260.635.81
Biology of Parasitism
Course Status
Cancelled
Course Status
Cancelled
Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
5
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Enrollment Restriction
This course is not restricted.
Explores the complex interactions between parasites and their hosts, including the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological aspects of parasitism. Gains a thorough understanding of major human parasitic diseases. Delves into topics such as life cycle, transmission dynamics, distribution and epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations, diagnosis, as well as the available treatment options and methods for prevention and control.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the biological and genetic bases for host-parasite adaptation
- Define the scope of parasitic infections of global public health importance
- Explain epidemiological concepts of relevance to parasite infections, including ecological relationships between humans, vectors, and reservoirs of parasitic diseases
- Explain the methods of diagnosis, identification and detection of parasites
- Describe the pathological changes associated with parasite infections
- Discuss the role of vectors and intermediate hosts in parasite transmission considering the concept of One Health
- Explain the role of vertebrate innate and adaptive immune system in controlling parasites
- Describe molecular biology concepts unique to parasite infections
- Define the biochemical targets for drugs targeting parasites
- Define the mechanisms of drug resistance
- Define the immune evasion strategy employed by certain parasites
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 5% Participation
- 20% Discussion
- 25% Lab Assignments
- 25% Midterm
- 25% Final Exam
MMI ScM and MHS students may opt to count this course towards their requirements. PhD Students will not be able to count this online section towards their core course requirements. Laboratory sessions examine living and preserved parasites, gross pathology, histopathology, and vectors. Journal discussions based on research papers and topics of fundamental importance to parasitology involve student participation in a seminar format.