BIOL 580KParasites and Zombies

Catalog

In this seminar, we will explore the physiological mechanisms that underlie the manipulation of a host's behavior by a parasitic invader. We will read primary literature on a variety of host-parasite relationships to see what is known and what questions remain to be answered about how a parasite alters a host's nervous system to cause it to change its behavior. There will be some lecture time covering background information on the host's and parasite's physiology, but most of the class will be composed of student led discussions and reports. Students are expected to present and lead at least two discussions on a paper of their choice, and research and write a paper on a topic of their choice. Students are also expected to read the papers chosen by their peers and participate in discussions. Prerequisites: BIOL 113 (or 118) AND BIOL 114 (and 117)