Tropical human parasites, micro-organisams and zoonoses

Academic year: 2008-2009 Course code module 1MBMW-K-001 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 30,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 10,00 Other (hours): 12,00 Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Louis Maes Paul Cos L. Rigouts Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: exam contract not possible 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties This course requires basic knowledge of biology. Sequentiality   The student should normally have a credit for Medical Microbiologie (3BBMW-05).  However, it is satisfactory to have obtained 08/20 or 09/20 and have passed all the practical exercises to become accepted for this course   *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) This module forms the essential basis for several other topics (ecology, diagnostics, epidemiology and disease management) that are part of the graduation course "Tropical Biomedical Sciences".  Focus is on parasitoses and zoonoses as they are important health and socio-economical risk factors in tropical countries.  The student will acquire knowledge concerning a wide variety of human microbial pathogens (fungi, yeasts, mycobacteria) as well as a basic understanding of the pathogenesis and diagnostics.   This module should generate the following competences: ·         The student is able to describe the biology of different pathogens. ·         The student knows the most relevant bacterial, fungal and viral infections and is able to recognize, diagnose and suggest an effective therapeutic agent. ·         The student is able to explain how these infections cause clinical symptoms. ·         The student has an understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases and an insight into preventive and curative interventions. ·         The student has learnt how to identify parasites and microbial organisms microscopically. 3. Course content The course consists of three parts: a/ parasitology and zoonoses; b/ microbial infections caused by yeasts and fungi and c/ infections caused by mycobacteria.   The part ‘Parasitology and Zoonoses” (Prof. Dr. L. Maes) describes the wide diversity of human (tropical) parasites with an emphasis on biology and recognition of the different pathogen species and zoonoses where animals are a main source of infection for man.  Biology, morphology and diagnosis are illustrated with life cycles of parasitic unicellular eukaryotes, flatworms (Trematoda, Cestoda), roundworms (Nematoda) and ectoparasites (Insecta, Acari).  Epidemiology, clinic and treatment are discussed to a more limited extent. In the part ‘Mycology’ (Prof. Dr. P. Cos), the most important fungal and yeast infections are explained with emphasis on cause, treatment and clinic. The infections caused by ‘Mycobacteria’ (tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, etc.) are discussed separately (Dr. L. Rigouts) with emphasis on epidemiology, clinic, diagnosis and treatment. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Seminars (possible question and answer sessions) Practical sessions Personal work: Assignments - individual Excursion(s) 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Closed book Multiple choice Open questions 6. Compulsory reading – study material -          Couse material : reproduction of the Powerpoint slides that are used during the lectures (to be obtained for the 'cursusdienst' UA) -          Syllabus : Human Parasitology” B.J. Bogitsh & T.C. Cheng, (1998) 2th Ed. Academic Press London. [ISBN 0-12-110870-8] (to be purchased via bookshops) 7. Recommended reading - study material Supportive material : Blackboard: slides in colour (download pdf), practicum notes, enyclopaedic reference, useful electronic links, etc.. 8. Tutoring The lecturer and the assistants are available before, during and after the lecture sessions as well as via mail, blackboard and personal contact. laatste aanpassing: last update: 15/11/2008 13:59 louis.maes