240043 Thematic Course: Parasite Ecology

Details
Department of Ecology   35 %
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology   55 %
Department of Large Animal Sciences   10 %
Earliest Possible YearMSc. 1 year to MSc. 2 year
DurationTwo blocks
 
Credits22.5 (ECTS)
Course LevelMSc
Thematic course
 
ExaminationFinal Examination

written examination and oral examination


Some Aid allowed
Report


Description of Examination: The examination consists of evaluation, presentation and discussion of a written report, combined with oral examination within the compendium.

Weight: Report: 40% Presentation: 30% Discussion: 30%



13-point scale, external examiner
 
Requirement For Attending ExamEach student must participate in at least 75% of the theoretical period (block 3), and in the development of a written 30 page report (block 4a).
 
Organisation of TeachingThe teaching method is group work in connection with different projects. The group work is supported by lectures, seminars and practicals.
 
Block PlacementBlock 3
Week Structure: A

Block 3
Week Structure: B

Block 4a
Week Structure: Outside schedule, Flexible project report
Practicals in Block 3 in connection with the 14 thematic days

 
Teaching LanguageEnglish
 
Optional Prerequisites'Parasite Ecology' naturally follows the courses 'Parasite Systematics', 'Parasitological Methods' and 'Parasitic Zoonosis'
 
RestrictionsMax. 20 students
 
Areas of Competence the Course Will Address
Competences obtained within basic science:

Knowledge on how parasites are transmitted in a complex ecosystem, and how their populations are regulated.
Understanding how biotic and abiotic factors interfere with the life-cycle of the parasites.
Knowledge of the relation between nutritional status of hosts and parasitism.

Competences obtained within applied science:
Knowledge on how to apply ecological principles in planning experiments of parasites.

Competences obtained within ethics & values:
Understanding the ecological factors that influence the parasite burden of the hosts.
Is aware of the ethical problems different management systems has on human and animal welfare in connection with parasitism.
 
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to educate students theoretically and practically in fundamentals of ecology of parasites.

Parasite Ecology aims at providing the student with an understanding of the relationship between two populations, namely host and parasite population.
 
Course Contents
The course studies the distribution, numbers and dynamics of parasites inside and outside the hosts, and the key factors regulating the parasite numbers. The goal is to obtain an overall comprehension of biotic and abiotic key factors, which decisively govern fluctuations in the parasite populations. The consequences of these fluctuations on the host populations are naturally included in the understanding of Parasite Ecology.

The course more specifically studies features of biological systems above the level of individuals, i.e. about characteristics of populations, the interactions between different populations, and the study of ecosystems that besides populations include their abiotic surroundings.
 
Teaching And Learning Methods
The teaching method is lectures, seminars and practicals. The seminars will focus on key scientific articles, which are relevant for the theme of the lectures. Last part of the course is group work. Each group prepares a report.
 
Course Litterature
Compendium: Ecological Parasitology. KVL. 2002. Editor: Grønvold, J.
 
Course Coordinator
Jørn Reimer Grønvold, jrg@life.ku.dk, Department of Agriculture and Ecology/Section of Zoology, Phone: 35332676
Allan Knud Roepstorff, aro@life.ku.dk, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology/Section for Parasitology, Phone: 35332746
Niels Chr. Kyvsgaard, nck@life.ku.dk, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology/Section for Microbiology, Phone: 35333752
 
Study Board
Study Committee NSN
 
Course Scope
lectures42
Colloquia42
practicals63
project work319
preparation150
examination3

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