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Parasitology

Program Description

Just the Facts

Parasitology. A program that focuses on the scientific study of biological organisms living in ecologically exploitative and competitive relationships with host organisms, and the role of parasites in causing injury, disease, and environmental damage. Includes instruction in vector biology, immunoparasitology, medical parasitology, molecular biology of parasitical associations, veterinary and comparative parasitology, chemotherapeutics, and ecological and systematic parasitology.

This program is available in these options:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Additional Information

Parasitology is the study of diseases that affect the immune systems of animals, plants and humans. A parasite clings to a host and is most often transmitted through insects. Parasitology students learn to detect diseases and develop vaccines to treat diseases.

Parasitology programs are offered at the graduate level. They require students to have an undergraduate degree in a related field, research experience and sometimes, professor recommendations.

"We look for well-rounded students, who possess [a] high GPA from their undergrad work and strong research interests," says Colleen Dunn, coordinator of biomedical graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

At the graduate level, students participate in a great deal more experiments and laboratories than lectures and classes.

"Our experimental parasitology laboratory is one of the few in North America where students work with live parasites," explains Mike Belosevic, a biological sciences professor.

Students should have a broad-based education in all the sciences and in mathematics. Computer skills and statistics are also important subjects for a parasitologist. As with any program or career, communication courses are essential for students to learn to express their ideas clearly and effectively.

There are many ways you can prepare for a parasitology program, both in high school and during your undergraduate program. Take all the math and science courses available. You can also get involved in hospitals, veterinary clinics and research facilities.

"Get experience doing summer internships with colleges or companies in labs," suggests Dunn.

Besides tuition and books, students can expect to pay lab fees.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Biological Scientists

U.S. National Parasite Collection
Canned parasites for your viewing

American Society of Parasitologists
Check out their career section

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


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