Learn 2024

Aim: To introduce techniques for protein, DNA, lipid and carbohydrate identification, isolation and analysis for biochemical, biological, medical, agricultural, and food sciences.

Content: Identification, extraction, separation and analysis of proteins, DNA, lipids and carbohydrates; centrifugation, precipitation, chromatography, electrophoresis, laboratory safety, cell culture, accessing the scientific literature.

Practicals: Techniques for protein, DNA, lipid and carbohydrate identification, isolation and analysis

Assessment: 2 h class tests, assignments (24%), practicals (16%), 3 h exam (60%).

DP Requirement: Class mark of 40%, attendance at 80% of tutorials and practicals.

This module will demonstrate that evolution is the unifying theory for all of the biological disciplines.  It covers the development of evolutionary theory, examples of natural selection and speciation in plants and animals and the revolutionary impact that the theory of evolution has had on biology and society. The second part of the course focuses on the classification and systematics of biological organisms. Systematics is the study of the diversity of organisms and the relationships among them.

The module BIOL712 Parasitology will intensify knowledge in parasitology through self-study under guidance. Participants will learn about specific topics that currently are of high interest. Participants will select a recent scientific publication (provided) and make an initial presentation, prepare a draft essay (marked), make a final presentation (marked) and submit a final essay (marked), the latter will be internally and externally evaluated.

Aim: To provide an overview of important aspects of parasitology that are currently being debated in the literature.

Content: A selection of publications published in high-tier scientific journals covering topics like

1. Evolution of resistance against anti-parasitic treatments,

2. Evasion of host immune response,

3. Climate change and parasites,

4. Use of genomics/genetics to unravel parasite history,

5. Parasite manipulation of the host,

6. Microbiome-parasite interactions,

7. Parasites and spatial ecology of hosts,

8. Parasite behaviour and interactions with their hosts, and 

9. Parasite control strategies.