(Recorded Course) The Parasites: Living with Us with MacBeth Derham

Welcome to the secret world of parasites, the creatures which live on—and inside—us and our companion animals. In this course, you will take a close look at arthropods, annelids, and the internal parasites which occupy our bodies, sometimes without us even noticing. And, you’ll find the answer to the big question: What’s in it for us?

How to get the most out of The Parasites: Living with Us with MacBeth Derham:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 12

Duration: 45 minutes per class

Prerequisite: None (though a strong stomach may be helpful)

Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade

Suggested credit: One full semester Life Science. For a full year credit, follow with Pinnipeds, Polar Bears, and Playful Otters in the spring semester.

Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Instructor Email: macbethderham@gmail.com

Course description: A look at the anatomy and physiology of common external and internal parasites of humans and animals. Life cycles and epidemiology, as well as medicines and pesticides will be considered. Warning: There may be graphic images of parasites and infected individuals in the PowerPoint.

Course outline:

Class 1: Introduction

Class 2: What lives inside cells?

Class 3: Good germ/bad germ: Our gut bacteria

Class 4: Worms 1: Pin worms and tape worms

Class 5: Worms 2: Round, whip, and hook worms

Class 6: Mosquitos and malaria

Class 7: Microcosm on our skin

Class 8: Fleas and lice

Class 9: Ticks and mites

Class 10: Leeches and maggots

Class: 11 Weird parasitic fungi

Class: 12 Parasites as medicine?

Course materials: Articles as posted by the instructor (FREE).

Homework: Light reading as posted. There will be weekly computer-graded quizzes for immediate feedback.