1. To provide students with knowledge of the major features of the structure and life histories of a range of protozoan and helminth parasites of humans

2. To develop in students current understanding of the causes of major clinical symptoms and pathology attributable to these parasites and of the major approaches to their prevention and control

3. To provide students with knowledge and deep understanding in parasitology, and ability to apply, critically evaluate a nd interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems

To critically discuss modern molecular methods for examining parasitic diseases

To evaluate the modern research literature in the area of parasitology with critical insight

To synthesise information, critically review evidence to support conclusions, and define complex problems by applying appropriate knowledge and skills 

Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures

DIAGNOSTICS

Direct parasitology: The broad range of infecting parasites, which are most important pathogenic parasites, and where to find them (Blood, faecal sampling).

Diagnostic evaluations: The diagnostic accuracy and how to calculate this. Set up of diagnostic trials.

Diagnostics for NTDs: Which diagnostics are appropriate for NTDs, examples of tools which are used (RDTs, microscopy)

Molecular diagnostics: The advantages of molecular testing and where this is currently used; what are the new technological advances (Gene Xpert, Genedrive etc.)

EPIDEMIOLOGY

What is epidemiology and its research remit: The broad nature of epidemiological research from clinical investigations at the individual level through to community-level descriptors of disease across an epidemiological landscape.  Micro and macro parasite terminology.

Epidemiology of disease diagnostics, estimating burdens and medical cure: The basic epidemiological indicators: prevalence, intensity and incidence as well as DALY when applied to parasitic diseases. Also introduction of disease distributions across a community with mathematical descriptors (i.e. negative binomial).

Epidemiology of micro-parasites (malaria and typanosomiasis): Epidemiology features shared by micro-parasites and how these may or may not be encapsulated numerical as metrics for control. The concept of Ro and between host transmission.

Epidemiology of macro-parasites (schistosomes and roundworms): Epidemiology features shared by macro-parasites and how these may or may not be encapsulated numerical as metrics for control.

PATHOGENESIS 

Immunopathogenesis of filariasis: T he immunopathologies caused by filariae of medical importance and how these tissue destructive responses can be regulated by host-parasite interactions.

 Immunopathogenesis of tissue dwelling helminths: The range of immunopathologies caused by parasitic worm infection and how these tissue destructive responses are typically regulated by host-parasite interactions.

Immune evasion strategies by haemoflagellate parasites: How haemoflagellate parasites evade the immune system of the vertebrate host in order to survive.

 Adhesion-related pathology in malaria: Antigenic variation in P. falciparum and the structure of PfEMP1; examination of the role of cytoadherence, rosetting and autoagglutination in clinical disease.

 Immunopathology in malaria: The role of host immune responses in malarial pathology; the relationship between antigenic variation and immune evasion.

CONTROL

The language of control: The concept of ‘risk’ and how it is quantified. The concept of the basic reproductive rate, Ro. The construction of “SIR” models.

Control & elimination of schistosomiasis:  The global strategy and challenges for control of schistosomiasis, with focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

 Control & Elimination of malaria:  The goals, strategies and challenges of the global control and elimination programmes of malaria.

 Control and elimination of filariasis (lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis):  The goals, strategies and challenges of the global control and elimination program mes of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.