Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL329
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Parasitism is a ubiquitous aspect of life on this planet. Parasites are highly evolved organisms with sophisticated adaptations that can have significant effects on the evolutionary and ecosystem process of their hosts.
They can also pose significant public health concerns and have significant impacts on domestic crops and animals.
Studying this unit, you will build a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts in parasitism – life cycle, infection, transmission, host interaction and co-evolution – which apply to all forms of pathogens and have broad implications for human and environmental health.
Extend your skills in critical thinking and analysis, with opportunities to apply your knowledge to solve complex problems arising from parasitism in different contexts.
Note that this unit will involve doing animal dissection during mandatory practical classes/intensive school (for online students).
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for both online and on-campus students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- provide a well-developed and integrated understanding of the general scientific concepts of parasitism;
- recognise adaptations associated with parasitism; thereby demonstrating the ability to analyse and evaluate information about this role;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the host-parasite interactions;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of coevolutionary dynamics, and the life history of parasites in the environment; and
- transfer knowledge and skills associated with the subject to others using various forms.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blog Post Assessment and Short Presentation | No | 10% | All offerings | Write a blog post about a published paper in a manner which is accessible to a general audience (600 words). No. Words: 600 This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting. |
| Essay and Short Presentation | No | 15% | All offerings | Written essay (1000 words) and give a short presentation This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting. |
| Open Book Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Open book exam with access to lecture notes and textbook only. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Manual – Assurance Task, and Open book Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit you must attend all practicals and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. | |
| Practical Manual - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Manual – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Project Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Complete a research project and submit a written report. No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach
ISBN: 9780367228873
Loker, E.S. and Hofkin, B.V., CRC Press 2nd ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Evolutionary Ecology of Parasites
ISBN: 9780691120850
Poulin, R., Princeton University Press 2nd ed. 2006
Text refers to: All offerings
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