Parasites and epidemiology

Master course for biology- and aquamedicine students.

The course is available as a singular course.

The course gives an overview of parasitic animals (protozoan and multi-cellular animals) with a focus on their biology, ecology, strategies for transmission (life-cycles) and potential pathogenic effects on their hosts. The examples are given primarily from common fish species or other aquatic hosts. Additionally, the course gives a basic introduction to epidemiology and ecological interactions between parasites and their different hosts.

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.

Local admission, application code 9371 - Master`s level singular course.

Knowledge

• to understand the term parasitism as one out of several symbiotic relation between animals and to define types of life cycles and categories of hosts
• basic knowledge of the biology and ecology of parasitic animals (protozoan and multi-cellular animals) with a focus on form, function, life cycles and their role in the ecosystem
• detailed knowledge of the most common parasites in fish and other aquatic animals in both freshwater and marine environment and their potential pathogen effects on hosts
• know the basics within epidemiology/ecological parasitology such as terms related to populations, statistic parameters, distribution patterns, rates of transmission, and regulation of host/parasite populations

Skills:

• Know how to dissect fish with different techniques for identification of parasite taxa and counting/estimating the number of parasites
• be able to write a report about the occurrence of parasites within a host population by calculating, presenting (including orally) and give critical interpretations of central epidemiological terms in a host sample

General competence

• know the IMRAD-system for science publishing and through this convey own data
• know how to use scientific publications as background for aims or hypotheses in practical studies
• communicate how parasites can be problematic for wild and farmed animals

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• FH-203 Parasitology/epidemiology 10 stp

Language of instruction and examination

This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see the "Admission requirements" sections for more information.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412

More info about the coursework requirements

• Attendance on field- and lab work, with approved written lab journal. 
• Semester assignment (IMRAD-format)
• Attendance at seminars and oral presentation 

Re-sit examination