Module Descriptors
APPLIED PARASITOLOGY AND MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
BIOL60663
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 6
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Richard Halfpenny
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 26
Independent Study Hours: 174
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • Examination - Seen and unseen questions (2 hours) weighted at 100%
Module Details
Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of applied parasitology and medical entomology
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Critically evaluate the methods used to control parasites, insects and their activity
Enquiry
Problem Solving

3. Evaluate the insect and parasite management strategies with reference to published evidence and data Reflection
Application

4. Examine current parasitological and medical entomological research and its application.
Learning
Communication
Assessment Details
1. Examination. Seen and Unseen questions 100% 2hrs

The examination for this module will consist of two sections with a seen essay question (50%) and an unseen essay question chosen from a list. (LO 1,2,3 and 4)
Indicative Content
Applied parasitology will investigate the interactions between parasites and their hosts. The focus will primarily be placed on human health effects but will include important veterinary examples. Parasitic groups will include, for example, protozoa, helminths, ectoparasites and vector borne infections. Many of the vector borne infections are carried by insects and mites that are within the scope of medical entomology, although there are notable exceptions.

Medical entomology relies on a thorough understanding of vector insect biology, ecology and the behaviour. Haematophagy is studied very much from the anthropological perspective, with a focus on the effects of insects of medical importance

Co-ordinated global activities of surveillance and control are examined and we will look at current concerns and threats both nationally and internationally. Management strategies are explored through example and the lessons learnt from history.

Parasitological and medical entomological research forms a theme throughout the module where research informed sessions focus on authentic challenges to human health.
Web Descriptor
Some of the greatest medical challenges currently faced are related to parasitism and medical entomology. ~ 40% of all species are parasitic and represent a great diversity that demands continued research to augment our understanding and to minimise the damage to human health and wellbeing. Continuing medical entomology challenges exist such as malaria and dengue fever
Learning Strategies
The 26 hours of contact time (2 hours per week over 13 weeks per semester) will typically involve an introductory lecture followed by an interactive activity, such as discussions, debates, student presentations, and problem-solving activities.

Independent Study
There will be 174 hours of independent study. As a guide you should use the time as follows:
1 hours pre-lecture session preparation
1 hours preparation for workshop or interactive task
60 hours further reading and revision for end of module exam.
Texts
Most of the reading will be based on the primary literature and use of high quality internet resources.

Vreysen, M et al. (Eds) (2012) Area wide control of insect pests. Springer Verlag. ISBN 978-90-481-7521-5

Service, M. (2012) Medical Entomology for students. Cambridge University Press ISBN 9781107668188
Resources
Library facilities for on and off campus study