OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Tropical Parasitology

Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases

Franklin Mosha, Ph.D., Mramba Nyindo, Ph.D., and John A. Bartlett, M.D.

This course provides students an understanding of important human parasitic diseases, including their life cycles, vectors of transmission, distribution and epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention and control. Tropical Parasitology is taught by faculty from an area highly impacted by tropical parasites- the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College in Moshi, Tanzania. The faculty include Drs. Frank Mosha and Mramba Nyindo (and two lecturers, Drs. Johnson Matowo and Jovin Kitau). Dr. John Bartlett, Professor of Medicine, Global Health and Nursing at Duke University, joins his faculty colleagues in this effort.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and Course Overview
Welcome to Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors, and Human Diseases! In this course, students will develop an understanding of important human parasitic diseases, including their life cycles, vectors of transmission, distribution and epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention and control. Tropical Parasitology is taught by Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College faculty -- Drs. Frank Mosha and Mramba Nyindo (and two lecturers, Drs. Johnson Matowo and Jovin Kitau). They are joined by Dr. John Bartlett, Professor of Medicine, Global Health and Nursing at Duke University. To get started, view the video "Welcome to Tropical Parasitology," read the Course Overview, read about how the course is structured in Course Clusters, and review the Course Resources. Then move on to study the first cluster, Protozoans. Please note that the Protozoans cluster constitutes the largest content cluster in the course, and we have allocated 3 weeks to complete the work for this cluster. The other course clusters will take one week (each) to complete. We hope you enjoy the course, and we look forward to your contributions to our learning community.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines a range of human parasitic diseases, including malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis
Explores the vectors of transmission, distribution, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases
Investigates diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control strategies for parasitic diseases
Taught by faculty from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College in Tanzania and Duke University, who have expertise and experience in tropical parasitic diseases
Involves a mix of media, including videos, readings, discussions and quizzes, providing a diverse learning experience

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive tropical parasitology overview

According to learners, this course offers an excellent and comprehensive overview of tropical parasitic diseases. Students found the content highly relevant, especially for those in public health, medical, or global health fields, providing a strong foundation and being directly applicable to work. The instructors are knowledgeable experts, and the course structure is generally well-organized with helpful quizzes. However, some students noted that while the initial Protozoans section is very in-depth, later modules felt less detailed. The lecture style was sometimes found dry or inconsistent in audio quality, and the final exam is frequently described as challenging, requiring memorization of specific details. Overall sentiment is highly positive.
Protozoans module very deep, later modules less so.
"Some of the later modules felt a bit rushed compared to the first one [Protozoans]."
"Informative course with great depth in some areas. Protozoans section is excellent. Later sections like Nematodes seemed less detailed."
"The depth of coverage on protozoans like malaria is impressive."
Well-organized modules with helpful quizzes.
"A solid introduction to tropical parasitology... Quizzes were fair..."
"Highly relevant and well-structured course... The blend of lectures and readings worked well."
"The quizzes are good for checking understanding."
"The focus on different parasite groups is systematic and thorough."
Covers life cycles, epidemiology, treatment.
"Excellent and comprehensive course! The content covered a lot of ground, from life cycles to clinical manifestations."
"Fantastic course material. The explanations were detailed and relevant to current disease control efforts."
"Highly relevant and well-structured course for public health professionals... integrated epidemiology with pathophysiology."
"Provides a strong foundation. The material is relevant to current public health challenges."
Directly applicable to work and research.
"Highly recommended for anyone in public health or medical fields."
"This course significantly enhanced my understanding for my work in global health."
"Loved this course! As someone working in a tropical region, the information was directly applicable."
"Outstanding! This course provided me with a foundational understanding of tropical parasitology needed for my research."
Clear for some, dry or inconsistent for others.
"The lectures were clear and easy to follow."
"Good overview, but sometimes felt a bit dry. While the information is valuable, I struggled to stay engaged with the lecture style."
"Occasionally the audio quality in some lectures was a bit low."
"The content is comprehensive but the presentation isn't always the most dynamic. Some videos are a bit dry."
Requires memorization of specific details.
"Quizzes were fair, but the final exam was quite challenging, covering very specific details."
"The final exam required memorizing many specific parasite names and life cycle stages, which felt excessive."
"The final exam is quite difficult, requiring a lot of memorization."
"The final exam is tough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases with these activities:
Review Malaria Vectors
Reviewing Malaria Vectors will help you build a strong foundation for Protozoans Cluster
Browse courses on Malaria
Show steps
  • Review the Malaria Vectors video lecture
  • Read the Malaria Vectors section of the course notes
  • Take the Malaria Vectors quiz
Complete Practice Quizzes on Cestodes
Practice quizzes will help you reinforce your understanding of Cestodes
Show steps
  • Take the Cestodes quiz 1
  • Take the Cestodes quiz 2
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice
Protozoan quizzes
Take multiple quizzes to test your understanding of the different protozoan diseases covered in the course.
Browse courses on Malaria
Show steps
  • Review the course materials on protozoan diseases.
  • Take each quiz and carefully read the questions and answer choices.
  • Review your answers and identify any areas where you need further study.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review Protozoa Life Cycles
Reviewing protozoan life cycles will solidify your understanding of the material covered in this cluster and help you better grasp the complexities of these organisms and their impact on human health.
Browse courses on Malaria
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on protozoan life cycles.
  • View the video lecture on protozoan life cycles.
  • Take notes on the key concepts of protozoan life cycles.
  • Create a diagram of a protozoan life cycle.
Case study: Neurocysticercosis diagnosis
Follow a guided tutorial that walks you through the process of diagnosing neurocysticercosis, a common parasitic infection of the nervous system.
Show steps
  • Read the tutorial materials on neurocysticercosis diagnosis.
  • Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the diagnosis.
  • Review the results and compare them to the expected outcomes.
Learn Advanced Techniques for Diagnosing Parasitic Diseases
Advanced diagnostic techniques will help you better understand the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases
Browse courses on Parasitology
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on advanced diagnostic techniques for parasitic diseases
  • Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises
  • Apply the techniques you learned to a case study
Cestode and Trematode Quiz Practice
This practice quiz will allow you to check your comprehension of the key concepts related to cestodes and trematodes and ensure that you're keeping up with the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on cestodes and trematodes.
  • View the video lecture on cestodes and trematodes.
  • Take the practice quiz on cestodes and trematodes.
Nematode Case Study Tutorial
In this tutorial, you will explore a real-world case study involving nematode infections, allowing you to apply your knowledge to a practical context and enhance your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Read the case study description.
  • Follow the guided tutorial to work through the case study.
  • Discuss your findings with a classmate or mentor.
Ectoparasite Research Project
Conducting a research project on ectoparasites will allow you to delve deeper into the fascinating world of these pests and their impact on human health, showcasing your research capabilities.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific ectoparasite to research.
  • Gather information about the ectoparasite's biology, life cycle, and transmission.
  • Investigate the clinical manifestations of ectoparasite infestations.
  • Create a presentation or written report on your research findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Parasitologist
Parasitologists research parasites. Typically, this role requires a PhD to enter the field. A course in Tropical Parasitology may help build a foundation for someone who aspires to be a Parasitologist. The research in the course on the life cycles of parasites, vectors of transmission, and pathophysiology of parasites can jumpstart a career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Parasitologist
Medical Laboratory Scientist
A Medical Laboratory Scientist performs laboratory tests on specimens, such as blood and tissue. Medical Laboratory Scientists typically have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A course on Tropical Parasitology can help build a foundation in Parasitology for a future Medical Laboratory Scientist, as this course teaches the various ways parasites affect humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Laboratory Scientist
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare practitioners who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians. Though Physician Assistants typically need to graduate with a Master's degree, a course in Tropical Parasitology can jumpstart their education in the field. This course teaches various ways parasites affect humans, including the pathophysiology and clinical manifestation of parasites.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant
Clinical Research Associate
A Clinical Research Associate is responsible for managing clinical trials. Though this role requires a bachelor's degree, a course covering Tropical Parasitology can help create a foundation for this role. The course teaches the various ways diseases spread and infect humans. This would provide an excellent basis for someone working on the management team of clinical trials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Associate
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians conduct tests and experiments in laboratories. A course on Tropical Parasitology can help build a foundation for future Laboratory Technicians. This course teaches the various ways parasites can affect humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Typically, a Master's degree is required for entry into the field. A course in Tropical Parasitology can jumpstart an education in this field. The course dives into the research of parasites and the disease that they transmit to humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physicians prevent, diagnose, and treat infections. A course on Tropical Parasitology may be useful for someone looking to become an Infectious Disease Physician. The course teaches various ways parasites infect and affect humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Infectious Disease Physician
Research Scientist
Research Scientists solve problems by conducting tests and experiments. Parasitology courses can help build a foundation for someone looking to be a Research Scientist. This course specifically teaches the researcher how parasites infect and affect humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care. A course on Tropical Parasitology may be useful to someone looking to become a Registered Nurse, as it can help build a foundation for treating patients with parasitic diseases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs. Typically, this role requires a bachelor's degree, though for some positions a Master's degree may be required. A course on Tropical Parasitology may be useful for someone looking to be a Public Health Educator. This is because it teaches various ways parasites affect humans, including the epidemiology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Veterinarian
Veterinarians prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals. Though becoming a Veterinarian requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a course in Tropical Parasitology may be useful for someone interested in the field. This is because it teaches about parasites and their impact on animals and humans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian
Health Educator
Health Educators develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs. A course in Tropical Parasitology may be useful for someone looking to enter the field of Health Education since it focuses on human diseases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific and technical information to the public. A course in Tropical Parasitology can be useful for someone looking to be a Science Writer. This course teaches about the causes, distribution, and epidemiology of disease, giving writers the knowledge base they need to understand and report on the complex topic of disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists investigate the relationship between the environment and human health. A course in Tropical Parasitology may be useful to someone in Environmental Health Science. The course focuses on the epidemiology of parasites and human diseases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. Typically, this role requires a Master's degree. A course on Tropical Parasitology may be useful for someone who wants to be an Epidemiologist, as it provides a basis for the study of disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases.
Cover image
Infectious Diseases E-Book
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of tropical diseases, including their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers in the field of tropical medicine.
Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases E-Book
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Essentials of Medical Microbiology
Save
This textbook provides comprehensive coverage of the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of human parasites. It includes chapters on protozoa, worms, and ectoparasites, and valuable resource for students and practitioners of parasitology.
Essentials of Medical Microbiology
Paperback
$$$
Essentials of Medical Microbiology
Kindle Edition
$$
Essentials of Medical Microbiology
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Biogeography
Save
Provides a detailed overview of protozoan parasites, their biology, and their impact on human health. It useful reference for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of parasitology.
Biogeography
Paperback
Check
Biogeography
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Predators with Pouches
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of helminth parasites, their biology, and their impact on human health. It useful reference for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of parasitology.
Predators with Pouches: The Biology of Carnivorous...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Medical Parasitology
Save
This textbook provides an accessible introduction to medical parasitology. It is written in a clear and concise style, and includes numerous illustrations and clinical examples.
Medical Parasitology: A Self-Instructional Text
Paperback
$$$
Medical Parasitology: A Self-Instructional Text
Paperback
$$$$
Medical Parasitology: A Self-Instructional Text
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Rosen's Emergency Medicine - Concepts and Clinical...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of ectoparasites, their biology, and their impact on human health. It useful reference for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of parasitology.
Rosen's Emergency Medicine - Concepts and Clinical...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of taeniasis and echinococcosis, including their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers in the field of parasitology.
Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Neotropical Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae)
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of ectoparasites in veterinary medicine, including their biology, epidemiology, and control. It valuable resource for veterinarians and animal health professionals.
Neotropical Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae):...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Tropical Infectious Diseases: Principles, Pathogens...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, pathogens, and practice of tropical infectious diseases. It includes chapters on protozoa, worms, and ectoparasites, and valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Tropical Infectious Diseases: Principles, Pathogens...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Fasciolosis, 2nd Edition
Save
Provides detailed information about the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of fasciolosis. It valuable reference tool for parasitologists and other researchers.
Fasciolosis
Hardcover
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Tropical Parasitology: Protozoans, Worms, Vectors and Human Diseases.
Advanced Rust Programming
Most relevant
Introduction to R: Basic R syntax
Most relevant
C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and...
Most relevant
Calculus through Data & Modeling: Precalculus Review
Most relevant
Linear Algebra for ML and Analytics Training
Most relevant
Blood Film Morphology - A Practical Guide
Most relevant
Malaria parasite detection using ensemble learning in...
Most relevant
Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation
Most relevant
A-Level Maths: Mechanics (Year 1 / AS)
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
8 weeks, 3-7 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institutions
Duke University
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Instructors
Franklin Mosha, Ph.D.
Mramba Nyindo, Ph.D.
John A. Bartlett, M.D.
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines a range of human parasitic diseases, including malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis
Explores the vectors of transmission, distribution, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases
Investigates diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control strategies for parasitic diseases
Taught by faculty from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College in Tanzania and Duke University, who have expertise and experience in tropical parasitic diseases
Involves a mix of media, including videos, readings, discussions and quizzes, providing a diverse learning experience
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Tropical Parasitology.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser