Curricular Unit:			Code:
Parasitological Diagnosis			908DPAR
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Clinical Microbiology	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
It is intended that the student acquires knowledge and competences, scientific and technical, which enable it to properly process clinical samples for laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections and identify the main parasites etiological agents of infection in humans. The student should be able to identify parasites by using classic, immunological or molecular biology methods, as well as interpret the results and integrate them in a broader context, relating them with other analytical results.
Syllabus:
1. General concepts on laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections: - Clinical samples for parasitological diagnosis - Collection, transport and processing of clinical samples - Laboratory diagnostic methods: direct detection of helminths and protozoans by microscopy, antigen screening, or molecular biology techniques; serology; reference to other methods - Biosafety 2. Laboratory diagnosis of intestinal infections caused by parasites 2.1 General considerations 2.2 Processing of clinical samples 2.3 Identification of the etiologic agent 3. Laboratory diagnosis of urogenital infections caused by parasites 3.1 General considerations 3.2 Processing of clinical samples 3.3 Identification of the etiologic agent 4. Laboratory diagnosis of vascular and/or tissue infections caused by parasites 4.1 General considerations 4.2 Processing of clinical samples 4.3 Identification of the etiologic agent 5. Laboratory identification of arthropods of medical importance
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
Consistency between syllabus and objectives of the curricular unit is reflected by the oriented acquisition of scientific and technical knowledge in different methodologies used in parasitological diagnosis and its application to practical cases. Students will be encouraged to make a critical evaluation of situations, make decisions and develop either autonomy or teamwork. The practical-laboratory component ensures the achievement of learning objectives.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Classes will be of theoretical-practical and practical-laboratory nature. In these classes will be carried out experimental works that will enable students to learn how to process clinical samples for the laboratory diagnosis of infections of parasitological origin. The identification of various parasites with clinical relevance for humans will be carried out by microscopy. When appropriate, will be applied and/or addressed other methodologies for laboratory identification of parasites (immunological methods, molecular biology) and analyzed clinical cases. The evaluation of the curricular unit will take into consideration the following: i) the execution of two laboratory frequencies; ii) individual work, explanatory presentations of the work to be carried out, application of acquired knowledge to already known situations, and interpretation and discussion of results, which will be guided by the teacher.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the curricular unit, as they seek to provide students with knowledge in the field of laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections. With the practical and laboratory classes is intended that the student acquires competences to enable the practical application of acquired knowledge. The laboratory identification of parasites will be accompanied by discussion of their life cycle to better integration of knowledge and development of reasoning and critical thinking. The analysis and resolution of clinical cases allow the consolidation of acquired knowledge, stimulate reflection and critical thinking, and reinforce the acquisition of competences.
Reading:
Ash, L., Orihel, T. (2010). Atlas de Parasitologia Humana. 5ª ed. Editorial Medica Panamericana. ISBN 9789500601283 Bogitsh, B. J., Carter, C. E, Oeltmann, T. N. (2013). Human Parasitology. 4th edition. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-415915-0 Garcia, L. S. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook- Volume 2. 3rd edition. ASM Press, 2010. 978-1-55581-527-1 Jorgensen, J. H., Pfaller, M. A., Carroll, K. C., Funke, G., Landry, M. L., Richter, S. S., Warnock, D. W. 2015. Manual of Clinical Microbiology - Volume 2. 11th edition. ASM Press. ISBN 9781555817374