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/index.ht
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology
Module code
3143
Module Organiser
Claire Rogers and Debbie Nolder
Contact email
Claire.Rogers@lshtm.ac.uk; Debbie.Nolder@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, Worm infections, Laboratory science (including quality
assurance), Communication (oral and written)
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
The main aim is to introduce modern methods in use and under development
for the laboratory diagnosis of the important parasitic diseases of man for
clinical and epidemiological purposes. The module also provides opportunities
to evaluate the potential applications of these methods in developing and
developed countries, and to improve and refine diagnosis by microscopical
methods.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:


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Target audience
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the application and
evaluation of advanced diagnostic techniques;
Compare the organisation and management of laboratories in resource rich
and resource poor settings;
Demonstrate increased ability to diagnose parasites by microscopy.
This module is designed for those who have either taken the Parasitology &
Entomology (3122) module in Term 1 or have extensive practical experience in
diagnostic parasitology. This module is intended for those expecting to
specialise in diagnostic parasitology, monitoring control programmes or in the
development of novel diagnostic techniques
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):

Laboratory management and good practice;

Principles of test evaluation;

Constraints on accuracy and applicability of tests;

Economic considerations;

Reagent supply and test development;

Microscopy;

Immuno-assays for antibody and antigen;

Western blots;

ELISA;

Immuno-fluorescence and other immunoassays;

Nucleic acid techniques in diagnosis;

Principles of probe and primer design;

Polymerase and ligase chain reaction;

Culture-based diagnosis.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Materials, handbooks, readers etc. are provided for students, along with access
to laboratory facilities and specimens for revision and self assessment during
the module.
Teaching and learning
methods
The module is designed to encourage maximum participation by students, who
will be able to share their own specialised knowledge with the rest of the class.
Each student will make one small group PowerPoint presentation with other
members of the class on a given topic, which will usually be the laboratory
based diagnostic methods for a particular parasitic infection.. This will not be
assessed, but will be part of the learning process for all members of the class.
The time balance is 30% lectures/discussions, 35% presentations, 35%
practical work.
Assessment details
Assessment will be by practical examination comprising of the diagnosis of
clinical specimens and answering of questions related to the diagnosis made.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be a laboratory practical examination as above.
Assessment dates
Assessment will take place on the last day of the module
For students who are required to re-sit, or who are granted a deferral or new
attempt, the next assessment deadline will be the standard Schoolrecommended date in mid/late September 2016
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
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TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Wednesday lunchtime and Friday afternoon.
Dates
For 2014-15, the module will start on Wednesday 13 January 2016 and finish
on Friday 12 February 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot C2.
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 ≈ 48 hours

Directed self-study ≈ 24 hours

Self-directed learning ≈ 40 hours

Assessment, review and revision ≈ 38 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
Students must have already either taken the Parasitology & Entomology (3122)
module in Term 1; or have extensive practical experience in the laboratory
diagnosis of parasitic infections; or have proof of having taken a course or
study unit in medical parasitology at undergraduate level or above.
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 16 – 20 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students 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.
Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next time the
module is run.
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 but, as places are limited, early application is recommended. All
applications should be submitted by at 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 2014-15
Last revised 4 July 2014 by Claire Rogers. Minor amendments SDB 20th July 15
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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