment.
    Methods: Lectures, tutorial, and laboratory practical sessions.
    Aims: To enable graduates to acquire knowledge about infectious diseases of animals and develop skills which would enhance their future professional development in a wide field of applied biology.

    VETS364 Veterinary public Health and Epidemiology II (15 credits), (2010-present).
    Contribution: The design and running of a real-time simulated infectious disease outbreak, which involves ‘drip feeding data’ and guiding the student teams covering epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics and policy to investigate the source of the outbreak and devise a control strategy, then present a written and verbal report of their investigation.
    Aim: To give the students a understanding how to conduct a outbreak investigation and what role the different agencies contribute to such investigations.

    VSCI100 Veterinary Science Year 1 Education (non-modular), (2013-present).
    Contribution: Responsible for the design of Y1 infectious disease teaching on the new veterinary curriculum.
    Methods: Delivery by a combination of on-line resources, traditional lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory practical sessions.
    Aims: To understand the biology, structure and characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi and building upon this to provide students with solid conceptual understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis, transmission and epidemiology in animals.

    VSCI200 Veterinary Science Year 2 Education (non-modular), (2013-present).
    Contribution: Responsible for teaching the pharmacology of antibacterials.
    Methods: Delivery by a combination of on-line resources and team based learning.
    Aims: To understand the biology, structure and characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi and building upon this to provide students with solid conceptual understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis, transmission and epidemiology in animals.

    BIOL605 Research project (30 credits) (2011-present).
    Contribution: Honours year research project supervison.
    Methods: Provide training and guidance in undertaking a research project, writing up the project and oral report, as well as marking responsibility.
    Aims: To provide individual experience in the planning, design and execution of a research project in a defined topic, that may be based on laboratory work, field work, or the use of comparative information and databases (CID).

    VETS362 Research Project and Dissertation (15 credits) (2007-present).
    Contribution: Third year undergraduate student research project supervision.
    Methods: Training, guidance and supervision and assessment responsibility.
    Aims: To provide students with an insight into veterinary research. To develop skills in investigating a single topic in depth and in presenting the findings in a concise form.

    BIOV361 Research project and Dissertation (30 credits) (2007-present).
    Contribution: Honours year research project supervision.
    Methods: Training, guidance and supervision and assessment responsibility.
    Aim: This module is designed as an intensive period of study, in which students enter an active research environment and undertake an independent and original programme of research.

    LIFE105 Grand Challenges in Biology (7.5 credits) (2014).
    Contribution: Delivery of a plenary style lecture.
    Methods: Conference style lectures to engage first year students in the grand challenges that face biological scientists and introducing them to our research work and questions.
    Aims: To encourage and engage our first year students to become aware of the themes that are driving biological research in Liverpool and globally.

    Modules for 2023-24

    Biology of Veterinary Pathogens: Lessons for Disease Control

    Module code: LIFE367

    Role: Teaching

    GRAND CHALLENGES IN BIOLOGY

    Module code: LIFE105

    Role: Teaching

    Introduction to Animal Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Public Health

    Module code: LIFE126

    Role: Teaching