MODULE PROFORMA Full module title: Human Parasitology Module code: 5BIOM009W Credit level: 5 Length: One semester UK credit value: 20 ECTS value: 10 Faculty and Department: Faculty of Science and Technology, Biomedical Sciences. Module Leader: Dr Patrick Kimmitt Extension: 64135 Email: p.kimmitt@westminster.ac.uk Host course and course leader: BSc Biomedical Sciences Status: Option, BSc Biomedical Sciences, Westminster elective module Subject Board: BSc Biomedical Sciences Level 5 Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None Study abroad: Yes Special features: Elective module. Topics of international significance will be covered. Access restrictions: Maximum 40 students per running Are the module learning outcomes delivered, assessed or supported through an arrangement with an organisation(s) other than the University of Westminster: No Summary of module content: The pathogenesis of human parasitic diseases; case histories will be used to demonstrate the principles and practice of parasitology. Life cycles and control of insect, worm and protozoan parasites including malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis and nematode infections. The failures and successes of control programmes will be reviewed. Other topics covered will be the impact of HIV/AIDS, the effect of parasitic infections on nutrition and the importance of insects as vectors of parasitic diseases.
Learning outcomes By the end of the module the successful student will be able to: 1. Apply the principles of parasitology to the understanding of parasitic diseases of humans 2. Review the biology, pathogenesis and life cycles of the major human parasites 3. Review the transmission and control of parasitic diseases in the form of a health promotion leaflet 4. Assess the reasons for the current global distribution of parasitic diseases and any changes in human populations 5. Analyse and perform laboratory investigations of parasitic infections 6. Evaluate the impact of modern technologies on the laboratory diagnosis of major parasitic diseases 7. Interpret and present case histories of selected parasitic diseases Course outcomes the module contributes to: Not applicable Indicative syllabus content The general principles of parasitology illustrated by a selection of parasites Examples of the following categories of human parasite: intestinal helminths and protozoa, blood protozoa and arthropod ectoparasites The biology and disease characteristics in humans caused by a selection of the parasites listed below Detailed understanding of the life cycles of important parasites such as Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium, Trypanosoma and Schistosoma species The epidemiology and control of diseases caused by a selection of the parasites listed below Laboratory-based investigation of parasitic diseases of humans The impact of parasitic infections on human nutrition Successes and failures in control of a selection of the parasites listed below The role of arthropods as vectors of parasitic disease a) Protozoa Gastrointestinal - for example, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis Blood and Tissue - for example, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and Trypanosoma species b) Helminths Gastrointestinal Nematodes (for example, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria and Hookworm species; Trematodes (Flukes) (for example, Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni, S. japonicum); Cestodes (Tapeworms) (for example, Taenia saginata, T. solium) Blood and Tissue Nematodes (for example, Onchocerca volvulus and Wuchereria bancrofti); Cestodes (for example, Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis) c) Arthropods For example, lice: e.g. Pediculus capitis, P. humanis and fleas, e.g. Xenopsylla, Pulex species Teaching and learning methods
The module s teaching and learning strategy includes: The use of Blackboard and tutorials for formative problem-based tasks to supplement formal lectures The student will be expected to actively participate in lectures and to take detailed notes in lectures Formative practical classes will be used to enhance learning and to prepare for the assessed practical Interactive material such as video clips will be used to supplement lectures Emphasis throughout will be on examination preparation Activity type Category Student learning and teaching hours* Lecture Scheduled 26 Tutorial Scheduled 8 Practical Classes and workshops Scheduled 14 Total Scheduled 48 Independent study Independent 152 Total student learning and teaching hours 200 *the hours per activity type are indicative and subject to change. Assessment rationale Assessment 1 (20%) This will be a health promotion leaflet in which the transmission and control of a selected disease is reviewed. This assessment will measure learning outcome 3. Assessment 2 (30%) This will be a practical report based on the laboratory investigations of a selected parasitic disease and will include a review of the methods used. This assessment will measure learning outcomes 5 and 6. Assessment 3 (50%) This will be an open book examination, emphasis will be on assessing students understanding of the principles of parasitology (learning outcome 1), the life cycle and pathogenesis of parasitic diseases (learning outcome 2) and the distribution of parasitic infections (learning outcome 4). The examination will also require the interpretation of a case history (learning outcome 7). Assessment criteria Health promotion leaflet Science at an appropriate level for the target audience using appropriate language Well written and fluent, engaging the reader Appropriate balance to the leaflet Demonstrates an understanding of the scientific principles Practical report Presentation, interpretation and evaluation of laboratory-derived data Relating findings to current knowledge recorded in contemporary literature Effective linkage between information provided in the schedule and laboratory findings Evaluation of the laboratory tests performed Appropriate level of presentation, organisation and content of a scientific report.
Open book examination Interpretation of case study data, demonstrating an understanding of the life cycle, pathogenesis and changing pattern of disease and reasons for these Overview of the principles of parasitology and adaptations shown in parasites of humans Biology, distribution and life cycle of parasites and their interactions with human hosts Assessment methods and weightings Assessment name Weighting % Qualifying mark % Qualifying set Assessment type (e.g. essay, presentation, open exam or closed exam) Health promotion leaflet 20% 30% Health promotion leaflet Practical report 30% 30% Practical report Examination 50% 30% Open book examination Sources Essential reading Gunn A. & Pitt S. J (Editors) (2012). Parasitology: an Integrated Approach. Wiley-Blackwell (or any later editions) Further reading Brent A. et al (2014) Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine (Oxford Medical Handbooks). 4th edition OUP Oxford Burgess, NRH and Cowan, GO (1993) Colour Atlas of Medical Entomology Chapman and Hall Cox, F E G & Kreir, J R (Editors) (1998) Topley and Wilson s Microbiology & Microbial Infections. Vol. 5 Parasitology 9th Edition Arnold. Farrar J. et al, (Editors) (2003) Manson s Tropical Diseases 23rd Edition. Saunders Ltd Lydyard et al. Case Studies in Infectious Disease (2010) Garland Science (or any later editions) Periodical references http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/ Emerging Infectious Diseases at Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US) http://journals.plos.org/plosntds/ PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases www references http://www.who.int/topics/en/ https://www.gov.uk/health-protection/infectious-diseases http://www.cdc.gov/
Date of initial validation: Dates of approved modifications: Date of re-validation/review: