Parasitology Courses: Every living thing on Earth has at least one parasite associated with it that is dependent on that organism called as host for its nutrition. Parasites can be found both inside and outside of the body of their host and have a profound impact on that it. Thus, parasitology is the field of biology that studies these parasites and their interaction with their host. It is a dynamic field that studies the constantly changing relationship between the parasite and its host.
This field offers unlimited research opportunities and is subdivided into:
- Medical Parasitology
- Wildlife Parasitology
- Parasitology in pharmaceuticals
- Agricultural Parasitology
- Ecological Parasitology
- Immunoparasitology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Parasites
What does a Parasitologist do?
Parasitologists study parasites and their relationship with their host environment. They study their life cycles, reproduction, biology, infestation, and genetics. The actual job duties of a parasitologist vary with job position and specialization. Medical Parasitologists study the diseases caused by parasites, Agricultural Parasitologists research revolves around the effects on parasites on plants particularly those that are food resources for humans, Ecological Parasites focus on the systemic nature of parasites and their evolution, and Wildlife Parasitologists focus on safeguarding animals in their natural habitat.
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Parasitology Courses: Eligibility
- For Undergraduate degree: 10+2 in science stream with Biology as one the main subject with minimum 50-55% marks
- For Post-graduation: Bachelor’s degree in any relevant subject such as biology with minimum 55% marks in qualifying examination from a recognized college/ university with minimum 55% marks in the qualifying examination.
- For Ph.D.: Post-graduation degree in a relevant subject from a recognized college with a minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying examination.
- For M.D.: MBBS degree from a recognized college/university with a minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying examination.
- Some Universities give admission based on merit while some conduct their own entrance exams or accept the score of national level entrance exams.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Logical Thinking
- Excellent Analytical Skills
- Written and oral communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
- Knowledge of computer, mathematics, and statistics
List of Parasitology Courses
- M.Sc. in Parasitology (Agricultural/Veterinary/Medical)
- M.V.Sc. in Veterinary Parasitology
- Ph.D. in Parasitology
- M.D. in Parasitology
PARASITOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
- The life cycle of a parasite
- Helminthology
- Parasitological Techniques
- Trends in control of parasites
- Parasitic evolution
- Host-parasite interactions
- Immunoparasitology
- Parasites of zoo and wild animals
- Malacology
- Environmental parasitology
- Practical report
- Research work
- Parasite genetics
- Human parasitology
- Diagnostics of diseases caused by a parasite in humans, plants, and animals
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Best Parasitology Colleges in India
- Birsa Agricultural Research Institute, Ranchi
- Assam Agricultural University, Assam
- University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, West Bengal
- Jaipur National University, Rajasthan
Top Universities abroad offering Parasitology courses:
- John Hopkins University, USA
- University of Manitoba
- Yale University, USA
- University of Copenhagen, Netherlands
- University of London
- University of Salford, Manchester
Parasitology Job Prospects
- Food Industry
- Agricultural Industry
- Pharmaceutical Industries
- Clinical Laboratories
- Environmental Firms
- Universities
- Diagnostics laboratory
- Research laboratories
- Hospitals
- Veterinary hospitals
JOB PROFILE
- Pharmacist
- Animal epidemiologist
- Veterinary officer
- Veterinary doctor
- Professor
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Research advisor
- Research Developer
- Data Analyst
Following are the responsibilities of a parasitologist:-
- Isolate and maintain the cultures of the parasite in controlled laboratory conditions.
- Study the general characteristics of a parasite such a growth, structure, development, etc.
- Examine the physiological and morphological characteristics of a parasite using microscopy and other laboratory tools.
- Maintenance of laboratory pieces of equipment that are used to study parasites.
- Observe the actions of parasites on living tissues of animals, plants, and microbes and note the observations.
- Supervise other scientists.
- Prepare reports the research conducted and its outcomes.
- Supervise laboratory facilities.
- Designing of experiments.
- Data collection and analysis of research outcomes
- The field study of parasites.
Parasitology Courses: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the salary of a parasitologist?
Salary offered to a parasitologist depends upon the job position, level of degree, skills, and experience that the candidate has acquired. However, one can expect an average starting salary of up to INR 3 Lacs to INR 7 Lacs per annum.
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- Is earning a Ph.D. degree in parasitology courses beneficial?
Yes, earning a Ph.D. degree is beneficial as it is required for university faculty positions. It also enhances your opportunities to conduct research and to gain funding for research activities. It offers you a good job position with a handsome salary package.
- What type of jobs can I get after completing a master’s degree in parasitology courses?
After completing a master’s degree in parasitology you can work on primary research projects under a research advisor. You can also work as a data collector, lab supervisor, or as a lab assistant. If you want to work as a professor or want to conduct higher-level research then a doctorate degree is required.