A broad and multi-disciplinary approach to the complex and dynamic relationships between parasites and their hosts. This course offers an overview of the biological and epidemiological bases of important parasitic diseases and an understanding of the impact of parasitic diseases on endemic communities. It covers many disciplines while studying the life-cycles, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, pathology and molecular biology of the covered parasites. Both protozoan parasites (unicellular parasites) and parasitic helminths (parasitic worms) will be considered with emphasis on the most important parasites of humans. Studies include aspects of the host immune response to parasites; chronicity of infection and its significance; host pathology; evasion of host responses by parasites; diagnosis, vaccination; chemotherapy and drug resistance; genetic resistance to parasitic infection; relevance of parasitic infections to society. In-depth study of malaria and schistosomiasis, with focus on the pathology, immunology and chemotherapy of these most important human parasitic infections will be of particular importance.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe particular human and non-human parasitic diseases
2. Independently research current subjects in parasitology using published books and original papers.
3. Prepare and observe live parasitic specimens and test students' own seropositivity for a particular parasitic infection
4. Report on observations of biological specimens such as parasites

Assessment will be based on:

• Critical list of references: consisting of recent and relevant references that students will be using to gather information and data for their oral presentation. For each reference, students write a small summary of the data or information they are obtaining from the reference and explain why this particular reference is of interest to their oral presentation (15%; LO 1, 2)
• 5 minute oral presentation (15%; LO 1, 2)
• Practical classes, attendance and practical reports (20%; LO 3, 4)
• Final exam (50%; LO 1)

Either (a) BIOL2161 (or BIOL2061) or (b) BIOL2171 (or BIOL2071) or (c) BIOL3141 (or BIOL3041).

BIOL3042