SASK17006U Parasite Ecology
MSc in Animal Science
The students (MSc in Animal Science) can only take one of the courses. SASK17006 Parasite Ecology or SBIK10198 Animal Parasitology
MSC in Biology
Parasitism has been noted as the most successful way of life, and parasites are ubiquitous in animals.
The course studies the distribution, numbers and dynamics of parasites inside and outside the hosts, and the key factors regulating the parasite populations, using mainly domestic animals as examples.
The goal is to understand the complexity of parasite lifecycles and biology and the main biotic and a-biotic factors, which influence parasite transmission and regulate parasite populations.
The students are introduced to selected parasitological methods (hands on) used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment. A field trip is included where samples are collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Post mortem examination of a natural host will also be conducted.
At the end of the course, the students will work in groups on a specific research question within parasite ecology. Based on relevant literature the students will write a mini-review on the selected topic. Relevant topics could be parasite population dynamics, intra- and interspecific competitions, experimental parasite models and diagnostic methods. 2-3 weeks are allocated for this part.
The aim of the course is to give students a theoretical and practical insight into the fundamentals of parasite ecology using examples of selected domestic animals.
Knowledge
• Describe the biology of selected endo-parasites of animals.
• Describe how these parasites are transmitted in a complex ecosystem such as a farm, and how parasite populations are regulated.
• Describe how biotic and a-biotic factors affect the transmission of parasites.
• Explain how parasitological methods are used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.
• Explain how experimental animal models can be used to study parasites and their interaction with the host.
Skills:
• Is aware of the factors that influence parasite transmission.
• Aware of the biotic and a-biotic factors that drive survival of parasite and infection of their host(s)
• Can use a limited number of parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and environment.
Competences:
• Identify (diagnose) and quantify selected parasites in infected hosts and the environment.
• Interpret parasitological data and make conclusions about parasite transmission.
• Identify relevant literature, summaries and discuss it.
Will mainly be based on handouts including articles
Suggested reading include parts of:
Bush, A.O., Fernández, J.C., Esch, G.W., Seed, J.C.: Parasitism –
the diversity and ecology of animal parasites. Cambridge University
Press, 2001
Grønvold, J, Meyling, N.V., Skov, J., Al-Sabi, M.N.: Ecology of
Parasites – selected case stories. 2007
Evaluation model: Survey-based model.
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 9,75
- Exam
- 2
- Exam Preparation
- 21
- Lectures
- 17
- Practical exercises
- 26,5
- Preparation
- 75
- Project work
- 55
- Total
- 206,25
This course is not available for credit transfer students and other external students.
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentOral examination, 30 minThe examination, which takes 30 minutes, comprises an oral presentation/discussion of a written report (group work) and questions within the curriculum.
Weight: Report and associated presentation/discussion 60 % and question within the curriculum 40 %. Based on these combined elements the student will get a single individual score. - Exam registration requirements
Each student must participate in at least 75 % of the theoretical period. If this criteria has not been fulfilled the student has to take the course again.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Internal censorship. More than one examiner.
Criteria for exam assesment
To achive the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be ablel to:
Knowledge
• Describe the biology of selected endo-parasites of animals.
• Describe how these parasites are transmitted in a complex ecosystem such as a farm, and how parasite populations are regulated.
• Describe how biotic and a-biotic factors affect the transmission of parasites.
• Explain how parasitological methods are used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.
• Explain how experimental animal models can be used to study parasites and their interaction with the host.
Skills:
• Is aware of the factors that influence parasite transmission.
• Aware of the biotic and a-biotic factors that drive survival of parasite and infection of their host(s)
• Can use a limited number of parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and environment.
Competences:
• Identify (diagnose) and quantify selected parasites in infected hosts and the environment.
• Interpret parasitological data and make conclusions about parasite transmission.
• Identify relevant literature, summaries and discuss it.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- SASK17006U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
There is no lectures in Block week 8. Block week 8 will be used to finalize lab work, write up project report and for examination preparation.
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B1 And B2
- Course capacity
- 30 participants
- Study board
- The Study Board for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
Contracting departments
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Andrew Richard Williams (3-7182875083857e743e7b853e747b)