260.635.01
Biology of Parasitism

Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
5
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, F, 1:30 - 2:20pm
Lab Times
Monday, 2:30 - 3:20pm (01)
Wednesday, 2:30 - 3:20pm (01)
Friday, 2:30 - 3:20pm (01)
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Alan Scott
David Sullivan
Course Instructor(s)
Clive Shiff
Contact Name
David Sullivan
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
Presents a biological basis of parasitic lifestyles with concurrent laboratory including host responses and parasite evasion of host defense mechanisms, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, pathology, treatment, and control of the major helminthic and protozoan infections of man
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss the biological and genetic bases for host-parasite adaptation
  2. Define the scope of parasitic infections of global public health importance
  3. Explain epidemiological concepts of relevance to parasite infections, including ecological relationships between humans, vectors, and reservoirs of parasitic diseases
  4. Explain the methods of diagnosis, identification and detection of parasites
  5. Describe the pathological changes associated with parasite infections
  6. Discuss the role of vectors and intermediate hosts in parasite transmission considering the concept of One Health
  7. Explain the role of vertebrate innate and adaptive immune system in controlling parasites
  8. Describe molecular biology concepts unique to parasite infections
  9. Define the biochemical targets for drugs targeting parasites
  10. Define the mechanisms of drug resistance
  11. Define the immune evasion strategy employed by certain parasites
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 50% Midterm
  • 50% Final Exam
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Required for MMI PhD students. MMI ScM and MHS students may opt to count this course towards their 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.