Ateneo - UPO

The course provides theoretical and practical tools for understanding:•  The ecological role of parasites in ecosystems•  Parasite–host population dynamics•  Complex life cycles and their evolutionary basis•  Interactions between parasites, food webs and environmental change•  The ecological implications for conservation and public health

De Carneri. Parassitologia generale e umana. Bruschi F., Pozio E. CEA 2023, 14° Edition. ISBN-13: ‎978-8808899828Ecology and Evolution of Parasitism: Hosts to Ecosystems. Thomas F., Guégan JF, Renaud F. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN-13: ‎978-0199535330Parasitism: The Diversity and Ecology of Animal Parasites. Gaugen TM. Cambridge University Press, 2014. ISBN-13: ‎978-0521122054

To provide a database and the tools essential for understanding the complexity of parasite interactions within ecosystems, including within a One Health framework.To provide the basis for recognising the most common parasites.

A good knowledge of basic ecology, zoology and cell biology

Classroom lessons Lectures by experts on specific topics. Excursion and, Experimental laboratory

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Ongoing assessments; discussion of topics during lectures; practical exercises. Final oral examination: the examination will consist of identifying a microscopic specimen and answering at least two questions covering the relevant broad topics. The exam will be passed if a total mark of 18/30 or above is achieved. To pass, students must have at least a basic understanding of the subject matter and demonstrate that they have grasped the nature of the analytical method. The overall mark will take into account the use of appropriate scientific terminology and the ability to make connections between topics.
Mark range Grade Description
18–20/30 Satisfactory Presents the content in a generally comprehensible manner, albeit with limited fluency and linguistic precision. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the topics, with some minor gaps in knowledge. Uses technical and scientific language in a basic and sometimes imprecise manner. Confidence in presentation is inconsistent and the argumentation lacks depth.
21–23/30 Fair Presents the topics clearly and with sufficient command of expression. Demonstrates adequate and fairly comprehensive knowledge of the content. Uses technical and scientific language generally correctly, with occasional terminological inaccuracies. Shows reasonable confidence in presentation and an adequate ability to argue a point.
24–26/30 Good Presents the material clearly, in an organised and coherent manner, with good command of language. Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter and an effective ability to link topics together. Uses technical and scientific language appropriately. Expresses themselves with confidence and independence, effectively supporting their arguments.
27–29/30 Excellent Presents the material with a high degree of clarity, precision and lexical mastery. Demonstrates an in-depth and well-organised knowledge of the topics, integrating them with relevant connections. Uses technical and scientific language with rigour and precision. The presentation is confident, independent and supported by an effective capacity for analysis and argumentation.
30/30 with distinction More Excellent The student presents the material with excellent expressive mastery, methodological rigour and terminological precision. They demonstrate a comprehensive, critical and in-depth understanding of the subject matter, with the ability to summarise, offer personal interpretations and make interdisciplinary connections. They use technical and scientific language in a fully appropriate and rigorous manner. The presentation is extremely confident, independent and characterised by a high degree of scientific maturity and argumentative skill.

General Section
Introduction to parasitology: definition of a parasite, definition of parasitism, taxonomic classification of parasites, types of parasitism. Evolution and co-evolution: adaptation to a parasitic lifestyle, interspecific interactions, the Lotka–Volterra model, environmental factors and the habitats of parasites, compatibility, zoonoses. Life cycles of parasites: intermediate and definitive hosts, routes of parasite transmission, the parasite’s effect on the host. The host’s response to the parasite. Mechanisms used by parasites to evade the host’s defence systems, the host-parasite-environment relationship and host specificity. The concepts of the Anthropocene and One Health. Anthropogenic pressures that most significantly influence host-parasite systems and the ways in which they do so (direct and indirect effects, synergistic, additive and antagonistic interactions). Characteristics of parasites that make them more or less sensitive to environmental changes (e.g. life cycle type, host specificity). Effects of global changes on biodiversity, abundance and geographical distribution of parasites.

Special section
The main taxonomic groups of parasites: protozoa; nematodes, trematodes and cestodes; insects and other arthropods.
Protozoan infestations, Trematode and cestode infestations, Nematode infestations, Ectoparasite infestations.
Main methods of prevention and control of parasites.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Interpret life cycles from an ecological and evolutionary perspective
• Analyse host–parasite dynamics at the population level
• Understand the role of parasites in food webs
• Assess the impact of environmental changes on infections
• Apply epidemiological concepts in an ecological context