Biology Major (Level 3)
Biology Minor (Level 3)
Human Biology Minor (Level 3)
This module will promote the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan, helminth and nematode infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Other infections covered will be Shistsomiasis (blood fluke) and Filariasis (worm). The module will address the life cycle of the parasites, which is critical to understanding how the parasite is transmitted, pathogenesis of the parasitic infection and diagnosis and treatment. A basic understanding of immunology will be useful in understanding the human host-parasite interactions that determine pathology in these parasitic infections. Understanding of the parasite life cycles will also be important in grasping the current methods of controlling transmission and also the infection. The module will also address challenges to effective delivery of treatment and control of transmission, including socio-economic and cultural issues. The module will be delivered by academics who are currently active in Parasitology and Entomology research and will be able to provide an insight into the current developments and knowledge of these parasitic diseases. There will be tutorial sessions which will provide a forum for discussion of some of the topics covered in this module. Additional practical sessions will provide the opportunity to examine specimens and discuss film material, which will enhance the students&© understanding of Human Parasitology.
Indicative content includes:
Comparative overview of life cycles of parasites with particular emphasis on Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Schistosomiasis (blood flukes) and Filariasis (worm).
Human host-parasite interactions in parasitic infections:
Immune response
Immunosuppression and co-infection
Immunity and vaccine development and associated problems.
Pathology and symptoms of Parasitic infections, discuss and compare current knowledge of mechanisms involved in pathogenesis, also discuss symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection tissue damage, anaemia, organ-failure.
Diagnosis of parasitic infections in the field and in the laboratory and discuss invasive and non-invasive methods of diagnosis (blood smear, ELISA for parasite antigens, urine, stool, tissue biopsy, ocular imaging).
Treatment of parasitic infections, discussing prophylactic measures available and chemotherapy regimens with particular reference to mode of action of the drugs, problems such as drug resistance
Socio-economic problems associated with effective delivery of treatment such as accessibility of treatment, cost of treatment, compliance with treatment.
Vector Biology
Control of Transmission, vector avoidance, prevention of transmission, socio-economic and cultural problems associated with use of preventive measures e.g. (bed nets: cost, child versus adult, health education).
Acquire conceptual understanding of diagnosis and pathology of Parasitic Infections; field and laboratory.
Critically evaluate parallels between immunopathogenesis in different parasitic infections.
Acquire conceptual understanding of parasite survival in human host: Immune evasion, antigenic variation and critically evaluate the problems in developing suitable therapies.
Acquire coherent and detailed knowledge of modes of treatment of parasitic infections with reference to associated socio-economic problems and critically evaluate limitations to disease control.
Critically evaluate the biology of insect vectors of disease and the implications for disease transmission.
Acquire conceptual understanding of control of transmission: vector control, insecticide resistance with reference to associated socio-economic problems and demonstrate ability to use primary sources to research and critically evaluate the current research.
Tutorials 4
Practicals 4
Directed learning 14
Self-study and essay writing 111
Students should answer 2 out of 5 questions in essay style
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.