The Biology of Parasites and the Diseases They Cause!
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
I will provide a worksheet about each parasite that learners can complete if they wish.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Advanced Level
This is a biology course aimed at kids who have a keen interest in the natural science and medicine. A different parasite will be presented every week. We will discuss 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 during the course. I want learners to share what they already know about the topic and to learn how to explore the world around them. Because parasites are so interesting, it is easy to make this class fun and engaging. 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. Each class will begin with introductions and a brief presentation of the parasite of the week. Once I have established the level of the students enrolled, I will begin discussing the organism more in depth. We will finish with a short summary and general discussion. I will be using slides to clearly illustrate each point and will use diagrams, pictures and videos so learners remain engaged and understand the concepts. Topics covered are: Week of August 28th Onchocerca volvulus Week of September 4th Giardia Week of September 11th Guinea worm Week of September 18th Entamoeba histolytica Week of September 25th Ascaris Week of October 2nd Fasciola hepatica Week of October 9th Lymphatic filariasis Week of October 16th Hookworm Week of October 30th Babesiosis Week of November 6th Strongyloides Week of November 13th Paragonimiasis Week of November 20th Cryptosporidium Week of November 27th Parelaphostrongylus Week of December 4th Dirofilaria Week of December 11th Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis spp. Week of December 18th Naegleria Week of January 8th 2024 Trichuris Week of January 15th 2024 Hymenolepsis Week of January22nd, 2024 African sleeping sickness Week of January 29th 2024 Anisakis week of February 5th 2024 Dioctophymiasis Week of February 12th 2024 Loiasis Week of February 26th 2024 2022 Schistosomiasis Week of March 4th2024 Sparganosis Week of March 11th 2024 Chagas disease Week of March 18thth 2024 Fox tapeworm Week of March 25th 2024 Trichinella Week of April 1st nd 2024 Balantidium coli Week of April 15 th 2024 Fish tapeworm Week of April 22nd Mansonella Week of May 6th Eimeria Week of May 13th Baylisascaris Week of May 20th ticks Week of May 27 Pork tapeworm Week of June 3rd Cutaneous leishmaniasis Week of June 10th Fleas Week of June 17th Hydatid disease Week of June 24th Sarcocystus neurona Week of June 30th Canine hookworm Week of July 7th Dipylidium caninum Week of July 14th Cyclospora Week of July 22nd Gnathostomiasis Week of July 29th Dicrocoelium dendriticum Week of August 26th Acanthamoeba Week of September 2nd Enterobius vermicularis Week of September 9th Acanthocephala Week of September 16th Toxoplasma Week of September 22nd Scabies Week of September 29th Toxocara canis Week of October 6th Coenerosis Week of October 13th Neospora Week of October 20th Visceral Leishmaniasis Week of October 28th Fasciolopsis Week of November 4th Botflies week of November 11th Falciparum malaria Week of November 18th Piroplasmosis Week of November 25th Onchocerca volvulus Week of December 1st Giardia Week of December 8th Guinea worm Week of December 15th Entamoeba histolytica Week of January 6th Ascaris
Learning Goals
After taking this course learners will be able to explain in detail the biology and life history of the parasites they studied and will be familiar with the parasitic diseases they cause and how this impacts humanity.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There may be some pictures of symptoms that could bother sensitive students. I try not to show shocking pictures so these have not been a problem for most learners.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Science from McGill University
I have a doctorate in Parasitology and I am a former researcher who specialized in parasite genetics. I have several publications in scientific journals. I have taught Parasitology and other topics in Biology at University.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 85 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
1-6 learners per class