NPLK15000U Basic Parasitology
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology
The course gives an introduction to the biology of parasitism, and the interactions between parasites and their hosts. Focus is on fundamental concepts in parasitology, for example the definition of parasitism as a life form, adaptations to parasitism, host exploitation strategies, and fitness effects of parasitism on host individuals and populations. Those concepts will be supported by “hands-on” experimental work on host-parasite models in the laboratory in combination with research-based lectures. In addition, examples of the distribution and importance of parasites in wildlife populations will be provided, and the potential commercial applications of using parasite models will be explored and discussed.
The aim of the course is to provide students with a broad introduction to animal parasites and how they interact with their hosts. Students will gain practical experience working with experimental host-parasite models in the laboratory.
Knowledge
Define parasitism and describe adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle.
Describe the general biology of major groups of animal parasites.
Understand fundamental concepts related to the transmission and host exploitation strategies of parasites.
Understand the consequences of parasitism to animal populations.
Evaluate the potential use of parasite models in industrial applications.
Skills
Students will obtain basic skills in working with experimental host-parasite models, and they will learn to quantify and identify parasites from different systematic groups by use of a range of diagnostic tools.
Competences
Students will obtain knowledge on important concepts of parasitism and how to apply those to: 1) explain the distribution and impact of parasites of host populations in nature, and 2) examine novel ways to implement host-parasite models in industrial research.
Foundations of Parasitology, L. S. Roberts, J. Janovy, and S. Nadler, 9th edition, 2013.
Primary literature, Exercise notes, and power point presentations uploaded to Absalon.
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 2
- Excursions
- 8
- Lectures
- 30
- Practical exercises
- 30
- Preparation
- 126
- Theory exercises
- 10
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutesIndividual oral examination in topics from the textbook and/or other learning material posted on Absalon (including power point presentations and research articles). Thirty (30) min will be given for preparation.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
Students will be evaluated on their demonstrated knowledge in the basic concepts of parasitism, including adaptations to a parasitic life style, general biology of major groups of parasites, parasite transmission and host exploitation strategies, consequences of parasites to host populations, and potential use of parasite models in research and industry. See Learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NPLK15000U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1 And Autumn
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- Ingen begrænsning
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Biology and Animal Science
Contracting departments
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology
Course responsibles
- Brian Lund Fredensborg (3-66706a4474706972326f7932686f)
Institut for Plante og Miljøvidenskab/Faggruppe Organisme Biologi
Lecturers
Brian Lund Fredensborg, blf@plen.ku.dk, Institut for Plante og
Miljøvidenskab/Faggruppe Organisme Biologi, Tlf: 353-32676
Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel, chk@plen.ku.dk, Institut for Plante
og Miljøvidenskab/Faggruppe Organisme Biologi, Tlf: 353-32690
Peter Nejsum, pn@sund.ku.dk, Institut for Veterinær Sygdomsbiologi,
Tlf:353-33783