• Semester Offered: Spring
  • Credits: 3
  • Course URL: Canvas

Prerequisites 

General Biology 01:119:115-116 

Course Description

As a consequence of our shrinking world, due to the increased frequency and ease of travel, the study of Parasitology has experienced a resurgence.  This course introduces the morphology, developmental life cycle, pathology, immunology, epidemiology, and treatment and control of each of the major parasites of humans.  In addition, modes of action of chemotherapeutic agents are presented.

Topics include:

  • Host-Parasite Relations
  • African Trypanosomes
  • American Trypanosomes
  • Leishmania 
  • Visceral Flagellates
  • The Pathogenic Amoebae
  • Ciliates
  • Toxoplasma  
  • Malaria
  • Visceral Trematodes
  • Schistosomes and Schistosomiasis
  • Cestodes
  • Nematodes
  • Arthropod-borne Diseases

Course Syllabus

Spring 2025 Syllabus

Course Satisfies Learning Goals 

Understand the life cycles of parasites and means of control, with 2 areas of concentration: (1) Molecular cell biology of human parasites: protozoa and helminthes; (2) Relations between human parasites and COVID-19.

CBN Departmental Learning Goals:

  1. Master factual and conceptual knowledge in cell biology and neuroscience that will provide a solid foundation for success in advanced training and professional careers.
  2. Develop an ability to summarize, integrate and organize information.
  3. Use scientific reasoning to evaluate the potential for current research and new discoveries to improve our understanding of cell biology and neuroscience and its relevance to human health and to our society.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy 

Course grades will be based on 3 non-cumulative 80 min exams. The third exam will be taken during the final exam period (date and time to be announced). These exams will consist of multiple choice questions that require an understanding of the basic biology of parasitic organisms in addition to the ability to apply critical thinking to problems in parasitology.

Course Materials 

D. Fong & M. M. Chan (2022) Human Parasites: from Organisms to Molecular Biology
ISBN 978-981-123-626-6 (hardcopy), 978-981-123-627-3 (ebook) World Scientific

Textbook: D. Fong & M. M. Chan (2022) Human Parasites: from Organisms to Molecular Biology, ISBN 978-981-123-626-6 (hardcopy), 978-981-123-627-3 (ebook) World Scientific. [If feasible, please read the chapter before attending class.]

Additional Course Materials: Original articles, papers and reviews, will be posted on the Canvas course site for interested students. [These are for references only.]

Technical/ Technology Requirements: A laptop with internet access for accessing course materials and taking online exams.

Course Closed?

If this course is closed, please use the appropriate form to add your name to the wait list at Wait List Sign Up. If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Life Science - Office of Undergraduate Instruction at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , access the OUGI Virtual Front Desk or visit the undergraduate instruction office at Nelson Labs B112, Busch Campus.

Faculty 

Dr. Dunne Fong

B424 Nelson Bio Labs

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.