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MSc in Parasitology

Nermina - Parasitology MSc student 

The MSc programme in Parasitology focuses on the biology, prevalence and detection of parasites in animals and humans.


As a graduate from the MSc programme in Parasitology, you have knowledge about illnesses caused by parasites, for example malaria and schistosomiasis. And you have an insight into how social, geographical or climatic conditions may affect the transmission of parasites to animals and humans and their significance for health, production and welfare.

 

As a student on the MSc programme in Parasitology, you also learn about the dynamics and the interaction between parasite populations and between the parasite and its host.

You can, for example, study parasites in connection with organic domestic animal production.


The language of the study programme is English.

Read an interview with the student Nermina Vejzagic.

 

Content:
Admission requirements
Profile
Career opportunities
Structure
Teaching
Student life
Application
Contact

 

Admission requirements

To get admitted to the MSc programme in Parasitology, you must have a degree from a relevant BSc programme.

The following BSc programmes give direct access to the programme:

  • Natural Resources (core module course in Domestic Animal Science)
  • Animal Science

In addition, students with degrees in the following BSc programmes who have followed coursed on zoology, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry and statistics can apply for admission:

  • Biology-Biotechnology
  • Natural Resources (all core module courses)
  • Veterinary Medicine


Other BSC degrees in natural science and health science may also give access. Read more about the specific admission requirements here.

 

Admission requirements 

 

Profile

The MSc programme in Parasitology is about important parasites living on animals and humans. Parasites create serious problems, especially in many developing countries, so this is a chance to make a difference.

As a graduate from the MSc programme in Parasitology, you have competences which, among other things, enable you to:

 

  • Work with the pathological effect of parasites on their hosts and the problems this causes in respect of human and animal welfare.
  • Conduct, analyse and discuss practical research on parasites in both experimental and natural environments.
  • Participate in discussions about ethical and scientific issues in respect of animal testing in connection with disease research.

There is only one place in the whole of Scandinavia which runs the course – LIFE!

 

Career opportunities

Graduates from the MSc programme in Parasitology have ample and excellent opportunities for an exciting career:

 

  • Graduates educated in Parasitology have found jobs within research and education at universities and government research institutions
  • It is also possible to find work as a consultant within the food sector and the environmental field.
  • You can also work with biotechnological research in Denmark and abroad, for example within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Moreover, you can become a consultant with DANIDA, WHO and the UN’s food and agriculture organisation, FAO.

 

Structure

The MSc programme in Parasitology is taught in English and is targeted at both Danish and international students with a BSc in natural science.

The first year of study comprises four compulsory courses: Basic Parasitology, Human Parasitology, Parasitic Zoonoses and Animal Parasitology. The courses will give you comprehensive knowledge of and a good introduction to the subject area.

Specialisation options/elective subjects
You are free to choose the elective courses among the faculty’s courses as well as those at other universities in Denmark and abroad.

The elective courses help you to create your academic profile and specialisation.

The thesis concludes the programme and gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a specific subject.

For example, you can specialise within:

 

  •  Tropical parasites
  • Medical parasitology
  • Parasites in foods
  • Parasites in livestock production
  • Parasite zoonoses
  • The population biology of parasites

 

In the last year of the programme, you will concentrate on your thesis, and you gain the title Master of Science (MSc) in Parasitology (in Danish: cand.scient.).

The programme is organised as follows: 

 Year 1

Block 1

Basic Parasitology

Block 2 Human Parasitology Parasite Zoonoses
Block 3

 

Block 4 Animal Parasitology

 

 Year 2

Block 1
Block 2

 Thesis (45 point)

Block 3
Block 4

 

A block is 9 weeks long and equals 15 ECTS.

   

The dark fields are the compulsory courses
The medium-coloured field is the thesis
   The light fields are elective courses

 

 

Teaching on the MSc programme in Parasitology

Instruction is in the form of lectures, seminars, practical and theoretical exercises, and there will be a good deal of project work. You will be working both independently and in project groups.

The lecturers on the programme will make efforts to ensure that you will be working with the challenges which are also important outside the University’s walls. And there is a well-established collaboration with the business community that ensures excellent prospects for internships or project collaborations, providing you with a unique experience and a good network.

The programme also provides good opportunities for study stays abroad.

 

Student life

Student life at LIFE is absolutely unique – both with regard to the physical and the academic environment. The Gardens, which are part of the Frederiksberg Campus, are popular among both students and locals. In the summer months, you can drop by Café Væksthuset located in an old greenhouse for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a delicious sandwich.


As a student, you can join student clubs and societies of a more or less academic nature. Regardless of whether you are interested in choral singing, sports, the theatre or a special academic subject, there is a club for you.


The faculty has a large number of international students who contribute to the dynamic and exciting student life. You will also have plenty of opportunity to travel abroad in connection with your studies.


Would you like to hear from a student what it is like to study on the MSc programme in Parasitology at LIFE? Then you can read an interview with the student Nermina Vejzagic.

 

When and how can I apply?

Applicants with a BSc degree from Denmark must apply before 1 April to start the programme the following September.


Applicants from Scandinavia, the EU and Lichtenstein must apply before 1 April to start the programme the following September.


Applicants from countries outside Scandinavia and the EU must apply by 1 January to start the programme the following September.

 

Tuition Fees

Read more about application processestuition fees and scholarships.

 

Apply    Tuition fees    Scholarships 


 

Contact

You are always welcome to contact the faculty’s student counselling service, LIFE Student Services, if you have any questions about the programme, student life etc.


 

You can contact Student Services on tel. +45 3533 3533 or by email to .

 

Each spring, the faculty’s MSc programmes host open house events. At these events, you have the chance to meet directors of studies and students, who can tell you more about the programme.


Kirsten Jenlev , - last update:13 April 2012

 "Research in parasites can literally mean the difference between life and death for thousands of humans and animals"

 

- Nermina Vejzagic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Read the full interview with Nermina: Effective immunity to parasites could save lives




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