2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY2106 Parasitology

10 Credits Class Size: 131

Module manager: Dr Glenn McConkey
Email: g.a.mcconkey@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

BLGY2137 Parasitology

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The course will provide an introduction to parasitology with an emphasis on those that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. The main content will be delivered through the use of specific examples. These will include single celled microparasites such as Malaria, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Giardia and macroparasites such as Schistosoma, Ascaris, Geohelminths, and the Filarial Nematodes.

Objectives

The overall aim is to have an understanding of this group of organisms, which are responsible for disease on a global scale.

The course will provide an introduction to parasitology with an emphasis on those that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Understand characteristics of eukaryotic parasites;
2. Understand their structure and diversity, their complex life cycles and transmission strategies, the basis for disease pathogenesis and their interaction with host and vector populations;
3. Understand basic concepts in parasite biology, approaches to chemotherapy and control.

Syllabus

The course will provide an introduction to parasitology with an emphasis on those that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. The main content will be delivered through the use of specific examples. These will include single celled microparasites such as Malaria, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Giardia and macroparasites such as Schistosoma, Ascaris, Geohelminths, and the Filarial Nematodes.

Particular examples will be expanded to illustrate the particular characteristics of this group of organisms, their structure and diversity, their complex life cycles and transmission strategies, the basis for disease pathogenesis and their interaction with host and vector populations and approaches to chemotherapy and control.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 15 1 15
Practical 4 4 16
Seminar 1 3 3
Tutorial 1 1.5 1.5
Independent online learning hours 10
Private study hours 54.5
Total Contact hours 35.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Private study

30 hours - 2 hours reading per lecture
10 hours - practical reports
10 hours - online learning based on research literature search
4.5 hours - research for report/group presentation and further reading.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback on 2 x practical reports.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Practical Practical report 20
Practical Practical report 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 40

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment 5.0 Hrs Mins 60
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 60

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team