Høst 2022

BIO-3519 Parasites and epidemiology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for arktisk og marin biologi

Type of course

Master course for biology- and aquamedicine students.

The course is available as a singular course.

Course overlap

FH-203 Parasitology/epidemiology 10 stp

Course contents

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.

Application deadline

Concerns only admission to singular courses: Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

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.

Objective of the 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

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Lectures: 32 hours, lab work: 6 hours (mandatory), field- and lab work: 3 days (mandatory), seminar 12 hours