Chemotherapy, Resistance and Parasite Control 4B option BIOL4030

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Infection and Immunity
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This option explores current practice, research and ideas in anti-parasite chemotherapy, resistance and parasite control. This includes drug discovery, drug treatment, vaccination and vector control. Problems in drug resistance are also studied. The course will enhance student ability in acquisition, interpretation and discussion of experimental data.

Timetable

This option is assigned to block S2-B. There are normally 3 hours of teaching on Tuesdays, which may be split over more than one session. However, sessions may be scheduled for 2 hours and 4 hours in alternate weeks instead. 

Requirements of Entry

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students in a Biomolecular Sciences programme or Infection & Immunity programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Study Abroad Coordinator and the Course Coordinator. 

Excluded Courses

None.

Assessment

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment consisting of a written assignment (33%). 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The main aim of this course is to provide an overview on how parasitic infections are, and could be, controlled, with an emphasis on chemotherapy but also covering vaccines and vector control.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ evaluate methods used in controlling parasitic infections;

■ evaluate methodologies used in developing novel approaches to drug development (including understanding resistance problems), vaccination and vector control;

■ evaluate the fundamental biochemical basis of drug action.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.