This is a practical module that introduces parasitology to students providing an overview of the biology, epidemiology, clinical significance and diagnosis of major human parasites. Emphasis is given to practical skills in microscopy and students learn to recognise the parasites in clinical samples.

The overall module aim is to provide students with basic knowledge of the major human parasite diseases, concentrating on diagnosis.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the appearances, life cycles and modes of transmission of the major human helminth and protozoan parasites;
2. Diagnose microscopically those parasitic diseases for which this technique is appropriate;
3. Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the medical importance and epidemiology of parasitic diseases;
4. Demonstrate more detailed knowledge and understanding of selected parasitic diseases.

Mode of delivery

This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning), plus face-to-face laboratory classes.

Assessment

The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA.

The practical assessment for this module will be on-campus at LSHTM. Other assessments may be online.

The assessment will consist of two components:

1. Evaluation of the group poster presentation (which will result in a group grade - 40%).
2. A practical test (60%).

The grades for each assessment will be combined to give an overall GPA.

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.

Please note: information based on the 2024-25 module specification subject to change for 2025-26 entry.