MSc Programme in Parasitology

The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 on bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in Danish Universities. The programme is under the Natural Sciences Study Board.

Graduation in the programme confers the Danish degree cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientarium) i Parasitologi. In English: Master of Science in Parasitology.

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1. 1 The programme’s objective

The purpose of the programme is to train graduates specialising in parasitology. On completing the programme, graduates will have a thorough knowledge of the key aspects of parasitology, including the biology of parasites and the diseases they cause, the principles of how they spread, methods of detecting and identifying parasites, their prevention and control, and how to use and critically interact with scientific literature. Graduates will further acquire an overview of the significance of parasites in ecosystems and of the importance of parasites for animal and human health. Extensive use of standard techniques from biotechnology, molecular biology and immunology is included in the programme.

1.2 The programme’s general profile

The form of instruction in the compulsory courses is mainly lectures combined with theoretical and practical exercises. The course Parasitological Methods aims to introduce the student to numerous methods, which will act as the starting point for further specialisation in methods in the subsequent thematic course and thesis. The thematic course (second semester) is centred on a group-based thematic project. In addition to lectures, the thematic course will offer colloquia and seminars, which will enable students to deepen their theoretical understanding across their respective thematic projects based on presentations on specific research projects and selected scientific articles. The thematic course will thus prepare students for their more individual degree project.

The programme has three major thematic specialisations:  

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

The programme is intended for students who wish to qualify for jobs in experimental laboratories or other research institutions, research administration, production and scientific communication as well as instruction. An international profile is ensured by such measures as having the instruction and the independent experimental and/or analytical thesis project in English.

1.4 The programme’s competence profile

Students will acquire scientific and methodological skills leading to a capacity to gather scientific information, work thematically and with a problem-based approach, apply specific knowledge and tools within biology, facilitate transfer of scientific knowledge to administrative institutions, conduct research in biotechnology, veterinary and human parasitology, design and apply disease prevention programmes, and analyse and develop tools for traceability of food-borne pathogens.

1.4.1 Competences within basic science

• A knowledge of concepts of parasitism in animals and humans and an understanding of biotic and abiotic factors of importance for the survival of parasites within and outside their hosts
• A knowledge of how parasites are transmitted, regulated and controlled in complex ecosystems
• A knowledge of the relationship between the nutritional status of hosts and parasitism, and the effects which a parasite has on its host. An understanding that malnutrition is facilitating parasitism
• An understanding of the basic principles of impact estimation and the prevention of veterinary and human parasitic diseases. The ability to transfer principles to new parasitological problems, which are encountered
• The ability to evaluate studies on parasitic diseases from different regions of the world. An understanding of the geographically variable impact of diseases caused by parasites, and that prevention and control differ accordingly
• A knowledge of parasitological, immunological and molecular methods available in experimental parasitology. An understanding of how to interpret various diagnostic methods
• The ability to evaluate limitations and possibilities of the techniques in new situations
• An understanding of the application of bioassays and the designing of animal experiments

1.4.2 Competences within applied science

• The ability to apply a range of parasitological, immunological and molecular methods available in experimental parasitology, and an understanding of how to apply parasitological tools to identify parasites from different systematic groups
• An understanding of the relevance of experimental models in relation to cases
• An understanding of basic rules and principles in parasitology and the ability to apply the principles to new situations
• A knowledge of how to apply ecological principles in planning experiments on parasites
• A understanding of the design of animal experiments and the application of bioassays
• The ability to identify and analyse biological characteristics of importance for the survival of food pathogens
• An understanding of the principles of food safety and risk analysis along the food chain

1.4.3 Competences within ethics and values

• An awareness of the pathogenic effects of parasites on their hosts and the problems in relation to animal and human welfare
• An understanding that disease control may have complications, which are not primarily related to cost, but to local cultural, religious             or dietary habits.
• A perception of the ethical and scientific problems related to animal experimentation within disease research
• The ability to evaluate cost-benefit relations in disease control in less favoured regions of the world

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

2.1 Content

The degree is awarded when the student has obtained at least 120 credits and the compulsory activities have been successfully completed.

Compulsory courses:

    240033      Parasite Systematics - 7.5 credits

    240034      Parasitic Zoonoses - 7.5 credits

    240035      Parasitological Methods - 15 credits

    240043      Thematic Course: Parasite Ecology - 22.5 credits

The programme concludes with a 45 credits thesis project. The thesis must include both theoretical and practical experimental work. The thesis may be associated with a parasitological problem in the student’s country of origin and may include fieldwork.

The compulsory courses (52.5 credits) and the thesis (45 credits) comprise the core subjects. Elective courses constitute 22.5 credits.

It is advised that the compulsory courses be taken in the above order.

The programme may include trainee service and study trips.

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and enrolment

3.1 Admission requirements

Admission to the Programme requires a BSc in Biology, Natural Resources, Veterinary Science or Natural Sciences with a knowledge of zoology, physiology and anatomy, biochemistry and statistics.

Other relevant degree programmes at university level with equivalent content may qualify applicants for admission.

3.2 Enrolment

Students are only admitted once a year with studies commencing on 1 September.

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available, the applicants will be evaluated individually by the Study Committee. The selection criteria among qualified applicants will include previous studies, including the composition of subjects studied, studies outside Denmark, relevant work experience and similar.