Course Title: Parasites
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Parasites
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
BIOL2401 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
135H Applied Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2015 |
BIOL2401 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2021 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Nathan Bott
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7143
Course Coordinator Email: nathan.bott@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora campus 223.1.48
Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Although there are no prerequisite studies, a solid knowledge of microbiology and immunology is required, such as found in ONPS2299/2239 Clinical Microbiology and Immunology and ONPS2120/1054 Medical Microbiology 2.
Course Description
This course covers the basic fundamentals of biomedical parasitology. It will provide you with an understanding of the range and diversity of parasitic organisms of biomedical importance, as well as an understanding of their life cycles and transmission pathways. The course also covers more applied parasitology topics, including host-parasite immune responses, genomics, diagnostics and other specialist topics.
You will obtain practical experience in the identification of parasitic life-cycle stages and learn some common laboratory diagnostic techniques.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes as part of MC158, Master of Laboratory Medicine and MC111, Master of Biotechnology:
PLO 1 Understanding science
1.1 You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society.
1.2 You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology
You will develop an in-depth knowledge of the specialist field of parasitology, specifically an understanding of different parasitic groups, their transmission pathways, life-cycles, treatments and diagnosis. This will be complemented with the technical capability in examining and identifying various parasites.
PLO 3. Communication
3.1 You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes.
In this course you will develop communication skills in working groups in laboratory exercises, presenting written material for laboratory reports and participating in class discussions.
PLO 4. Personal and professional responsibility
4.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner; working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology.
4.2 You will employ professional work practices in learning to consider diagnostic issues such as cost effectiveness, workflow and compliance with regulatory requirements, and sustainable organisational management in understanding correct handling and disposal of biological materials and maintaining a high standard of ethics; patient confidentiality and consultation.
On successful completion of this course you should be able to
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of parasitology with emphasis on selected parasitic infections.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the clinical manifestations, pathogenic mechanisms, transmission and laboratory diagnosis of selected parasitic infections.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of emerging mechanisms of resistance to anti-parasitic agents; current and emerging methods in immunology, genomics, diagnostics and other applied parasitology.
4. Perform laboratory procedures to diagnose a range of parasitic infections.
5. Work cooperatively with a small group of peers and communicate with other scientists, both orally and in written form.
6. Search and critically evaluate scientific literature.
Overview of Learning Activities
The course consists of weekly pre-recorded lectures, and 4 x 3 hour practical classes that will be run throughout the semester.
Independent study is an essential part of this course. As well as study related to the lectures, this will include research and preparation for the written submissions and oral presentation, preparation for practical classes and discussions.
It is recommended that you attend and participate in all scheduled teaching sessions. Formal teaching sessions are available only at the times specified and cannot be repeated. You are expected to spend time out of classes reviewing theoretical and practical material in textbooks, journals and on the internet, preparing self-directed learning exercises and writing reports.
Oral and written student evaluation of the course will be formally solicited and considered annually by the Program Team in course and program review.
Overview of Learning Resources
Learning resources for this course include the prescribed / recommended and reference texts and other material referred to in classes and on Canvas
You will be able to access course information and learning material on the course Canvas site.
Overview of Assessment
Note that: This course has no hurdle requirements.
Formative multiple choice quizzes covering theory.
Weighting: 15%
This assessment supports CLOs 1 and 2.
Literature Review
Weighting: 25%
This assessment supports CLOs 2 & 6
Oral Assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1 and 3.
Practical assessment
Weighting 40%
You will participate in 4 practical sessions throughout semester, these sessions will require you to submit laboratory reports based on the exercises set for you during the practicals.
This assessment supports CLOs 2, 4 and 5.