5 ECTS credits
125 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4017428FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Bio-Engineering Sciences
Educational team
Stefan Magez (course titular)
Carl De Trez
Activities and contact hours
26 contact hours Lecture
45 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

The lecture series on Molecular Parasitology cover the molecular and cellular aspects of host-parasite interactions with a focus on two parasite genera of medical and societal relevance. i.e. Trypanosoma (Prof. Magez) and Leishmania (Prof. De Trez). The course will also include molecular aspects of parasite diagnosis as well as case studied of ongoing molecular biology research in the field of parasitology and immunoparasitology.

 

The content of each chapter is placed within a broader context: what other challenges besides the scientific ones must be met in order to tackle infectious diseases caused by the above-mentioned parasites.

 

Course material
Digital course material (Required) : Articles and Power point presentations, Canvas
Additional info

PowerPoint slides will be made available and relevant literature in the form of scientific articles will be provided to accompany the course


 

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

To understand the fundamental biology of the discussed parasites.

To understand the links between a parasite’s life cycle and the onset of pathology in the host.

To understand the molecular and cellular aspects of host-parasite interactions and how these can induce pathology.

To gain insights into how the above-mentioned principles can be employed for the design/improvement of diagnostic tests, drug design, vaccine design and/or other methods that lead to parasite control.

To be able to read a selection of papers on a selected topic and formulate a sound scientific discussion and come up with own research questions and solutions to a problem.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Written open question exam with a relative weight of 100 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

    Note: Students will write a laboratory assay that will be evaluated

Additional info regarding evaluation

A written exam with multiple questions will cover the knowledge of the three main topics. The professors involved will correct the questions relevant to their subject. One final exam score is given and the evaluation is not split in partim subjects.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Education (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: biologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)