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, diagnosis and pathology of parasitic Infections: 1,2
evaluate key epidemiological concepts, terms and quantities used to describe human parasitic disease frequency, distribution, and transmissibility: 1,2
apply the principles of immune evasion, antigenic variation and immune suppression to parasite survival in human hosts 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, and socio-economic problems associated with treatment availability and critically evaluate limitations to disease control: 1
apply the principles of transmission control to vector control and insecticide resistance with reference to associated socio-economic problems and demonstrate the ability to use primary sources to research and critically evaluate the current research: 1
critically analyse, interpret, and discuss the data pertaining to human parasitic infection transmission, factors contributing to epidemiological outcomes of the diseases, immune evasion, and controlling the parasitic diseases in humans: 2

Description for 2024/25

This fascinating course offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse and complex relationships between humans and parasitic organisms concerning protozoan and metazoan infections. You'll delve into the biology, life cycles, and impact of Protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium and Leishmania and Metazoans like Schistosomes and Filarial nematode worms. You will study how the parasites are transmitted, and the different stages during the life cycle that play a crucial role in establishing the infections. Further, you will gain valuable insights into how different epidemiological factors contribute to the spread of parasitic diseases in humans. A basic understanding of immunology will be useful in understanding the human host-parasite interactions that determine pathology in these parasitic infections. Knowledge of the parasite life cycles will also be important in grasping the current methods of controlling transmission and pathogenesis of infection. Understanding 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 the effective delivery of treatment and control of transmission, including socio-economic and cultural issues. The module will provide insight into the current developments and knowledge of these parasitic diseases. The module contents are delivered by experts in the relevant field, and they are involved in active research. Hence, you will be able to have up-to-date knowledge of the human parasitic diseases.

Active learning:
20 hours supporting workshops/tutorials relating to module topics
2 x 2 hours tutorials supporting module assessment/guidance
7 x 3 hours engagement withy asynchronous material
Independent study:
Researching the content online on KLE, and practising the active learning activities: 60 hours
Literature searching, independent reading and data analysis supporting communication paper assessment: 43 hours
Open book exam: 2 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