This course is an appreciative inquiry into the role, history, lifestyle, evolution, ecology and diversity of parasites in the biosphere based on the question “What would the world be like without parasites?” Through adopting a big picture biological inquiry of parasites the course considers:
• parasites in their environment;
• their evolutionary past;
• the complex flow that is the organism/s;
• forms of communicating and interaction that occur at the organismal and population levels; and
• the dynamic complexity and yet specificity of host-parasite interactions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the interaction and diversity of parasite and host populations within the Kioloa environment.
- Analyse and relate the evolutionary trajectories of specific/local parasite and host populations to their habitats.
- Apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary frameworks in a systems level appraisal of parasite/host ecology.
- Design and apply relevant experimental techniques to a cycle of collaborative research.
- Evaluate how interdisciplinary research can deepen complex life sciences research inquiry and personal learning.
Other Information
As an indication, the cost for the 2 week field trip (18-29 November) at the Kioloa ANU Coastal Campus, will be around $880 (GST Inclusive). This student contribution will be used to offset costs of transport, accommodation and food during the course. In addition to the $880 student contribution to direct field trip costs, the normal ANU course fees for the 6 unit course still apply.
To register interest in this course for Spring session 2019 please fill in an expression of interest form.
Registrations will close on July 5 2019. Students will be notified the outcome by mid July 2019.
Indicative Assessment
- Field/lab book (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Four blog postings based on interdisciplinary parasite host perspectives (group based) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Group oral presentations based on 'the big things we don't know about parasites' (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Web based science reports on student host-parasite research (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final Host-Parasite Research Report (2000 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
3hr based on lectures/workshops x 10 and 3hr practicals (lab/field) x 10, 1.5hr interdisciplinary working groups x 10Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Key readings will be provided in the course site within WattleAssumed Knowledge
24 units of relevant disciplinary coursework in Biology and/or Environmental Science at the 2000 levelSpecialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8564 | 18 Nov 2019 | 22 Nov 2019 | 22 Nov 2019 | 29 Nov 2019 | In Person | N/A |