Wildlife Parasitology

When?: 2nd - 8th June 2012
Where?: Kindrogan Field Centre, Perthshire
Course Leaders?: Dr Jerry Sternberg & Dr Les Noble

Parasitism is to be found all around us and we (humans living in the developed world) are exceptional in generally not harboring a diverse parasite fauna. This course will introduce you to the diversity and exquisite complexity of host-parasite relationships in our indigenous wildlife. A central theme will be understanding life cycles and transmission strategies, and for this reason much of our time will be spent in the field, observing, identifying and collecting hosts and intermediate host species. These will include fish, small mammals, amphibia and invertebrates. In the laboratory we will discover where parasites reside in the host, and explore the characteristics of the main groups of parasitic worms and protozoa.

Kindrogan Field Centre is situated in Strathardle, between Pitlochry and Blairgowrie. Lying on the Highland fringe, there is easy access to a wide range of habitats. The Centre offers comfortable accommodation, and is fully catered. It has good lab facilities, and an excellent natural history library.

Transport will be by bus from Aberdeen.

Student contribution: tbc

School of Biological Sciences
University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ

Tel: +44 (0)1224-272861 - Fax: +44 (0)1224-272396
Email: bioscience@abdn.ac.uk