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.

BC4058

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.
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.
Host parasite interactions including vaccination and immunity.
Ectoparasites and parasite vectors.
Consequences, monitoring and control of major parasitological diseases.
(LO1-3)

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 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 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 and explain parasite pathology and catalogue specific examples of parasite pathogenesis.
2. Demonstrate an ability to differentiate common kinds of parasite eggs and distinguish between blood forms of important parasite species.
3. Consider the significance of adaptations and mutations in the context of the parasitic lifestyle and relate principal methods for the control of significant parasitic organisms.

The module will be assessed by the production of a poster which is chosen by the students working in a group (including presentation) and by an end-of-semester examination consisting of short-answer questions.
Formative assessment and feedback is provided by completion of the weblearn online quizzes for the module topics.
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%.

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/index.html?lang=en

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/