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LSC-30036 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-30036 - Human Parasitology
Coordinator: Shivanand Hegde
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

This module aims to promote an understanding of key aspects of human parasitic diseases, with a focus on protozoan and metazoan infections. Protozoan infections covered in the module include malaria and leishmaniasis. Metazoan infections covered include schistosomiasis (blood fluke) and lymphatic filariasis (nematodes).

Barred Combinations

critically evaluate datasets relating to key concepts in parasite biology, lifecycle and disease transmission: 1
evaluate key epidemiological concepts, terms and quantities used to describe human parasitic disease frequency, distribution, and transmissibility; and apply these principles to analyse data on factors that contribute to the spread of parasitic diseases.
: 1
critically evaluate how immune evasion, antigenic variation and parasite-induced immunosuppression can create challenges in the development of therapies and vaccines and impact on the role on the immune response to the outcome of human parasitic infections.: 1
evaluate different methods of treatment of parasitic infections with reference to mode of action and efficacy of available drugs, and the limitations and challenges of treatment, including drug resistance.: 2
critically discuss how the principles underlying parasite transmission can be applied to vector control, evaluating current methods and challenges in this area, including the emergence of insecticide resistance.: 2
critically discuss how social, cultural, and economic factors may influence the transmission, impacts and control of parasitic infections, and evaluate strategies for effective public health interventions in diverse communities.: 2

Description for 2025/26

You will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of parasitic diseases of humans, considering such topics as the life cycle of select parasites between vector and host, the pathogenesis of parasitic infection and their diagnosis and treatment. You will also investigate challenges to effective treatment and transmission control, including socio-economic and cultural factors. Through evaluation of current research in the subject, you will develop higher-level skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of data.  

Aims
Active learning:
19 hours supporting workshops/tutorials/lectures relating to module topics
2 x 1 hours tutorials supporting module assessment/guidance
9 x 3 hours engagement withy asynchronous material
Independent study:
51 hours: Independent study and preparation for literature review
51 hours: Literature searching, independent reading and data analysis supporting communication paper assessment

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply the concepts of the life cycles and biology of parasites to disease transmission and routes of infection and critically evaluate the implications for disease transmission;: 1,2
apply concepts of immunological basis of parasitic infections to the diagnosis and pathology of Parasitic Infections: field and laboratory;: 1,2
critically evaluate parallels between immunopathogenesis in different parasitic infections;: 1,2
apply the principles of immune evasion, antigenic variation and immune suppression to parasite survival in human host and critically evaluate the problems in developing suitable therapies;: 1,2
evaluate the different modes of treatment of parasitic infections with reference to efficiency of treatment regimes, socio-economic problems associated with treatment availability and critically evaluate limitations to disease control;: 1,2
critically evaluate the biology of insect vectors of disease and the implications for disease transmission;: 1,2
apply the principles of transmission control to vector control and insecticide resistance with reference to associated socio-economic problems and demonstrate ability to use primary sources to research and critically evaluate the current research.: 1,2

Study hours

LSC-20015 or LSC-20073

School Rules

LSC-20015 or LSC-20073

Description of Module Assessment

1: Research Report weighted 50%
Short-communication report based on data provided (1500 words)
You will write a short communication report (1,500 words) which will be based on the analysis of the datasets provided. The report should be formatted according to the International Journal of Parasitology journal requirements (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/international-journal-for-parasitology/publish/guide-for-authors)

2: Literature Review weighted 50%
Critical literature (1500 words)
Two topics will be released towards the end of the semester and you are required to submit a 1500-word critical literature review on one of the topics. This review should reflect your ability to locate, evaluate and compare various literature sources, and synthesise a review report on the topic. Your work must identify key principles and concepts, methodologies, and gaps in the existing literature, culminating in a clearly defined rationale for further research. This will be supported through active learning sessions in the module and assessment guidance.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025