B9259 - General Parasitology

Learning outcomes

He/she knows the general concepts of parasitism, the essential terminology used in parasitology and host-parasite relationships. Is able to understand the role of the parasites in animal and public health.

Course contents

This course unit is part of the Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH".

The Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH.” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: : 1.4; 1.12; 1.29.

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Essential terminology and quantitative descriptors in parasitology (2 hours)
• Host-parasite relationships and effects of parasites on the host; entry and exit routes of parasites; adaptations and transmission modes; abiotic and biotic factors influencing the emergence of parasitic diseases (3 hours)
• Parasite systematics, ecology, and evolution (1 hour)
• Introduction to the main groups of parasites of veterinary interest; the importance of parasites in animal health and public health (2 hours)

Seminar/practical session:

• Introduction to the animal world (2 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical lectures (8h) and seminar/practical session (2h).

Assessment methods

The assessment of the Integrated Course “INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH” consists of a one-hour written multiple-choice test comprising 40 questions covering topics from all the course units included in the Integrated Course. The purpose of the test is to verify the acquisition of the expected knowledge.

The written exam, lasting one hour, includes 40 multiple-choice questions:

• 20 questions related to the course unit “General Microbiology, Biosafety, and One Health”
• 10 questions related to the course unit “General Parasitology”
• 10 questions related to the course unit “Food Chain Approach to Food Safety in the International Context”

Each correct answer is worth 0.8 points, each incorrect answer is worth 0.2 points, and unanswered questions receive 0 points.
The exam is considered passed with a minimum total score of 24 points, corresponding to a grade of 18/30. This score must include at least:

• 12 points from the “General Microbiology, Biosafety, and One Health” unit
• 6 points from the “General Parasitology” unit
• 6 points from the “Food Chain Approach to Food Safety in the International Context” unit

Scores of 31 and 32 correspond to a final grade of 30 cum laude.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

The individual scores of each course unit and the final exam grade will be published on the Virtuale platform within 5 working days from the exam date.
Students may reject the grade by notifying the course contact via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Silvia Piva

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos, websites.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Perla Tedesco