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Advanced Research Techniques in Parasitology

Develop proficiency in advanced research methodologies to effectively design and carry out a successful research project.

466 enrolled on this course

Shot of a young scientist using a microscope in a laboratory.

Advanced Research Techniques in Parasitology

466 enrolled on this course

  • 6 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Add new research methods to your toolkit

On this six-week course taught by expert researchers at the Universiti of Malaya, you’ll master new and cutting-edge research methods in parasitology.

From molecular diagnostics to genetic manipulation and spatial-temporal analysis, you’ll be armed with a toolbox of techniques for your next research project.

Take a deep dive into molecular diagnostics, in vitro blood-stage cultures, and genetic manipulation

After reviewing standard methodology and basic concepts in parasitology research, you’ll delve further into specific techniques and methods.

You’ll learn about the latest developments in molecular diagnostics, in vitro blood-stage culture analysis, and genetic manipulation, gaining practical guidance on applying the methods in your own research.

Learn how to build a successful immunology research project

In the third week of the course, you’ll master the art of experiment design and execution, focusing specifically on immunology research.

You’ll compare a range of existing research projects, examining whether and how they meet their research objectives.

Discuss how spatial-temporal factors could influence your project

The course will conclude by investigating the role of spatial-temporal analysis in tropical disease research. You’ll gain an introduction to Geographical Information Systems, and reflect on how this data could inform experiment design.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to plan your next parasitology research project.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to advanced research techniques

    • Image close up hand start to study.

      Getting Started

      Hello and welcome!

    • Image of data management.

      Advanced research techniques

      Introduction to advanced research techniques

    • Image hand with laptop.

      Weekly wrap up

      Weekly wrap up

  • Week 2

    Molecular diagnostics: a revolution in progress

    • Photo close up of molecular structure model in hand

      Introduction to Molecular diagnostics

      Introduction to Molecular diagnostics

    • Photo medical staff with ppe suit test PCR

      Polymerase Chain Reaction

      Basic theory about PCR

    • Vector types of coronavirus rapid and pcr tests.

      Droplet Digital PCR

      Introduction to Droplet Digital PCR

    • Image of scientist lab

      Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method

      Introduction to Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method

    • Illustrator scientist people.

      Weekly Wrap up

      Weekly Wrap up

  • Week 3

    How to put together a good Immunology research?

    • Photo vaccination or revaccination concept two medical syringe on blue table

      Background & Introduction

      Immunology is a complex niche of medical knowledge. Properly designed research is required to tackle many questions in Immunology.

    • Free vector hand drawn case study illustration.

      Experiment designing

      Experiment designing

    • Free vector hand drawn illustrated business strategy.

      Execution

      Execution

    • Students discussion.

      Weekly Wrap up

      Weekly Wrap up

  • Week 4

    Plasmodium in vitro blood-stage culture: what are we missing?

    • Photo 3d illustration of human red blood cells.

      Plasmodium in vitro blood-stage culture: what are we missing?

      In this activity, you will be briefly introduced to Plasmodium as the causative agent for malaria, get a glimpse of how culture is done in the lab and explore the benefits of Plasmodium in vitro culture.

    • Woman uses micro telescope.

      Variation of in vitro Plasmodium culture

      Find out if all human Plasmodium species can be cultured in vitro and what are the differences between short term and continuous culture.

    • blood in a bottle.

      What do you need to start Plasmodium culture?

      Find out what is required to start Plasmodium blood stage culture.

    • Illustration of a man standing before a barrier.

      Obstacles in in vitro Plasmodium culture

      Culturing Plasmodium is not an easy task. Find out some of the main issues that may affect the parasite's growth.

    • Free photo group of happy friends student talking about knowledge in cafe.

      Weekly Wrap up

      Test how much you know and let's go through the major key points!

  • Week 5

    Genetic manipulation in parasitology: not just cut and pasted!

    • This is a filler image.

      What is CRISPR-Cas9?

      Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) is a simple and precise genome editing tool that can edit/repair DNA sequences in desired way.

    • diagram of CRISPR-Cas9

      How CRISPR-Cas9 works

      In this section, we will explain how CRISPR-Cas9 works, by identifying the target to be cut, and the DNA repair mechanisms.

    • CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

      CRISPR-Cas9 in Plasmodium sp.

      We will use malaria parasite, Plasmodium sp. as example in this section, to explain how CRISPR-Cas9 works on this deadly parasite.

    • Gene-editing scissor tools.

      CRISPR-Cas9 in other parasites and vectors

      CRISPR-Cas9 has been used in other parasites including protozoa (Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Cryptosporidium); helminths (Schistosoma, Strongyloides, Opisthorchis); and vectors (mosquito Aedes, sandfly Phlebotomus).

    • Photo students working together in library.

      Weekly Wrap up

      Let’s have some quick recap on what we have learnt over this week, and is time to check your understanding.

  • Week 6

    Spatial-temporal analysis in tropical diseases: its application for decision-making

    • Vector global online survey analysis

      Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS)

      Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS)

    • vector earth core structure composition

      What is a spatial data model?

      A spatial data model for GIS (Geographic Information System) is a specialized type of spatial data model that is designed to support the storage, analysis, and visualization of geographic data in a digital environment.

    • photo top view map on blue background

      What is spatial data analysis?

      What is spatial data analysis?

    • vector pandemic concept people studying virus

      How is GIS used in disease control and planning?

      How is GIS used in disease control and planning?

    • Close up students studying in group

      Weekly wrap

      Weekly wrap

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Apply principles in advanced molecular diagnostic, immunological, genetic, and GIS for research and diagnosis of parasitic infections.
  • Interpret experimental data of parasitic infections.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in parasitology. Having a foundation in parasitology or microbiology can enhance comprehension of the material, but it is not mandatory. It will be particularly valuable to students pursuing or interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the field.

Who will you learn with?

Yee Ling Lau

BSc, MMedSc, PhD
Department of Parasitology
Faculty of Medicine
Universiti Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

WENN CHYAU LEE

Wenn-Chyau Lee received his BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences from University of Malaya, Malaysia in 2011, and graduated with his PhD in Medical Sciences from University of Malaya in 2014.

Amirah Amir

MBBS (UM), PhD (UM), DTM&H (Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom)

Department of Parasitology
Faculty of Medicine
Universiti Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Fei Wen Cheong

Cheong Fei Wen obtained her Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Science (with distinction) from Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia in 2009. She passed her PhD with distinction from UM in 2015.

Romano Ngui

Dr Romano Ngui obtained undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the Universiti Malaya. He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya

Who developed the course?

University of Malaya logo

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Malaya is the premier research university in Malaysia, committed to advancing knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

  • Established

    1905
  • Location

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • World ranking

    Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 26 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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