module specification

The module addresses the major parasites of medical importance.  It emphasises those aspects of parasite life-cycles that contribute to disease and pathology, the anti-parasite immune responses they engender, how parasites evade these responses, and alternative control measures.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
The aims of this module are to review a range of medically important parasites, investigating the variety of parasite life-cycles as these contribute to disease and pathology. The module aims to advance students’ abilities in parasite recognition and diagnosis and develop students’ understanding of immunological control, evasion of that control, the development of anti-parasite vaccines and alternative methods of control.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

BC4003, BC4001

Review of different classes of parasitic organisms.  The nature and classification of different animal phyla with significant parasitic groups.
The variation and adaptations entailed in parasite lifecycles and how these contribute to success of this form of life. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Routine, specialist and research methodologies for parasite detection and diagnosis will be considered in the context of selected exemplars.
Selected parasitic disease including malaria, sleeping sickness and filariasis; causes, pathogenesis and treatment. LO2, LO3
Host parasite interactions including vaccination and immunity.
Ectoparasites and parasite vectors.
Consequences, monitoring and control of major parasitological diseases.

The material for the module is delivered via a variety of media, including practical work, tutorials, lectures, on-line material and directed course work.
Students’ knowledge and understanding of parasitology will be developed in a programme of lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of the problem-based approach and the guided use of student centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework. Tutorials will be based around a theme and involve discussion of relevant ideas and research. Guided activities, including laboratories and on-line comprehensive assessments, will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge, develop subject skills and competence.
Practical sessions (6 hours) will entail the study and analysis of biological material and emphasize the need to follow instruction clearly and logically. Students will be expected to process information obtained from the sessions. On-line assignments linked to the practicals are used as formative assessment of understanding.
The module is supported with electronic learning materials on WebLearn, Students are expected to use the site for self-directed learning (some 20 hours) and investigative links to further parasitological sites and information. Students will use the study week to follow the links, read further and prepare for the coursework and final examinations.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics of several different phyla of parasitic organisms.
2. Explain parasite pathology and catalogue specific examples of parasite pathogenesis.
3. Demonstrate an ability to differentiate common kinds of parasite eggs and distinguish between blood forms of important parasite species.
4. Consider the significance of adaptations and mutations in the context of the parasitic lifestyle.
5. Relate principal methods for the control of significant parasitic organisms.

The module will be assessed by a coursework (including presentation), comprising 40% of the module marks, and by an end-of-term examination (1.5 hour) worth 60% of the overall mark. The coursework will cover learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 while the module examination will cover learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5 and the Laboratory components learning outcomes 1, 3.

Component                     Learning Outcome
Coursework     (60%)    1, 2, 3, 4
Unseen exam  (40%)    1, 2, 3, 4, 5

All assessments monitor the students’ ability to digest, integrate and display competence in the subject area, in diagrammatic and written form.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Textbooks:
Bogitsh BJ and Carter CE. (2018) Human Parasitology, Academic  Press Elsevier
Other Texts:
Chiodini PL, Moody AH, and Manser DW. (2001) Atlas of Medical Helminthology and Protozoology. 4th edn, Churchill Livingstone
Garcia, LS. (2016) Diagnostic Medical Parasitology. American Society for Microbiology
Roberts LS and  Janovy  J. (2013)  Foundations of Parasitology. McGraw Hill

Journals:
Journal of Parasitology
Parasitology
Veterinary Parasitology
Websites:
www.bsp.uk.net/
www.dpd.cdc.gov/
www.diplectanum.talktalk.net/purls/
www.msu.edu/course/zol/316/