A minimum of 6 students is required that the course will take place.
Kurzbeschreibung
Course focuses on the ecology and evolution of macroparasites and their hosts. Through lectures and practical work, students learn about diversity and natural history of parasites, adaptations of parasites, ecology of host-parasite interactions, applied parasitology, and human macroparasites in the modern world.
Lernziel
1. Identify common macroparasites in invertebrates. 2. Understand ecological and evolutionary processes in host-parasite interactions. 3. Conduct parasitological research
Inhalt
Lectures: 1. Diversity and natural history of parasites (i.e. systematic groups and life-cycles). 2. Adaptations of parasites (e.g. evolution of life-cycles, host manipulation). 3. Ecology of host-parasite interactions (e.g. parasite communities, effects of environmental changes). 4. Ecology and evolution of parasitoids and their applications in biocontrol 5. Human macroparasites (schistosomiasis, malaria).
Practical exercises: 1. Examination of parasites in molluscs (identification and examination of host exploitation strategies). 2. Examination of parasites in amphipods (identification and examination of effects on hosts). 3. Examination of parasitoids of aphids.
Voraussetzungen / Besonderes
The three practicals will take place at the 03.10.2023, the 17.10.2023 and the 07.11.2023 at Eawag Dübendorf from 08:15 - 12:00. Note that each practical takes 2 hours longer than the weekly lecture.