SBIK10198U Animal Parasitology

Volume 2015/2016
Education

MSc in Biology
MSc in Animal Science - semi-compulsory
MSc in Veterinary Medicine

Content

The course studies the distribution, numbers and dynamics of parasites inside and outside the hosts, and the key factors regulating the parasite numbers. The goal is to obtain an overall comprehension of biotic and a-biotic key factors, which decisively govern fluctuations in the parasite populations. The consequences of these fluctuations on the host populations are naturally included in the understanding of parasite ecology.

Animal Parasitology aims at providing the student with an understanding of the relationship between two populations, namely host and parasite populations. During the course main factors that regulate host-parasite systems will be described as well as key factors that govern fluctuations in the parasite population.

The students are introduced to different parasitological methods (hands on) used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.

Learning Outcome

The aim of the course is to educate students theoretically and practically in fundamentals of animal parasitology. Competences obtained are primarily knowledge on how to apply ecological principles in planning and performing experiments of parasites and how to diagnose and control parasitic infections in domestic animals.

Knowledge
Knowledge on how parasites are transmitted in a complex ecosystem, and how their populations are regulated.
Understanding how biotic and a-biotic factors interfere with the lifecycle of the parasites and how that can be used in control.
How to use experimental animal models.
Knowledge on different parasitological methods and how these are used to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.
Knowledge on basic pathogenic mechanisms and principles of anthelmintic resistance in GIN and how to measure it.

Skills
The aim of the course is to educate students theoretically and practically in fundamentals of ecology of parasites in such a way that they are able to understand ecological principles that influences parasite transmission. 
Knowledge on how to apply ecological principles in planning experiments of parasites.
Understanding the ecological factors that influence the parasite burden of the hosts and how to used that to control parasites.
Is aware of how different management systems influence transmission of parasites.
Used different parasitological methods to identify and quantify parasites in the host and the environment.
How to measure anthelmintic resistance in gastro-intestinal nematodes

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 takes place as lectures, colloquia and practical exercises. A group of students are working practically on a particular subject which is terminated by a written report.
The teaching method is lectures, seminars and laboratory exercises. The seminars will focus on key scientific articles, which are relevant for the theme of the lectures. Last part of the course is group Work and each group prepare a report of maximum 12 pages.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 22
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Practical exercises
  • 63
  • Preparation
  • 150
  • Project work
  • 132
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination
The examination is oral and 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.

In case of re-examination: 48 hours before the re-examination the student will be given 1-2 peer-reviewed articles within the topic of Animal Parasitology. The examination will consist of a discussion of methodology and interpretation of findings of the article(s) followed by questions within the curriculum. Based on these two elements (weightings 50:50) the student will get a combined 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
External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to:

Prevalence in relation to production system
Factors that influence transmission (biotic and abiotic)
Factors that influence prevalence including survival of parasitic stages in the environment
Ways to control parasites using epidemiological features
How to use experimental animal models
Diagnostic methods in Animal Parasitology and how to obtain appropriate samples
How to conduct post-mortem examination
Basic pathogenic mechanisms
Basic principles of anthelmintic resistance in gastro-intestinal nematodes and how to measure it

In relation to the project and the rapport the student shall be able to:

Give sufficient detailed introduction to understand aims
Describe clear aims/objectives based on working hypothesis
Design an appropriate study in relation to objectives
Make clear and appropriate presentation of results
Use basic statistical evaluation
To include relevant scientific literature in the discussion
Make conclusion in line with results and objectives