PARASITOLOGY

This course is intended for any CAS student in need of science credit and will serve as a biology elective.
What is a parasite? Which organisms are responsible for infectious diseases? What are the environmental conditions that influence the spread of a epidemic? We will explore the fascinating and frightening world of parasite/host relationships, with a focus on their life cycles.

Parasitology ultimately resulted in a collection of Creature Feature short films and public film festivals. The films centered around parasite life cycles and included animations, role playing, stunt parents, guest appearance, puppetry and claymation. Most films are available for viewing on VHS tape.

Student's Work - HW - Final Project - Bottom

SAMPLE OUTLINE

Week 1
Mon. 02/04 Orientation: Course requirements, What is parasite?
Wed. 02/06 Taxonomy: eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells/5 Kingdoms of living things/the virus
Fri. 02/08 Microbiology: bacteria, fungi and protozoa
Week 2
Mon. 02/11 Virology: David of TOPS will be present to discuss the immune system, STDs, AIDS and the HIV virus
Wed. 02/13 Review microscope technology Choose Final Project Topics
Fri. 02/15 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Week 3
Mon. 02/25 Life cycles: mammals, amphibians, insects-complete/gradual metamorphosis/sexual reproduction
Wed. 02/27 Animation Workshop: Andre of CAS will discuss story boards and computer animation
Fri. 03/01 Symbiotic Relationships: Parasitism and others
Week 4
Mon. 03/04 Medical Ecology: environmental conditions which effect epidemics/WNV
Wed. 03/06 Parasitology: host/parasite/vector relationships - Case Study 1: Malaria and the Plasmodium life cycle
Fri. 03/08 Parasite Case Study 2: Trypanasome and African Sleeping Sickness
Week 5
Mon. 03/11 Parasite Case Study 3: The life cycle of worms/Tichinosis
Wed. 03/13 Animation Workshop 2: final project productions - presentation by Independent Study Students
Fri. 03/15 Lab Practical 1: microscope analysis of parasitic organisms
Week 6
Mon. 03/18 Epidemics: Class activity Part I- tracking down a disease
Wed. 03/20 Epidemic Activity Part II
Fri. 03/22 Lab Practical 2: microscope analysis of parasitic organisms - ALL Work Due
Week 7
Mon. 03/25 Basic Genetics: Evolution and Pathology
Wed. 03/27 Design a parasite: cooperative groups will illustrate the variables that make a parasite successful
Week 8
Mon. 04/08 Animation Workshop 3/Test Review: Finish filming of final projects
Wed. 04/10 Written Exam: topics in parasitology
Fri. 04/12 Final Project Presentations: Last Class - All Revisions Due

Sample Web Final Projects: Sonia

Everyone Loves Home Work

Assignments:	Due Dates
1. Which article is more of a science article essay - handout (2 articles/3 questions) 2/4	1. Wed 2/6
2. Read Small Pox Vaccine article & write about immunity in humans and how vaccine works 2/6	2. Mon 2/11
3. Final Project Proposals (revisions required) 2/8	3. Fri 2/15
4. List and describe 10 disorders - handout (5 infectious/5 noninfectious) 2/15	4. Mon 2/25
5. Create a story board which illustrates the life cycle of an organism of your choice 2/25	5. Wed 2/27
6. Read Typhoid Mary Article, answer questions 1 to 4 3/4	6. Wed 3/6
7. Read "Catching On..." article- write essay: environmental conditions which influence plague 3/8	7. Mon 3/11
8. Read "...Free Lunch"article, essay: what are the pressures that influence parasite evolution? 3/11	8. Fri 3/15
9. Read Biotech/Plague article - write a one page essay/reaction paper 3/18	9. Mon 3/25
10. Read and Analyze a current Health article 3/15	10. Wed 3/27
11. Final Project Updates: What stage is your work at - what research have you done ?	11. TBA
12. FINAL PROJECTS DUE - all art and written work is due by 3:00 PM, Friday, 3/22/02	12. Fri 3/22
13. ALL Revisions and Final Animation Productions are due by 3:00 PM, Mon, 4/8/02	13. Mon 4/8
14. Study for Exam! Parasitology Written Exam - Wednesday 4/10/02	14. Wed 4/10
15. Final Project Presentations - Students present work - Last Day of Cycle	15. Fri 4/12
Extra Credit: Sustainable methods in dealing with epidemics - 2 articles
In addition to the above assignments, there will be several recommended readings during cycle 3.

FINAL PROJECT: Animated Video Productions

Final Project/Animated Video Productions: Final Projects start with a specific topic you are interested in! Topics should be researched and then life cycle descriptions should be generated. Video productions must animate the complete life cycle of a parasite that infects humans. You may work alone or in groups of 2 or 3. Your project must include the classification of the parasite, complete life cycle of host(s), vector(s) and parasite organism(s). Your production should be narrated and/or include text/captions. The production should also demonstrate the physiology of the body functions affected by the infection, the geography/environmental conditions of any regions affected, the symptoms, pathology (how the disorder effects the host) and treatment. All story boards and art work are due by Friday, March 22, 2002. Filming/computer animation begins Monday, 3/24/02 the latest. Projects should site a minimum of 3 outside sources.

Proposal:

Name______________________Date________Other students working on project:_______________________

Title of Project:_____________________________________________________

Which parasite will star in your production? How is it classified (what type of organism is it)?

Name and describe the disorder which you are investigating (how does it affect humans/symptoms):

Describe which parts of the world this infection is found, primary host and any vectors involved in the infection:

How will you be animating the life cycle of your parasite? (describe the type of artwork you will use, any props that will be involved and your general plan to illustrate the life cycle)

References: List your sources (you need 3 & one should be a book)

Provide a sample of your "story board" – illustrate/explain the highlights of the parasite's life cycle.

Science Article assignments: Not sure what the assignment instructions/format is? Click Here

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