Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Vector Biology and Vector-Parasite Interactions
Module code
3166
Module Organisers
Dr Mark Rowland and Dr Matthew Rogers
Contact email
Mark.Rowland@lshtm.ac.uk or Matthew.Rogers@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Parasitic; Malaria; Zoonotic diseases; Disease vectors; Pathogens (including
ecology); Biomedical sciences/disciplines; Research (in general); Laboratory
science (including quality assurance); Communication (oral, written);
International/global.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To provide students with a broad understanding of the key aspects of insect
vector behaviour, vector ecology and vector-parasite interactions relevant to
the epidemiology and control of vector-borne diseases.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of vector
behaviour, vector ecology and vector-parasite interactions;
Demonstrate an understanding of how these features impact on the
epidemiology and control of vector-borne diseases;
Apply a range of practical entomological techniques and tools used in
research on vector competence and ecology;
Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the relevant scientific
literature;
Demonstrate some of the skills required to design a research project
related to vector biology or competence.
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Target audience
This module is intended primarily for entomologists and parasitologists who
wish to develop an active research interest in this discipline in field or
laboratory, or apply it within the context of a control programme.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Vector nutrition;
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Blood-feeding behaviour;
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Host seeking and selection;
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Anthropophily and zoophily;
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Endophily-exophily;
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Sugar feeding behaviour;
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Dispersal and learning;
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Sexual (mating) behaviour and pheromones;
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Vector saliva;
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Larval competition;
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Serology;
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Seasonality and diapause;
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Circadian activity rhythms and the gonotrophic cycle;
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Genetic and physiological determinants of vector competence and vectorparasite specificity;

Effects of parasites on vector behaviour, survival and parasite
transmission;
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Host-parasite interactions with reference to mosquitoes and Plasmodium,
sandflies and Leishmania, blackflies and Onchocerca, ticks and viral
pathogens.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Outline materials, handbooks, and scientific papers will be provided to
students.
Teaching and learning
methods
Teaching will include formal lectures by specialists in each field, many with
associated laboratory practicals; small group work for developing research
proposals on selected topics related to the course. Visits will be made to
research institutions working on vector behaviour and host-parasite
interactions.
Assessment details
Short test of multiple choice questions on the module (33%); written
presentation of a research proposal in the form suitable to submit to a named
grant funding agency (67%).
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be a multiple choice test (based on reserve questions) and to
produce a new project proposal on a different subject.
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Assessment dates
Assessment dates TBC.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment date will be the standard School-recommended date in
mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week, from Wednesday lunchtime
to Friday afternoon.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 24 February 2015 and finish
on Friday 25 March 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot D2.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:

Contact time ≈ 40 hours

Directed self-study ≈ 30 hours

Self-directed learning ≈ 40 hours

Assessment, review and revision ≈ 40 hours.
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
Some basic knowledge is assumed (e.g. contents of Parasitology and
Entomology (3122) in term 1).
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 10-15 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students, particularly those registered
for MEDiC, MP, CID, PHDC, MBID, One Health or who have taken 3122 Core
Entomology and Parasitology, and LSHTM research degree students. Other
applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a place in the order
applications are received, until any cap on numbers is reached.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module.
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Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. All applications should be submitted at the latest 8 weeks prior to the
start of the module. Formal registration will take place on the morning of
the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16.
Last revised: 28 June 2014 by Mark Rowland and Matthew Rogers. Minor amendments 20 July 15 SDB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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