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BIO310Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Protozoology

This course introduces students to the fascinating world of protozoology. It explores the features, relationships, and reproduction of protozoans, along with their ecology, physiology, and biochemistry. Students will learn about protozoan taxonomy, including the phylum Apicomplexa, and delve into the structure and function of these microorganisms. The course also covers blood and tissue protozoa, luminal protozoa, and other intestinal/free-living protozoa, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of protozoan diversity and their impact on various ecosystems.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ProtozoaParasitesApicomplexaTaxonomyMicrobiology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Protozoan Features

2

Protozoan Ecology

3

Protozoan Taxonomy

4

Blood Protozoa

5

Tissue Protozoa

6

Luminal Protozoa

7

Intestinal Protozoa

8

Free-Living Protozoa

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Medical Parasitologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Veterinary Parasitologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcarePharmaceuticalsVeterinary MedicineEnvironmental HealthResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

10h

Unit 1: Features/Relationship, roles and Reproduction of Protozoan

5 study hours
  • •Read about the morphology of protozoa, symbiotic relationships, and reproduction methods.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises on commensalism and mutualism.

Unit 2: Ecology, Physiology and Biochemistry of Protozoan

5 study hours
  • •Study the ecology of protozoa, their role in soil fertility, and wastewater treatment.
  • •Examine the physiology and biochemistry of protozoa, including catabolism and anabolism.
Week
2

Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

10h

Unit 3: Taxonomy of Protozoan

5 study hours
  • •Learn about the historical systematic of protozoa and the five eukaryotic kingdoms.
  • •Understand the concepts of monophyletic groups and molecular techniques in taxonomy.

Unit 4: Phylum Apicomplexa

5 study hours
  • •Study the general characteristics of Apicomplexa, their life cycle, and replication methods.
  • •Focus on the apical complex, secretory organelles, and the apicoplast.
Week
3

Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

8h

Unit 5: Structure and Function of Protozoan

8 study hours
  • •Examine the structure and function of protozoa, focusing on Trypanosoma brucei, Balantidium, and Entamoeba.
  • •Understand their locomotion systems and metabolic processes.
Week
4

Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

12h

Unit 1: Trypanosome

6 study hours
  • •Study the general morphology, life cycle, and epidemiology of Trypanosoma.
  • •Learn about African and American trypanosomiasis, their symptoms, and treatment.

Unit 2: Leishmania

6 study hours
  • •Study the general features of Leishmania, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the different forms of leishmaniasis and their symptoms.
Week
5

Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

6h

Unit 3: Plasmodium

6 study hours
  • •Study Plasmodium as a true malaria parasite, including its etiology and characteristics.
  • •Understand the clinical manifestations of Plasmodium and malaria immunity.
Week
6

Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

12h

Unit4: Babesia

6 study hours
  • •Study Babesia as a parasite, including its life cycle and symptoms.
  • •Understand the diagnosis and treatment of babesiosis.

Unit 5: Toxoplasma

6 study hours
  • •Study Toxoplasma as a parasite, including its life cycle and epidemiology.
  • •Understand the symptoms and immunology of toxoplasmosis.
Week
7

Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

12h

Unit 1: Amebae

6 study hours
  • •Study Amebae as parasites, including their morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of amebiasis.

Unit 2: Giardia

6 study hours
  • •Study Giardia as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of giardiasis.
Week
8

Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

12h

Unit 3: Trichomoniasis

6 study hours
  • •Study Trichomoniasis as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of trichomoniasis.

Unit 4: Blastocystis hominis

6 study hours
  • •Study Blastocystis hominis as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection.
Week
9

Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

8h

Unit 5: Dientamoeba fragilis

8 study hours
  • •Study Dientamoeba fragilis as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of Dientamoeba fragilis infection.
Week
10

Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

12h

Unit 1: Balantidium coli

6 study hours
  • •Study Balantidium coli as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of balantidiasis.

Unit 2: Cryptosporidium parvum

6 study hours
  • •Study Cryptosporidium parvum as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of cryptosporidiosis.
Week
11

Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

12h

Unit 3: Isospora belli

6 study hours
  • •Study Isospora belli as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of isosporiasis.

Unit 4: Acanthamoeba sp.

6 study hours
  • •Study Acanthamoeba sp. as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of Acanthamoeba infections.
Week
12

Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

8h

Unit 5: Naegleria fowler

8 study hours
  • •Study Naegleria fowleri as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.
  • •Understand the symptoms and treatment of Naegleria fowleri infections.
Week
13

Course Review and Assessment Preparation

12h

Final Revision

12 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed diagrams of protozoan life cycles, focusing on key stages and hosts.

2

Develop flashcards for each protozoan species, including their morphology, symptoms, and treatments.

3

Practice differentiating between similar protozoan species based on their unique characteristics.

4

Review the mechanisms of drug action for common protozoan infections.

5

Focus on the epidemiology and control measures for each disease.

6

Create concept maps linking protozoan infections to their clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods.

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