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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.

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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.
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Protozoans
We are excited to begin our Protozoa cluster, focusing on malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, and leishmaniasis. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, protozoal diseases contribute substantially to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. This cluster has a total of 153 minutes of video and 85 pages of reading spread out over the four lessons. Each lesson has all of the readings, lectures, and additional materials to help you understand the topic. You will have unlimited opportunities to take an untimed quiz after you’ve mastered the material in each lesson, and you have four quizzes to complete in this cluster. (Note: this cluster includes a case study practice quiz, ungraded, which is optional). This cluster kicks off with a close look at malaria vectors and the fascinating research being done on diagnosing, treating, and vaccinating against malaria. This is by far the largest cluster in the course, so you have up to 3 weeks to complete this cluster.
Cestodes
The Cestodes cluster focuses on taeniasis and echinococcosis. One example of their impact is neurocysticercosis, which is estimated as the leading cause of epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries. This cluster has a total of 41 minutes of video and 31 pages of reading spread out over two lessons. You will have unlimited opportunities to take an untimed quiz after you’ve mastered the material, and you have two quizzes to complete for this cluster. This cluster begins by looking at the acquisition, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of neurocysticercosis, a helminthic infection of the nervous system caused by Taenia solium.
Trematodes
The Trematodes cluster focuses on schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. It is estimated that almost 60 million people are infested with trematodes globally. This cluster has a total of 79 minutes of video and 31 pages of reading spread out over the two lessons. You will have unlimited opportunities to take an untimed quiz after you’ve mastered the material in each lesson, and you have two quizzes to complete for this cluster. This cluster begins by looking at schistosomiasis, a common intravascular infection caused by parasitic trematode worms in contaminated water.
Nematodes
The Nematodes cluster focuses on filariasis, ascariasis, hookworm, and strongyloidiasis. Nematode infestations may impact up to 185 million people in recent estimates of the global burden of disease. This cluster has a total of 90 minutes of video and 8 pages of reading spread out over four lessons. You will have unlimited opportunities to take an untimed quiz after you’ve mastered the material in each lesson, and you have four quizzes to complete for this cluster. This cluster kicks off by examining lymphatic filariasis and the fundamental need for compassion as a core value in global health practice.
Ectoparasites
We are now into our final cluster, Ectoparasites, focusing on fleas, ticks and mites, lice, and pathophysiology of infestation with ectoparasites. In addition to causing annoying symptoms on their own, ectoparasites may be important vectors of human disease. This cluster only contains one lesson (Ectoparasites) and has 30 minutes of video and 33 pages of reading. You will have unlimited opportunities to take an untimed quiz after you’ve mastered the material, and you have one quiz to complete for this cluster We begin by looking at how to prevent Lyme disease through protective measures, tick reduction, and various vaccines for humans, ticks, and even reservoirs.
Final Exam
The final exam is a graded 3-part exam, and each part includes information from all of the disease clusters covered throughout the course. The final exam consists of 45 questions, in total. You will have unlimited attempts for each part of the final exam, with the highest scoring attempt counting toward the course grade. The final exam will contribute 60% to your total course grade (with each part of the exam having a weight of 20%).

Good to know

Know what's good
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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

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Reviews summary

Tropical parasitology: disease vectors and human diseases - comprehensive guide

Learners say this course is an insightful and engaging guide to tropical parasitology. It covers protozoans, worms, vectors, and human diseases. The lectures, readings, and field trips provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The instructors are knowledgeable and the course is well-organized with clear deadlines and a certificate upon completion.
Focus on tropical parasitology
"it was great to have enroll for this course although it require thorough study , i was really taught about causes of many disease which it will be useful me in my future as a prospectus student in line of medicine !"
"It is a great course to know more about parasites and how they are around us."
"Create course . It helped me a lot reviewing my knowledge about Parasitology ."
Certificate upon completion
"thank you for this course. I have learnt very well."
"Thank youIt has been the most complicated, difficult and long course I have taken, but in the end in the exams, with the cases I think I understood the importance for public health."
"I loved the lectures by Dr Mramba Nyindo, Dr Jovin and team."
Clear deadlines, well-organized course
"This was a very well organized course!!!"
"A very very well structured course."
"very good course, I like the interview with the local doctors"
Knowledgeable and experienced instructors
"Excellent course, you will be able to learn from people that are diagnosing and treating patients with the diseases presented in the lessons."
"I have learnt a lot through this course. I am really thankful to coursera for offering this course. This will help me a lot in my future research. Thankyou"
"Amazing information for laboratory technologists."
In-depth look at parasitology, including field trips
"Very interesting course. Most of the course materials were interesting and appropriate, and the lectures comprehensible"
"The f​antastic and too much informative course for students"
"Very informative with practical examples. I enjoyed studying Tropical Parasitology."
Difficult to understand accents
"The course needs updating."
"i want to un enroll this course"
"I enjoyed doing this course. Is fine."
Difficult exams
"Give me certificate brcause I submitted finicial aid application "
"i am poor i do not have money to bay certificate please tell me thank you"
"The only drawback was that the lecturers just read the text of the slides."

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ectoparasites in veterinary medicine, including their biology, epidemiology, and control. It valuable resource for veterinarians and animal health professionals.
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.
Provides detailed information about the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of fasciolosis. It valuable reference tool for parasitologists and other researchers.

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