PATH * 3040 – Principles of Parasitology W (3-3) [0.50]

Parasitism is the most common biological association on the planet; virtually all organisms are parasitized by numerous parasites and many, such as the protists that cause malaria, are responsible for serious medical and/or veterinary diseases. This course will provide an in depth introduction to parasites and parasitism by exploring common protists, helminths and arthropods that infect animals and humans globally. The nature of parasitism will be explored by examining the development and transmission of many common parasitic agents, including their pathogenesis, zoonotic potential, diagnosis and treatment options.


Posted By : chelsea
Posted On : May 14, 2012

Is the textbook recommended by the student? No
Did the student enjoy the professor? Yes
Professor : Foster

Comment :
If you get a hold of copies of the midterms you can do fairly well. I would also suggest just reading the supplementary notes and not the lecture slides.
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Posted By : E
Posted On : April 20, 2012

Is the textbook recommended by the student? No
Did the student enjoy the professor? No
Professor : Foster

Comment :
I took this class thinking that Foster would be the best prof in the world, because that was what I was told. But I didn't seem to enjoy him as much as everyone else did. Sure, he has his funny moments, but that's bound to happen when you spend 20 minutes of every 50 minute lecture telling stories. He legit told a story about scraping the side of his face for 20 minutes... His first exam (multiple choice) isn't bad at all. The second midterm and final are tough because it's short answer and everything has a very specific answer in mind. If you don't know exactly what he wants you to write, it's impossible to get full marks on a question (or even close to it). There is no textbook, you can download the course notes online. Focus more on the lecture slides though, and take good notes. Not that there is much to write down, because he seriously doesn't do anything but tell stories.
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Posted By : Anonymous
Posted On : April 19, 2012

Is the textbook recommended by the student? No
Did the student enjoy the professor? Yes
Professor : John Barta

Comment :
Great class. A strong stomach is probably a good thing to have though as there are a lot of pictures and dead specimens. There is no textbook but there are about 300 pages of course notes that are strongly suggested to have printed for labs and study purposes. Barta is a very good teacher with a vast wealth of information and stories. The labs are not mandatory and do not have a marked portion but I recommend going to them as they help to reinforce lecture material and you get to see dead, and sometimes alive, specimens. Exams are tough but fair. Course has one midterm, a lab final and a final exam.
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Posted By : Anonymous
Posted On : March 6, 2012

Is the textbook recommended by the student? No
Did the student enjoy the professor? Yes
Professor : Dr. Barta

Comment :
Fantastic class, especially if you are headed in the Medical/Veterinary direction. The prof is funny, knowledgeable and has good stories. Not for the faint of stomach, and may quash dreams of traveling to the tropics.... Also, I would highly recommend going to labs, although they are not marked and not mandatory. There isn't a textbook, but do print the course notes.
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