Every 30 seconds someone is killed by a parasite. Parasites also cause damage to the livestock industry worth several billions of dollars each year. This course offers an overview of the biological and molecular bases of important parasitic diseases and an understanding of the enormous impact parasites have on endemic communities.
In this course we will take a broad and multi-disciplinary approach to the complex and dynamic relationships between parasites and their hosts. We aim to understand the problems we face when fighting parasitic diseases and to identify potential solutions. We will explore both unicellular parasites (protozoa) and multicellular parasites (mainly parasitic worms and ectoparasites). We will also investigate overarching themes like mechanisms that cause disease, transmission, diagnostics, drug development and intervention strategies. The course highlights the interdisciplinary nature of parasitology.
The diverse and comprehensive lecture series is complemented by hands-on practicals that will emphasise particular aspects. These practicals will also provide insights into the current state of parasitological research and strategies that are employed to develop new drugs and diagnostics. Scientific questions are analysed using the perspectives of different disciplines and various key stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse key features of major parasitic diseases and evaluate their impact on human and animal health.
- Compare and evaluate different transmission strategies of various parasites.
- Compare and evaluate key factors that cause parasitic diseases (both from the parasite and host perspective).
- Organise parasites into their phylogenetic relationships and appraise their diversity.
- Understand key principles of diagnostic approaches and assess and critique different diagnostic tests.
- Assess and evaluate different treatment and intervention strategies.
- Identify, analyse and design experimental approaches that lead to the creation of parasitological knowledge.
- Collaborate in teams efficiently by providing discipline-specific and experienced-based perspectives.
Work Integrated Learning
Other
Theoretical considerations and hands-on experiences provide insights into research, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of parasitic diseases providing authentic activities. The theoretical course content is aligned with the practice of work of parasitologists working in different fields. Guest lectures from representatives provide insights into the work of a parasitologist working in industry and government organisations. The different perspectives are integral part of the curriculum and are part of the assessment items.
Other Information
Workshops and practicals are conducted in small teams (2-6 people).
Indicative Assessment
- Pre-Prac quizzes (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Online quizzes (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Final quiz (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 24 hours). Up to 33 hours of weekly practical or tutorial sessions throughout the semester (10-11x 3 hrs).
- Approximately 73 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Nil
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3476 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |