LBIK10199U Basic Parasitology

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc in Parasitology
Content
The course includes introduction to the biology of the most important parasite groups and species elucidating the morphology, life-cycles, physiology and biological potentials. Knowledge also includes the distribution and importance of parasites in natural ecological systems and in human and animal husbandry. Animal groups acting as intermediate hosts will also be covered to some degree.

The aim of the course is to educate in animal parasites including protozoans, helminths, and arthropods, which may occur in wild and farm animals and in humans. The course is a prerequisite for other compulsory courses under the Master of Science for Parasitology.
Learning Outcome
The aim of the course is to provide the student with a broad introduction to parasites in animals and humans.

Knowledge
Define the concepts of parasitism in animals and humans.
Understand the living conditions that are important for different parasite species to be able to exist within and outside their hosts.
Describe the general classes of parasites; recognise their morphology, describe their life cycle, their general biology, course of infection, basic pathogenesis and epidemiology.

Skills
Students will obtain basic skills in using parasitological tools to identify parasites in different systematic groups.
Identify parasites from different systematic groups by use of a range of diagnostic tools.

Competences
Students will obtain knowledge of important parasites in animals and humans. Is aware of pathogenic effects of parasites on their hosts and the problems in relation to animal and human welfare.
Literature
Foundations of Parasitology, L. S. Roberts and J. Janovy, 8th edition, 2008.
A course in zoology at the bachelor level is required
The course includes lectures, seminars and practical exercises. Lectures will outline the taxonomic groups of parasitic organisms on animals to provide an overview of the major groups. Within the various groups of parasites the morphological adaptations and variation in life-cycles will be presented. Focus will not be on immunology and treatment. Through theoretical exercises it is possible for the students to go into depth of a subject using case studies or project orientated studies. The practical exercises aims to provide the student with a “hands on” experience for selected parasites.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 2
  • Excursions
  • 16
  • Lectures
  • 60
  • Practical exercises
  • 36
  • Preparation
  • 280
  • Theory exercises
  • 18
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
Individual oral examination in topics from the textbook. Thirty (30) min will be given for preparation.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Criteria for exam assesment
Students will be evaluated on their demonstrated knowledge in the basic biology and morphology, life cycles, transmission, and pathogenesis of major groups of parasites in their hosts