This is a biology course aimed at teens who have a keen interest in the natural science and medicine. We will explore 5 different nematode parasites that infects humans. A  new parasite will be presented every week. Students  will learn about many aspects of the organism's biology, such as its general appearance, life-cycle, how it affects its host and the disease it causes. Many parasites are very specialized and have complicated life-cycles that illustrate the complexity of nature. Parasitic diseases are among the most important diseases both in human and veterinary medicine, and we will discuss how they have affected mankind in the past as well as in the present.
I am a former researcher with a PhD in parasitology, so I welcome questions and discussions in the classroom or by message,. Because parasites are so interesting, it is easy to make this class fun . However, I want students to gain accurate scientific knowledge and to learn how to think scientifically. I will be drawing back on my own experience as a scientist.

This is a self-paced class.   A video about the parasite will be posted. I will be using slides to clearly illustrate each point and will use  pictures and diagrams, so learners can easily understand the concepts.
In addition:
-I will post a worksheet or short quiz about each video, that the student can return to me for feedback.
- The last week of class, I will be providing students with a case study and they will be asked to identify the parasite and explain their conclusion

The parasites covered will be:

Week 1: Hookworm
Week 2 Onchocerca
Week 3 : Trichinella
Week 4: Ascaris
Week 5: Guinea Worm