MSc Programme in Parasitology

The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 on bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in Danish Universities. The programme is under the Natural Sciences Study Board.

 

Graduation in the programme confers the Danish degree cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientarium) i Parasitologi. In English: Master of Science in Parasitology.

 

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1. 1 The programme’s objective

 

The purpose of the programme is to train graduates specialising in parasitology. On completing the programme, graduates will have a thorough knowledge of the key aspects of parasitology, including the biology of parasites and the diseases they cause, the principles of how they spread, methods of detecting and identifying parasites, their prevention and control, and how to critically use scientific literature. Graduates will further acquire an overview of the significance of parasites in ecosystems and of the importance of parasites for animal and human health. Extensive use of standard techniques from biotechnology, molecular biology and immunology is included in the programme.

 

1.2 The programme’s general profile

 

The form of instruction in the compulsory courses is mainly lectures combined with theoretical and practical exercises. The course Parasitological Methods aims to introduce the student to numerous methods, which will act as the starting point for further specialisation in methods in the subsequent thematic course and thesis. The thematic course (second semester) is centred on a group-based thematic project. In addition to lectures, the thematic course will offer colloquia and seminars, which will enable students to deepen their theoretical understanding across their respective thematic projects based on presentations on specific research projects and selected scientific articles. The thematic course will thus prepare students for their more individual degree project.

 

The programme has three major thematic profiles:

• Fundamental research on biological phenomena using parasites as models. The aim is to provide the student with a detailed knowledge on experimental biology. This is done by providing students with a thorough knowledge of the general characteristics of parasites, their life cycles and transmission, followed by experimental studies during project work and thesis. This specialisation is intended to develop competence, which can be used in research and development within universities and private industry.
• Infection biology in developing countries: Transmission principles and prevention of veterinary and human parasites. The aim is to provide the student with a broad knowledge of parasitic diseases in animals and man, including the zoonotic parasites, which are transmitted from animals to man, and their prevention and control in general. Through training in the basic concepts of parasitism and transmission principles, and from group projects with relevance to the developing world, the student will be able to conduct thesis work related to a developing country, thus developing competences, which are of primary interest to government institutions and consultancy agencies involved in development aid.
• Food safety and biotechnology tools for typing and traceability. The aim is provide the student with knowledge on food, water, and environmentally transmitted parasitic diseases, and how these diseases can be traced back to their origins. The studies will focus on disease prevention along the food chain based on epidemiological surveillance, and will introduce the range of tools available for specific and sensitive diagnosis. This direction aims at developing competences, which can be used in the food sector and regulatory agencies.

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

 

The programme is intended for students who wish to qualify for jobs in experimental laboratories or other research institutions, research administration, production and scientific communication as well as instruction. An international profile is ensured by such measures as having the instruction and the independent experimental and/or analytical thesis project in English.

 

1.4 The programme’s general competence profile

 

Students will acquire scientific and methodological skills leading to a capacity to gather scientific information, work thematically and with a problem-based approach, apply specific knowledge and tools within biology, facilitate transfer of scientific knowledge to administrative institutions, conduct research in biotechnology, veterinary and human parasitology, design and apply disease prevention programmes, and analyse and develop tools for traceability of food-borne pathogens.

 

1.4.1 Knowledge

The student will be able to:

 

• Outline concepts of parasitism in animals and humans and an understanding of biotic and abiotic factors of importance for the survival of parasites within and outside their hosts
• Account for how parasites are transmitted, regulated and controlled in complex ecosystems
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the nutritional status of hosts and parasitism, and the effects which a parasite has on its host.
• Present principles of impact estimation and the prevention of veterinary and human parasitic diseases. Transfer principles to new parasitological problems
• Evaluate geographically variable impact of diseases caused by parasites, and outline different strategies for prevention and control
• Outline parasitological, immunological and molecular methods within experimental Parasitology, and understanding how to interpret various diagnostic methods
• Reflect on limitations and possibilities of the techniques in new situations
• Overview the application of bioassays and the designing of animal experiments

 

1.4.2 Skills

The student will be able to:

 

• Apply a range of parasitological, immunological and molecular methods available in experimental parasitology, and understand how to apply these tools to identify parasites from different systematic groups
• Understand of the relevance of experimental models in relation to cases
• Apply an understanding of basic rules and principles in parasitology and for their application in new situations and for experimental design
• Design of animal experiments and the application of bioassays
• Identify and analyse biological characteristics of importance for the survival of food pathogens
• Apply the principles of food safety and risk analysis along the food chain

1.4.3 Competences

The student will be able to:

 

• Display awareness of the pathogenic effects of parasites on their hosts and the problems in relation to animal and human welfare
• Carry out analyse and discuss practical research on parasites in experimental or natural settings
• Participate in discussions on how disease control may have complications, which are not primarily related to cost, but to local cultural, religious or dietary habits.
• Participate in discussions on the ethical and scientific problems related to animal experimentation within diseases research
• Apply cost-benefit relations in disease control in less favoured regions of the world

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

Year 1	Block 1	Parasite Systematics	Parasite Zoonoses
	Block 2	Parasitological Methods
	Block 3	Thematic Course: Parasite Ecology
	Block 4

 

Year 2	Block 1
	Block 2	Thesis (45 credits)
	Block 3
	Block 4

 

    

	Compulsory courses
	Thesis
	Elective courses

2.1 Content

 

The degree is awarded when the student has obtained at least 120 credits and the compulsory activities have been successfully completed.

 

Compulsory courses:

 

    240033 Parasite Systematics - 7.5 credits

    240034 Parasitic Zoonoses - 7.5 credits

    240035 Parasitological Methods - 15 credits

    240043 Thematic Course: Parasite Ecology - 22.5 credits

 

It is advised that the compulsory courses be taken in the above order.

 

 The programme concludes with a 45 credits thesis project. The thesis must include both theoretical and practical experimental work.

 The compulsory courses (52.5 credits) and the thesis (45 credits) comprise the core subjects. Elective courses constitute 22.5 credits.

 The programme may include trainee service.

 

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and admission

3.1 Admission requirements

 

Admission to the Programme requires a BSc in Biology, Natural Resources, Veterinary Science or Natural Sciences with knowledge of zoology, physiology and anatomy, biochemistry and statistics.

 

Other relevant degree programmes at university level with equivalent content may qualify applicants for admission.

 

3.2 Admission

 

Students are only admitted once a year with studies commencing on 1 September.

 

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available, the applicants will be evaluated individually by the Study Committee.

 

The selection criteria among qualified applicants will include previous studies, including the composition of subjects studied, studies outside Denmark, relevant work experience and similar.