Course coordinator
Professor Stephen Barker
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course provides basic information about protozoan, helminth and arthropod parasites causing disease in animals and people. It covers: parasite morphology (fundamental to taxonomy); host range (species specificity); site of infection (tissue/organ tropism); parasite pathogenicity (disease potential); modes of transmission (spread of infections); differential diagnosis (detection of infections); and treatment and control (cure and prevention). Relevant technologies encompass population, organismal, cellular and molecular biology; and the course is relevant to students majoring in biological and microbial sciences, medicine, veterinary science, and biomedical research.
Four main types of organisms cause infectious diseases in humans and animals: viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Biomedical Parasitology deals with infections by the three main groups of parasites:ﾠprotozoa (protista), helminths (worms) and arthropods (insects and arachnids). Parasites have always threatened the lives and well-being of humankind. Intriguingly, such threats have not diminished much in theﾠ100 years or so sinceﾠparasitology began at UQ. Indeed, the re-emergence over the last 10 years of parasitic diseases like malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, pediculosis (head lice) and the development of drug-resistance in roundworms and arthropods have shocked many governments and international health agencies into action. Parasitism is by far the most common way of life on Earth. So the ubiquity of parasites in medicine ensures demand for graduates with knowledge in biomedical parasitology. Indeed, despite the optimism of the lastﾠcenturies that science would rid humankind of parasites, theyﾠare just as great a threat today as they were then. In Biomedical Parasitology students use contemporary techniques in molecular, cellular & population biology for the diagnosis, treatment & control of parasites.
Course requirements
Assumed background
None
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOC2000 or BIOL2202 or BIOL2902 or MICR2000
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Stephen Barker
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
In addition to lectures, all students are to attend practical/tutorial sessions which are held as per the days/times/locations outlined in the timetable.
Timetables are available at the link above. Please check your timetable regularly at the start of each semester.
Aims and outcomes
To introduce students to the discipline of Biomedical Parasitology. See "Learning Objectives" for detail.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
critically assess the effectiveness of conventional and modern methods for diagnosing parasitic infections
LO2.
describe the effect of resistance to anti-parasitic chemicals and drugs
LO3.
critically assess the roles of molecular (e.g. PCR) and non-molecular (e.g. microscopy) tools in the clinic and the research laboratory
LO4.
debate factors involved in the resurgence of parasitic diseases
LO5.
describe the importance of a deep understanding of the life-cycle of a parasite in order to control that parasite
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz |
Practical quiz/examination # 1 - during Semester (School)
|
30% |
10/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz |
Practical quiz/examination # 2
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Examination |
Theory examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical quiz/examination # 1 - during Semester (School)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
10/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
This practical quiz is scheduled for 90 mins in a School laboratory (76-224) during the semester. Students will attend workstations ("musical microscopes") to identify the parasite present and answering some questions about the specimens. Hand-written quiz (since no computers allowed in lab). In-person.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Practical quiz/examination # 2
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
The practical examination/quiz is scheduled for 60 mins in the School laboratories (76-224) during the central examination period. Students will play musical microscopes by attending workstations to identify the parasite present and answering some questions about the specimens. Hand-written quiz (since no computers allowed in lab). In-person.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Theory examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The theory examination is scheduled for two hours and students are required to answer eight short-answer questions.
This will be an in-person, invigilated exam.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30%</p> |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. Youﾠmust obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
2.ﾠYou must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more in the two practical examinations/quizzes; and
3.ﾠYou must obtain aﾠmark of 40% or more for the theory examination; and
The maximum grade you will receive will be a 2 if you:
1. Obtain a weighted average mark of 30% or less across the two practical examination/quiz components; and/or
2. Obtain a mark of 30% or less for the theory examination.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
All submission times are listed in Brisbane time.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.
Assessment/Attendance
Please notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for your course also provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment. Instead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolment (PPL Assessment - Procedures Section: Assessment integrity).
If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SCMB recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional material may be found on the Blackboard site for PARA3002 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures See the file "PARA3002-Schedule-of-Learning-Activities-202x-v-1.1.1" for a detailed list of lectures on the PARA3002 Blackboard site (Learning Resources). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Practical |
Practicals See the file "PARA3002-Schedule-of-Learning-Activities-202x-v-1.1.1" for a detailed list of practicals on the PARA3002 Blackboard site (Learning Resources). Note that there are many weeks without practicals. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety