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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

This module will promote the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan and metazoan infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Metazoan infections covered will be Shistsomiasis (blood fluke) and Filariasis (worm).

Barred Combinations

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
apply concepts of immunological basis of parasitic infections to the diagnosis and pathology of Parasitic Infections: field and laboratory: 1
critically evaluate parallels between immunopathogenesis in different parasitic infections: 1
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
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
critically evaluate the biology of insect vectors of disease and the implications for disease transmission: 1
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

Description for 2024/25

This module will promote the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan and metazoan infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Metazoan 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 pathogenesis of 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 provide an insight into the current developments and knowledge of these parasitic diseases. Students will be offered the opportunity to attend additional seminars delivered by research active academics in the Centre for Applied Parasitology and Entomology at the School of Life Sciences and external invited speakers.

Supporting workshops/tutorials: 11 hours
Engagement with asynchronous content: 16 hours
Open book exam: 2 hours
Independent study: 121 hours

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