The Department of Life Sciences

Course Description 

The course Parasite Biology is divided as follows:

• The study of individual parasites: It is only through the study of a parasite’s biology and functions that steps can be taken to fight it.
• The study of host-parasite relationships: Disciplines which investigate how the host and parasite(s) interact include Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Pharmacology.
• Immunology: This deals with the immunological response that is triggered in the host and the ways in which the parasite attempts to evade it. Disciplines include Cellular and Molecular Immunology.
• Chemotherapy: This area investigates the effect of drugs on both the parasite and the host, as well effective treatments to ensure the death of the parasite and the recuperation of the host. Disciplines include Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Medicine.
• Epidemiology: This field looks at the spread of parasitic diseases through study of the host, parasite and vectors. Disciplines include Tropical Hygiene, Entomology and Geographical distribution.

This course will be taught using a mixture of lectures, seminars and projects, team oral presentations, individual essays, reading materials and seminar-style classes, laboratory session to reinforce lectures and for hands on experience identifying, understanding form and function, and evolutionary processes. Course assessment will be based on a student seminar and an essay on current topics in parasitism together with lab exercises on form and function, and evolutionary processes. A final examination will be used to ensure student learning objectives are achieved.

Assessment