CORE123 Fenomén parazitismu

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Eva Řehulková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Andrea Vetešníková Šimková, PhD. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Eva Řehulková, Ph.D.
Department of Botany and Zoology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Eva Řehulková, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Botany and Zoology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Tue 18:00–19:50 B11/132
Prerequisites (in Czech)
!TYP_STUDIA(ND) && !FORMA(C) && (!PROGRAM(B-UCB) && !PROGRAM(B-UCC) && !PROGRAM(B-UCF) && !PROGRAM(B-UCM) && !PROGRAM(B-UCZ) && !PROGRAM(B-LGM) && !PROGRAM(B-EMB) && !PROGRAM(B-EKB))
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 100 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 88/100, only registered: 3/100, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/100
Course objectives
The concept of the course is based on the theoretical deepening of knowledge about parasitism, which is considered to be the predominant form of life on Earth. The course examines parasitism from many perspectives, from biological and ecological, evolutionary, medical, historical, and artistic. It presents parasites not only as potential threats, but also as fascinating organisms that are key components of ecosystems and catalysts for evolution. Emphasis is placed on integrating the latest scientific knowledge about the relationships between parasites and their hosts in the context of ecological and evolutionary biology. It does not neglect the diversity of parasites and their adaptations to the parasitic way of life, including the impact on host phenotype and behaviour. Hosts are likened to islands populated by parasites, among which a constant evolutionary and individual arms race is underway. The lecture series concludes with a positive view of parasites, highlighting their ecological, evolutionary and medical-economic benefits. The course aims to develop students' academic skills (interpretation, comparison, critical thinking) in biological and non-biological disciplines in areas related to parasitism. Proper awareness is also the most effective tool for eliminating unfounded fears about parasites perpetuated in contemporary society.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will be able to explain basic parasitological concepts and understand the principles of ecological and evolutionary parasitology, including coevolutionary mechanisms and the Red Queen hypothesis, describe the relationship between parasite and host including host specificity, phenotypic and behavioral changes of the host, defense mechanisms and the influence of parasites on host reproductive strategies, characterize the main groups of parasites (prions, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, arthropods) and identify their important representatives in terms of biology and adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle, interpret major human parasitic infections from historical, contemporary and epidemiological perspectives, analyze the impact of climate, migration and globalization on the spread of parasites and predict possible new threats, provide examples of the use of parasites in human medicine and explain the importance of parasite conservation for biodiversity, and discuss cultural and societal aspects of parasitism, including their inclusion in human diet, symbolism, and representation in art and popular culture.
Syllabus
1. Parasitism as a dominant form of existence on our planet – definitions of parasitism from biological–ecological, medical, and social perspectives; relationships between organisms and parasitism as a form of symbiosis; strategies and types of parasitism. 2. Origin and evolution of parasitism – transition from free-living to parasitic organisms; evolution of complex life cycles; regressive evolution; coevolutionary arms race between parasite and host and the Red Queen hypothesis. 3. Parasite and host – two sides of one relationship: definition and classification of parasites and hosts; host specificity; parasite adaptations and host manipulation; effects of parasites on host phenotype and sexual selection; host defense mechanisms. 4. Prions and viruses – acellular parasites at the edge of life: classification, biology, and important representatives. 5. Bacteria – prokaryotic parasites: classification, biology, and important representatives. 6. Protozoa – unicellular eukaryotic parasites: classification, biology, and important representatives. 7. Helminths – multicellular parasites: classification, biology, and important representatives. 8. Arthropods – parasites and disease vectors: classification, biology, and important representatives. 9. Paleoparasitology and the history of human parasitic infections – methods and significance of the field (coprolites, mummies, archaeological finds, ancient DNA); prehistory and antiquity (impact of the transition to agriculture); the Middle Ages and early modern period (role of hygiene, wars, and urbanization); modern era. 10. Parasites in a changing world – impact of climate, migration, and globalization on the spread of parasites; current occurrence and emerging threats of parasites in the Czech Republic. 11. Parasites in medicine and nature – from treatment to conservation: use of parasites in medicine and biotechnology (helminth therapy, parasitic molecules, models for studying immunity and evolution); conservation of parasites and their role in biodiversity. 12. Parasites in culture and society – from the table to art: parasites as part of human diet in different cultures and historical periods, examples of traditional delicacies and their nutritional value, health risks and ethical issues associated with consumption; symbolism of parasites in human society and their representation in art (literature, visual arts, popular culture).
Teaching methods
Teaching will include verbal and demonstration methods, using PowerPoint presentations. These will emphasise high quality visual material such as microphotographs and video sequences. At the same time, lectures will be updated with the latest findings in the field, but will remain accessible to students outside the discipline.
Assessment methods
The final assessment is a colloquium, which will take the form of a written test with closed questions.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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