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BIO411Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Parasitology

This course on Parasitology provides an overview of the concept and scope of parasitology, including the different types of parasitic hosts and their associations. It explores the epidemiology and transmission of parasitic diseases, along with methods for measuring disease burden. The course also covers major groups of parasites such as protozoa, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, leeches, and arthropods, examining their taxonomy, life cycle, pathogenicity, and management.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
ParasitologyEpidemiologyParasitic DiseasesHelminthologyProtozoa

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Concept and Scope of Parasitology

2

Epidemiology and Parasitic Disease Transmission

3

Types of Animal Associations

4

Types of Parasitic Hosts

5

Parasite and Host Associations

6

Major Groups of Parasites (Protozoa, Helminths, Arthropods)

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

General Zoology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

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

Veterinary Parasitologist

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

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareVeterinary MedicinePublic HealthResearch and DevelopmentPharmaceuticals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: The Concept and Scope of Parasitology

3 study hours
  • Read the introduction to parasitology and identify key concepts.
  • Understand the branches of parasitology and their significance.
  • Estimate disease prevalence using different objectives.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: The Concept of Epidemiology and Parasitic Disease Transmission

3 study hours
  • Understand the distribution of parasites and their effects on biological systems.
  • Study disease transmission patterns and the role of vectors.
  • Calculate the prevalence of diseases using epidemiological methods.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Measure of Epidemiology and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY)

3 study hours
  • Familiarize yourself with terms like prevalence, incidence, and disease burden.
  • Learn how to estimate DALYs for different parasitic diseases.
  • Understand the use of rapid assessments, remote sensing, and GIS in epidemiology.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Types of Animal Associations

3 study hours
  • Understand animal associations and host-parasite interactions.
  • Learn about sample preparation for microscopy.
  • Practice common parasite identification techniques.
Week
5

Module 1:

3h

Unit 5: The concept of Parasitism

3 study hours
  • Define parasitism and understand its ecological implications.
  • Study the different types of parasites based on various criteria.
  • Categorize parasites and hosts based on their characteristics.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Types of Parasite Host

3 study hours
  • Familiarize yourself with the types of hosts and their roles in parasitic relationships.
  • Understand host-parasite interactions and their dynamics.
  • Study the biotic and abiotic factors influencing parasite survival in hosts.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Host Selection and Host specificity

3 study hours
  • Learn about the factors influencing parasite host selection and specificity.
  • Understand parasite adaptations and coevolution with hosts.
  • Study immunological factors leading to host resistance and protection.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Parasite and Host Associations

3 study hours
  • Study parasite adaptations and evolution in relation to their hosts.
  • Understand host resistance and protection mechanisms.
  • Learn about immunological factors influencing host-parasite interactions.
Week
9

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Protozoa

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of protozoan parasites.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of various protozoans.
  • Learn about the epidemiology, control, and management of protozoan infections.
Week
10

Module 2:

3h

Unit 5: Trematodes

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of trematodes.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of different trematodes.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of trematode infections.
Week
11

Module 3:

6h

Unit 1: Cestodes

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of cestodes.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of cestodes.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of cestode infections.

Unit 2: Nematode

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of nematodes.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of nematodes.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of nematode infections.
Week
12

Module 3:

6h

Unit 3: Acanthocephalans

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of acanthocephalans.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of acanthocephalans.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of acanthocephalan infections.

Unit 4: Leeches

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of leeches.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of leeches.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of leech infestations.
Week
13

Module 3:

3h

Unit 5: Arthropods

3 study hours
  • Study the taxonomy and biology of arthropods.
  • Understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of arthropods.
  • Learn about the epidemiology and management of arthropod infestations.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review the life cycles of major parasites, focusing on transmission routes.

2

Create diagrams illustrating host-parasite interactions and disease transmission.

3

Practice identifying parasites under the microscope using provided images.

4

Study the epidemiology of common parasitic diseases and their control measures.

5

Focus on understanding the pathogenicity and clinical manifestations of parasitic infections.

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