Host-Parasite Interactions

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.

• 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

• 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)

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.

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