A broad and multi-disciplinary approach to the complex and dynamic relationships between parasites and their hosts. This course offers an overview of the biological and epidemiological bases of important parasitic diseases and an understanding of the impact of parasitic diseases on endemic communities. It covers many disciplines while studying the life-cycles, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, pathology and molecular biology of the covered parasites. Both protozoan parasites (unicellular parasites) and parasitic helminths (parasitic worms) will be considered with emphasis on the most important parasites of humans. Studies include aspects of the host immune response to parasites; chronicity of infection and its significance; host pathology; evasion of host responses by parasites; diagnosis, vaccination; chemotherapy and drug resistance; genetic resistance to parasitic infection; relevance of parasitic infections to society. In-depth study of malaria and schistosomiasis, with focus on the pathology, immunology and chemotherapy of these most important human parasitic infections will be of particular importance
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify, describe and contrast unicellular parasites and parasitic worms
- Describe particular human and non-human parasitic diseases
- Prepare and observe live parasitic specimens and test students' own seropositivity for a particular parasitic infection
- Report on observations of biological specimens such as parasites
- Appraise the impacts of parasitic diseases on human societies
- Evaluate the complexity of the parasite/host relationship (parasite evasion mechanisms vs host defensive mechanisms)
- Independently research current
subjects in parasitology using published books and original papers.
Other Information
The course examines the complex and dynamic relationships between parasites and their hosts. It presents an overview of the biological and epidemiological bases of important parasitic diseases and an understanding of the impact of parasitic diseases on endemic communities.The Biology Teaching and Learning Centre is located in Building 116. Alternatively you can email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
10 minute oral presentation with submitted
copy of talk, referenced to the literature (20%; LO 2, 5, 7)
Practical classes, attendance and practical reports (20%; LO 1, 3, 4)
- 1500 word essay on a current topic in parasitology (20%, LO 2, 5, 6, 7)
- Final exam (40%; LO 1, 2, 5 & 6)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two lectures per week and up to twenty six hours of practical or tutorial work.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $5160 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8239 | 23 Jul 2018 | 30 Jul 2018 | 31 Aug 2018 | 26 Oct 2018 | In Person | N/A |
