Biology and Control of Vector-Borne Parasites

IID 250 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This advanced readings course focuses on a group of vector-borne parasitic protozoa and helminths that are responsible for the highest burden of disease in developing countries. Central themes in the biology of transmission, parasite-host interactions and opportunities for control will be covered in the framework of the unique biology of eukaryotic parasites including Plasmodium, Leishmania, trypanosomes and schistosomes. Weekly lectures from Harvard faculty and invited speakers will enhance critical readings of the current literature and student-led discussions, and will emphasize experimental approaches and mechanisms of parasitic infection from the perspective of molecular and cellular biology, genomics, and evolution. Final group presentations of short research proposals will be required. The primary course goal is for students to attain deep mechanistic understanding of select topics in vector-borne parasite biology and to be able to critically evaluate and explain to others the rationale and limitations of disease control measures.

The target audience for this course is early PhD students interested in parasite and vector biology as well as students in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ID-Epi) concentration or medical students. Other students are welcome but should contact the course director regarding prerequisites.

Pre-Requisites
Strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics; ability to critically read primary experimental literature. If you are unsure of your preparation for this class, please contact the course director.
The content of this course is complementary to IID201 but does not overlap; IID 250 will focus on biological/molecular aspects of parasitic disease control, whereas IID201 focuses primarily on epidemiological and programmatic aspects of parasitic disease control. IID201 is not a prerequisite for this course.