Host-Parasite Interactions

NEM30306

About this course

This course focuses on different aspects of the interactions between protozoan and metazoan parasites and their host organisms. The course content is tailor made to the specific interest of individual students. The philosophy behind the course is that students can follow up their own curiosity on a subject linked to host-parasite interactions in the broadest possible sense (i.e., plant, human, animal, and soil health). This course offers students an opportunity to deepen their knowledge on the subject of their own choice. At the end of the course the students will deliver a scientific review paper based on a thorough analysis of the literature.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify relevant scientific literature in bibliographic databases (i.e., planning)

  • Present ideas in logical order to create a clear storyline

  • Illustrate their understanding of the subject matter in their own words, both in writing and verbal communication

  • Develop the formal scientific writing style with a particular focus on precision, clarity, and conciseness

  • Identify gaps in the current knowledge related to the subject matter of their literature research

  • Rationalise own argument to support an objective or statement

  • Make concrete proposals to address these knowledge gaps with further research

  • Provide structured feedback on scientific text of other students and own work

Assessment method

  • Assignment report (60%) Written main body of review paper (including literature analysis and outline)
  • Assignment report (20%) Written concluding section of review paper
  • Assignment other (0%) Structured feedback
  • Assignment essay (20%) Written introduction of review paper (based on a problem-purpose statement)

Prior knowledge

This course is for students in the third year of their BSc program, as a preparation for their thesis, and for more advanced MSc students in Biology, Plant and Animal Sciences, Nutrition and Health, Biotechnology, and Molecular Life Sciences.

Resources

  • Will be made available at the start of the course.

Additional information

course
6 ECTS
  • Level
    master
  • Mode of instruction
    on campus
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Starting dates

  • 1 Sept 2025

    ends 26 Oct 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P1
    Period 1 afternoon
  • 1 Sept 2025

    ends 26 Oct 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P1
    Period 1 morning
  • 27 Oct 2025

    ends 21 Dec 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P2
    Period 2 afternoon
  • 27 Oct 2025

    ends 21 Dec 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P2
    Period 2 morning
  • 5 Jan 2026

    ends 1 Feb 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P3
    Period 3 whole day
  • 9 Feb 2026

    ends 8 Mar 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P4
    Period 4 whole day
  • 9 Mar 2026

    ends 3 May 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P5
    Period 5 afternoon
  • 9 Mar 2026

    ends 3 May 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P5
    Period 5 morning
  • 11 May 2026

    ends 5 Jul 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P6
    Period 6 morning
  • 11 May 2026

    ends 5 Jul 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P6
    Period 6 afternoon