Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL329
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Parasitism is a ubiquitous aspect of life on this planet. Parasites are highly evolved organisms with sophisticated adaptations that can have significant effects on the evolutionary and ecosystem process of their hosts.
They can also pose significant public health concerns and have significant impacts on domestic crops and animals.
Studying this unit, you will build a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts in parasitism – life cycle, infection, transmission, host interaction and co-evolution – which apply to all forms of pathogens and have broad implications for human and environmental health.
Extend your skills in critical thinking and analysis, with opportunities to apply your knowledge to solve complex problems arising from parasitism in different contexts.
Note that this unit will involve doing animal dissection during mandatory practical classes/intensive school (for online students).
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 April 2024 | 19 April 2024 | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on campus students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- provide a well-developed and integrated understanding of the general scientific concepts of parasitism;
- recognise adaptations associated with parasitism; thereby demonstrating the ability to analyse and evaluate information about this role;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the host-parasite interactions;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding coevolutionary dynamics, design and carry out experiments which investigate the presence and life history of parasites in the environment thereby demonstrating the ability to work autonomously and use well-developed judgement; and
- transfer knowledge and skills associated with the subject to others using written and verbal forms.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Summarise a research paper and give a short presentation No. Words: 600 |
| Essay | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Essay on current topic in parasitology No. Words: 1000 |
| Open book Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Open book with access to all resources. |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Practical Manual | Yes | 10% | All offerings | |
| Project Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Final project report and give a presentation No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach
ISBN: 9780367228873
Loker, E.S. and Hofkin, B.V., CRC Press 2nd ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Evolutionary Ecology of Parasites
ISBN: 9780691120850
Poulin, R., Princeton University Press 2nd ed. 2006
Text refers to: All offerings
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