SASK20004U Domestic Animal Parasitology

Volume 2021/2022
Education

MSc in Animal Science - restricted elective

 

Content

Parasites are found in all animal species often leading to serious welfare problems and lost performance or productivity.

The course studies the distribution of parasites inside and outside the hosts, and the key factors,  such as  feeding, management and genetics, regulating the parasite populations in animals and thus, their impact.

The students are introduced to selected parasitological methods (hands on) used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment. Field trips are included where samples will be collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Post mortem examination of infected natural hosts will also be conducted.

Learning Outcome

The aim of the course is to give students a theoretical and practical insight into the dynamics of parasites of domestic animals, their impact, and control.

Knowledge

• Describe the most common parasites of animals, with focus on endoparasites.

• Describe how these parasites are transmitted within an ecosystem and how biotic and a-biotic factors affect this transmission

Describe how parasite populations are regulated within the hosts

• Use parasitological and immunological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.

•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)

Skills:

• Can use a number of parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and environment, and devise practical arrangements for avoiding high parasite burdens.

• Identify (diagnose) and quantify selected parasites in infected hosts and the environment.

Competences:

• Interpret parasitological data and make conclusions about parasite transmission in a given setting.    

• 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

The teaching method is lectures and laboratory exercises. The students will (in groups of 2-3 students) work to complete a small practical project based on the field trips and laboratory exercises. Assessment will consist of a short written report and oral examination on this project, as well as a brief oral examination on the theoretical course material.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 12
  • Class Instruction
  • 8,5
  • Preparation
  • 75,5
  • Practical exercises
  • 26,5
  • Project work
  • 60
  • Exam Preparation
  • 22
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 205,5
Oral
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 30 min
The examination, which takes 30 minutes, comprises an oral presentation/discussion of a written report (group work) as well as a brief discussion on a selected aspect of the theoretical material from the course.
Exam registration requirements

Each student must pass the participation exam SASK20004E to attend the oral exam.

Aid
Written aids allowed
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 able to:

Knowledge

• Describe the most common parasites of animals, with focus on endoparasites.

• Describe how these parasites are transmitted within an ecosystem and how biotic and a-biotic factors affect this transmission

Describe how parasite populations are regulated within the hosts

• Use parasitological and immunological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.

•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)

Skills:

• Can use a number of parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and environment, and devise practical arrangements for avoiding high parasite burdens.

• Identify (diagnose) and quantify selected parasites in infected hosts and the environment.

Competences:

• Interpret parasitological data and make conclusions about parasite transmission in a given setting.    

• Identify relevant literature, summaries and discuss it.

Credit
2,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Course participation
Each student must active participate in at least 80 % of the practical exercises. If this criteria has not been fulfilled the student has to take the course again.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal censorship.
Criteria for exam assesment

To achive the grade passed, the student shall (in an adequate level) be abel to:

Knowledge

• Describe the most common parasites of animals, with focus on endoparasites.

• Describe how these parasites are transmitted within an ecosystem and how biotic and a-biotic factors affect this transmission

 

Skills:

• Can use a number of parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and environment, and devise practical arrangements for avoiding high parasite burdens.

• Identify (diagnose) and quantify selected parasites in infected hosts and the environment.

  • Use laboratory techniques to assess parasite responses to drug exposure.