Protozoology

1. Describe the general features, relationships, roles, and reproduction of protozoans
2. Explain the ecology, physiology, and biochemistry of protozoans
3. Classify protozoans using taxonomic criteria
4. Discuss the characteristics and replication of the phylum Apicomplexa
5. Describe the structure and function of protozoan cells
6. Identify and differentiate between various blood and tissue protozoa
7. Identify and differentiate between various luminal protozoa
8. Identify and differentiate between various intestinal and free-living protozoa

13 weeks, about 134 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

   • Unit 1: Features/Relationship, roles and Reproduction of Protozoan · 5 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 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

   • Unit 3: Taxonomy of Protozoan · 5 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 hours

     Study the general characteristics of Apicomplexa, their life cycle, and replication methods.. Focus on the apical complex, secretory organelles, and the apicoplast..

3. Week 3Module 1: General Introduction of Protozoan

   • Unit 5: Structure and Function of Protozoan · 8 hours

     Examine the structure and function of protozoa, focusing on Trypanosoma brucei, Balantidium, and Entamoeba.. Understand their locomotion systems and metabolic processes..

4. Week 4Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

   • Unit 1: Trypanosome · 6 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 hours

     Study the general features of Leishmania, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the different forms of leishmaniasis and their symptoms..

5. Week 5Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

   • Unit 3: Plasmodium · 6 hours

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

6. Week 6Module 2: Blood And Tissue Protozoa

   • Unit4: Babesia · 6 hours

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

   • Unit 5: Toxoplasma · 6 hours

     Study Toxoplasma as a parasite, including its life cycle and epidemiology.. Understand the symptoms and immunology of toxoplasmosis..

7. Week 7Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

   • Unit 1: Amebae · 6 hours

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

   • Unit 2: Giardia · 6 hours

     Study Giardia as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of giardiasis..

8. Week 8Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

   • Unit 3: Trichomoniasis · 6 hours

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

   • Unit 4: Blastocystis hominis · 6 hours

     Study Blastocystis hominis as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection..

9. Week 9Module 3: Luminal Protozoa

   • Unit 5: Dientamoeba fragilis · 8 hours

     Study Dientamoeba fragilis as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of Dientamoeba fragilis infection..

10. Week 10Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

    • Unit 1: Balantidium coli · 6 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 hours

      Study Cryptosporidium parvum as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of cryptosporidiosis..

11. Week 11Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

    • Unit 3: Isospora belli · 6 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 hours

      Study Acanthamoeba sp. as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of Acanthamoeba infections..

12. Week 12Module 4: Other Intestinal/Free Living Protozoa

    • Unit 5: Naegleria fowler · 8 hours

      Study Naegleria fowleri as a parasite, including its morphology and life cycle.. Understand the symptoms and treatment of Naegleria fowleri infections..

13. Week 13Course Review and Assessment Preparation

    • Final Revision · 12 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..