Program

I .Graduate Education Program with Mannheim Medical College, Heidelberg University          

 In June 2009, our university and Mannheim Medical College, Heidelberg University reached an agreement on the master's education program of Translational Medicine. In July 2013, the two parties amended the communication agreement, which expanded the enrollment specialty to medical physics and public health. Since its implementation, the project has been warmly concerned and carefully cared by the two universities. Under this program specialist of Heidelberg University comes to our university every autumn to interview and assess the applicants one-on-one. In recent years, the comprehensive quality and professional ability of applicants in our university have been improved significantly. Thanks to this educational exchange program, our school has successively sent 62 graduates to Mannheim for graduate courses training in Translational Medicine, Medical Physics and Health Economics. After the completion of the graduate degree, students have the access to studying for MD or PhD; their research results have been published in world famous journals. Students under this program are recognized by the Scholarship Committee of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. Most of the students return to their alma mater after completing the doctoral program training. It plays a positive role in promoting the development of clinical work in universities and affiliated hospitals. Applicants are interviewed every October under this program and the admission will be issued in March next year.

II.      II. Exchange Program for Transfer Students with Heidelberg University           

  Since our university has reached European exchange project agreement on transfer students with Heidelberg University in January 2018, Heidelberg University has successively sent 4 medical students to our university for professional clinical education. Not only do the German students achieve education on clinical medicine itself, but also they learn traditional Chinese culture and humanistic education, reflecting the complementary, blending and recognition of Chinese and German culture. The corresponding communication fields of our university will contain clinician training and short-term education management training. The duration of this project is 3-12 months.

III.     III. EU Erasmus Educational Exchange Project With University of Murcia, Spain          

 Since our university has reached the agreement with Murcia University in 2015 and implemented EU Erasmus project, our university has successively selected 9 applicants to Murcia University for education and training for 1 to 5 months. At the same time, Murcia has sent three professors and two doctoral students to our school for education and scientific research cooperation. These educational exchanges and exchanges have promoted the progress and development of universities in education, scientific research, clinical and institutional management. The summary report for Erasmus project implementation from 2016 to 2019 has been submitted on September 11, 2019, which was well received by experts of EU project team.

IV. Summer Program for Transfer Students at University of Bedfordshire           

 Since our university has reached the agreement with University of Bedfordshire in March 2015, the two parties have sent 90 transfer students for summer courses. The exchange project involves curriculum and mode, traditional culture of both sides, observation of famous universities, museums, folk customs and local customs. The program is divided into spring and summer classes every year.

 V. Master Degree Program of School of Medicine, College of Health and Allied Sciences,  University of Cape Coast , Ghana

1.     Name of Institution: 

    School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast 

2.     Programme Title: 

    INFECTION AND IMMUNITY (IAI)

3.     Level of programme: 

    MPhil 

4.     History: 

    The Department of Microbiology is not oblivious of the challenges infectious diseases present globally. While developed countries are concerned about re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases, developing countries like Ghana are rather concerned with battling HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB and the like. Our ability to deal with the current burden of infectious diseases and also curtail the re-emergence and emergence of new infections heavily hinges on having a critical mass of knowledgeable and highly skilled biomedical and medical scientists in the field of infection and immunity. However, such calibre of human resource is currently ominously lacking in the West African Sub – Region.

    The majority of existing postgraduate programmes had focused only on medical microbiology and a handful deal with immunology. Thus, graduates of these programmes may had deficiencies that make it difficult for them to develop into research leaders and accomplished academics in the vital area of infection and immunity. In response to this lack of adequate numbers of well-trained scientists in the area of infection and immunity, the M.Phil programme was designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in teaching and research in medicalmicrobiology and immunology. Thus, the curriculum for this programme expertly couples microbiology and immunology to present students with a holistic view of infectious diseases and immunity against pathogenic microbes.

5.     Aims and Objectives:

    State the Aims and objectives of the programme.

    AIM:

    The main goal of the Infection and Immunity programme is to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills needed for a successful careers in infectious diseases   research.  

    OBJECTIVES

     The specific objectives are to:

                   a) Provide students with sound theoretical, conceptual and technical knowledge base in medical microbiology and immunology.

b)               b) Stimulate student to leverage their knowledge and skills to better understand and/or address the challenges of infectious diseases.

c)                c) Provide students with a sound basis for a prospective terminal degree (PhD) in infection and immunity.      

6.   Components of the programme:

(a)   Core course (s); 

(b)   Elective course (s);

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

 FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

ELECTIVE ONE MODULES FOR FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

\

7.   Course Description:

Provide short description of the content of the courses in the programme to include:

    a.      Objective

    b.     Content

    c.      Reading material

IAI 801: INTRODUCTION TO INFECTION AND IMMUNITY            3 CREDITS

Introduction

Infection is the invasion of the body by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, while immunity refers to the body’s ability to fight infection. Successful invasiveness requires pathogens to have virulence factors. This module will equip students with concepts of host-pathogen interaction, and how infection results when the interaction shifts in favour of the pathogen. One aspect of the module will emphasize pathogen characteristics and virulence factors. In another aspect, host response to pathogens will be covered in the context of natural (or innate) immunity and acquired (or adaptive) immunity. The mechanisms involved in the generation and regulation of immune responses will also be covered at the molecular level. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objective: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles      in the study of microbiology and immunology

• Explain host-pathogen      interaction

• Describe pathogen      characteristics and virulence factors

List of Topics:

• Overview of the immune system      and immunological tools

• Basic innate immunity

• Basic adaptive immunity

• Overview of immune effector      mechanisms

• Dysfunctional immune responses

• Overview and principles of      microbiology

• Principles of microbial      pathogenesis

• Introduction to clinical      microbiology: - overview of pathogens of clinical importance.

• Introduction to diagnostic      methods

• Immunodeficiency

• History of microbiology and      immunology

• Introduction to bacteriology

• Introduction to virology

• Introduction to parasitological

• Introduction to mycology

• Introduction to immunology

• Principles of infection prevention

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 802: ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY                                     Credit 3

Introduction

This module builds on IAI 801 and provides students with advanced knowledge in immunology. Innate and adaptive immune effector mechanisms will be treated in more details. Immunodeficiencies and dysfunctional immune responses will also be thoroughly covered. The module discusses immune responses to the various groups of pathogens and tumors.

Objective

At the end of the module students should be able to:  

• Describe the components of the      human immune response that work together to protect the host

• To explain the concept of      immune-based diseases either as Immunodeficiencies or dysfunctions.

• Explain the principles and      mechanisms used in immune regulation.

• Describe both innate and      adaptive immune effector mechanisms.

• Describe immune response against      pathogenesis.

Topics

• Review of the Immune System

• Cells and Organs of the Immune      System

• Antigens and Antibodies

• Organization and Expression of      Immunoglobulin Genes

• Major Histocompatibility Complex

• T-Cell Receptor

• Hypersensitivity Reactions

• Tolerance and Autoimmunity

• Immune Response to Infectious      Disease

• AIDS and Other      Immunodeficiencies

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 803: ADVANCED MEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY                      3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module will provide students with in-depth knowledge on modern concepts of medical bacteriology. It will help students build a sound foundation in bacteriology by extensively covering the biology of the various groups of pathogenic bacteria. Important factors in host-pathogen interactions that influence the pathogenesis of bacterial infection such as virulence factors and other host specific factors will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on the host-pathogen relationship at the cellular and molecular levels. The implication of this interaction on the diagnosis, treatment, symptomology, control and prevention of various bacterial infections will be discussed. Laboratory sessions will provide students with hands-on experience in modern molecular techniques and gene manipulation research. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge      and understanding of the structure, physiology and pathogenic mechanisms      of medically important bacteria.

• Explain the principles and      procedures of various diagnostic methods of medical bacteriology.

• Demonstrate competencies in the      isolation, characterization, identification, and typing of medically important      bacteria.

• Demonstrate competencies in the      processing of clinical specimens for bacteriological analysis and disease      diagnosis

List of topics

• Aerobic/microaerophilic gram      negative rods and cocci

• Facultative anaerobic gram      negative rods

• Gram negative anaerobic rods and      cocci

• Gram positive cocci

• Gram positive endospore forming      rods

• Gram positive non sporing rods

• Actinomycetes and related      bacteria

• Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium,      Mycoplasma

• The Spirochetes: Leptospira,      Treponema, Borrelia

• Rickettsias: Coxiella,      Rickettsia, Chalamydia

• Diagnostic Bacteriology 

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 804: BIOINFORMATICS                                                        Credit 3

Introduction:

This module gives an overview of concepts central to the science and use of bioinformatics. It draws upon the fields of biostatistics, computer and information science, and the life sciences to provide valuable insights into health and disease. The module will introduce students to topics in structural bioinformatics, functional genomics, and evolutionary processes. The module also covers molecular evolution and phylogenetics; protein structure and stability, protein folding and computational structure prediction of proteins; proteomics; RNA bioinformatics, microarray and expression data; The lab component of the course introduces computational tools used to implement analysis of sequence, structural and functional data.

Objective:

• Apply important ideas in bioinformatics to solve health problems.

• Understand the theory and statistical background of commonly available bioinformatics tools.

• Navigate through internet-based biological databases and genomic browsers.

• Comprehend specific methodologies and results described in current bioinformatics literature

List of Topics

• Introduction to bioinformatics

• Gene expression and mapping

• Multiple sequence alignment

• Molecular phylogeny and evolution

• RNA

  Types of coding/non-coding RNA.

  Microarrays.

  Interpretation       of RNA analyze

• Microarray      data analysis

• Proteomics

• Functional      genomics

• Completed      genomes and DNA sequencing technologies.

• Human      genome

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/ tutorials

• Seminars 

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 805: ADVANCED VIROLOGY                                                     3 CREDITS

Introduction     

This module will systematically discuss virology with emphasis on the common reactions that must be completed by all viruses for successful replication in host cells and survival and spread within host population. Students will also discuss the alternative replication cycles, host-viral interactions and how these lead to disease. This module will also discuss novel ways in which knowledge of the biology of viruses is being exploited in diagnostics, management of viral diseases and vaccine development. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery. Laboratory sessions will afford students a hands-on experience and equip them with the requisite skills and techniques.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding of the biology and taxonomy of      viruses.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of virus structure in      transmission, disease pathogenesis and infection control 

• Explain      symptoms associated with viral infections in various organ systems and how      these present in different patient groups.

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding of the immune responses to viral      pathogens and their role in pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy.

• Explain      the methods used in the diagnosis of viral infections.

• Demonstrate      an understanding of the treatment and prevention strategies for viral      infections.

• Safely      and accurately carry out basic laboratory based techniques used to      diagnose viral infections. 

List of topics

• Viral replication:

• RNA viruses,

• Other RNA viruses

• DNA viruses

• Virus cell Interaction:

• Cellular receptors and virus       entry    

•  Virus morphogenesis

•  Mechanism of host cell damage

• Enteric Viral Diseases

• Viral diarrheoa 

• Onco viruses

• Respiratory viral diseases

• Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers

• Exanthematous Diseases of viral      aetiology

• Viral Encephalitis

• Viral Hepatitis    

• HIV

• Diagnosis of viral diseases

Mode of delivery

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment;

• Written examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 807:  ADVANCED PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY              3 CREDITS

Introduction

    This module is aimed at presenting the field of parasitology to students in a detailed but succinct manner. Students will be taken through the many different organisms and disciplines that medical parasitology encompasses. They will extensively discuss parasites of medical importance with emphasis on cell and molecular biology. An aspect of this module will deal with fungal pathogens into similar depths. Special emphasis will however be placed on understanding how morphological and other properties of fungi are exploited in the diagnosis and management of fungal diseases. This module is also intended to stimulate students to critically review current knowledge on mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, diagnosis and pathogenesis of parasites and fungi so as to identify gaps in knowledge and formulate research hypothesis. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery. Laboratory sessions will afford students a hands-on experience and equip them with the requisite skills and techniques.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding of the biology, life cycles,      pathogenesis, and diagnosis of parasitic infections in humans 

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding of vector biology and vector control      strategies.

• Demonstrate      competencies in the practical laboratory identification of parasite stages      both free and in tissues.

• Explain      the principles underpinning the various diagnostic methods used in medical      parasitology. 

• Apply knowledge in parasite and      vector biology in the design of prevention and control programs.

List of topics

• Medical protozoology

• Sarcodina       – Entamoeba

• Mastigophora       – Giardia, Leishmania  and Trypanosoma

• Ciliophora       – Balantidium

• Sporozoa       – Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium and       Toxoplasma

•  

• Medical Helminthology

• cestodes,

• trematodes

•  nematodes

• Arthropod parasites

• Principles and practice of      medical mycology

• Fungal taxonomy;       characteristics of fungal growth; fungal pathogenicity and pre-disposing       factors;

• Mycoses

• Dermatophytosis and other       superficial infections; candidosis and other yeast infections;       Aspergillosis; Cryptococcosis; Zygomycosis;  Pneumocystis       jiroveci pneumonia; Hyalophomycosis;        Phaeohyphomycosis; Dimorphic fungal infections; Subcutaneous       fungal infections. 

• Fungal genetics

• Diagnosis of fungal infections

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 808: ADVANCED TOPICS IN TUBERCULOSIS                           3 CREDITS

Introduction

One third of the global population is believed to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and more than 2 million infected people are estimated to die each year. This module will afford students the opportunity to do an in-depth study of the MTB problem.  Starting from the basic biology of the pathogen, students will be guided through the more complex domains of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of MTB. The module will also discuss how MDR and XDR together with the HIV epidemic have aggravated the incidence of MTB infection. Students of this module will have the opportunity to review MTB diagnostics, drugs and vaccines in the light of advances made in the basic biology of the host-pathogen interaction. Other socio-economic and cultural factors, subtle and overt, that influence MTB infection will be discussed.

Objectives

• Demonstrate      in-depth knowledge of the public health implications of tuberculosis

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding of the bacteriologic basis of      tuberculosis control. 

• Demonstrate      advanced knowledge and understanding epidemiologic basis of tuberculosis      control

• Critique      interventions for tuberculosis control and elimination 

List of topics

• Transmission and pathogenesis of      tuberculosis

• Epidemiology and control of      tuberculosis

• The  DOT       strategy  and  tuberculosis  control

• Diagnosis of tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis treatment 

• Tuberculosis and HIV

• Resistant tuberculosis 

• Tuberculosis in children

• Non-tuberculosis      mycobacteria 

• Infection control and prevention 

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 809:Research methods and Biostatistics                                    3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module will give students an understanding of basic principles in biomedical, clinical and public health research to enable them plan and conduct research projects and analyze the data critically. The module gives insight into various approaches of experimental design including concepts like appropriate sampling, proper control, applicable design types and good clinical/laboratory practices. The all-important field health research ethics will be covered in great detail. The module will also deal with the basic concepts in statistics that are relevant to biomedical and public health research.

A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery. These modes will be supplemented by student’s critique of published articles using the journal clubs.

Objectives

1.     Understand the concepts of research in the biomedical sciences and be able to apply them;

2.     Develop a competitive research proposals

3.     Demonstrate the skills and knowledge required for independent scholarship or research.

List of topics

• Introduction to Biomedical      Research

•  The Scientific Method in health research       

• Research Planning

• Sampling methods;

•  

• Research Skills

• Experimental design;

• Surveys

• Qualitative field research;

• Data collection

• Questionnaire design

• Measurement and instrumentation       

• Data summarisation/presentation      and statistical analysis

• Descriptive statistics

• Organisation and presentation       of data

• Inferential statistics

• Probability and sampling       distributions

• Hypothesis testing

• Selection and use of       statistical tests

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 810: ADVANCED TOPICS IN MALARIA                                     3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module deals comprehensively with malaria as a public health problem. It will emphasize the biology of malaria parasites and factors affecting their transmission to humans by anopheline vectors. Topics like parasite biology, host-parasite-vector relationships, vector biology, malaria diagnostics and malaria epidemiology will be covered. Other interdisciplinary topics like malaria immunology, risk factors associated with infection and disease, malaria chemotherapy and anti-malarial drug resistance will also be covered. Techniques and advances in vector control, vaccine development as well as the impact of human behaviour and globalization on malaria will be covered. The module will also deal with management and policy issues associated with malaria.

Objectives

1.     Understand the parasite, host and vector factors that influence transmission and control.

2.     Understand the parasite, host and vector factors that influence disease manifestations.

3.     Interpret epidemiological indices associated with patterns of malaria transmission.

4.     Evaluate different approaches to malaria control.

5.     Understand the differences between the various species of Plasmodium affecting humans.

6.     Understand the different approaches of vaccine and drug development in malaria.

List of topics

•    Introduction to malariology     

•    Parasite biology

•    Malaria Epidemiology

•    Malaria Entomology

   Insecticide Resistance and Mosquito Population Biology

•    Malaria Control

   Genetic approaches

   Behavior Change Interventions for Malaria Programs

•    Immunity to Malaria

   mmunopathogenesis of Malaria

•    Malaria Chemotherapy & Drug Resistance

   Drug Resistance and Population Genetics of Malaria

   Malaria: Targets for New Drugs

•    Diagnosis and Clinical Complications

•    Malaria Vaccines development

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 811; Seminar I                                                      3 Credit 

Introduction

This requires students to attend departmental and faculty seminars and participate in them. They will also be required to present their research proposals. This presentation will be graded. Verbal and written feedback will be given to students.

Objective

• Students should develop their      presentation skills

• Develop critical thinking and      ability to  critique research      articles

Mode of delivery

Seminar presentation and discussions

Mode of Assessment

By grading of presentation by members of faculty.

IAI 812: ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY, IMMUNOTHERAPY, AND VACCINOLOGY                                                                              3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module will examine the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy within the context of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and medicinal chemistry. Students will be stimulated to apply these principles in discussing the different classes of antimicrobials, that is, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-protozoal and anti-mycotic compounds. Instead of the usual organism-based approach, the molecular, biochemical, chemical and pharmacokinetic angles to the principle of selective activity of antimicrobial agents will be examined.  The module will also discuss the mechanisms involved in the development of drug resistance and its implications for the design and use of antimicrobial compounds.  It will also expose students to the processes involved in drug discovery and development. Students taking this module will also appreciate the basic immunological principles that underline immunotherapy and vaccine design. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

• Classify the various groups of      antimicrobial agents.

• Explain the principle of      selective toxicity

• Understand the pharmacodynamics      and pharmacokinetics of drugs used in the treatment of infectious disease.

• Appreciate the rational use of      drugs in treatment of microbial and parasitic infections.  

List of topics

• History and general principles      of treatment of infectious diseases

• Principles of selective toxicity

• Classifications of antibiotics

• Pharmacokinetics of      antimicrobial agents

• Sulfonamides/Trimethoprim;

• Penicillins, Cephalasporins and       other β-lactam drugs;

• Aminoglycosides;

• Protein synthesis inhibitors;

• Anti-tuberculoids;

• Anti-malarials;

• Anti-virals;

• Anti-fungals and miscellaneous       antimicrobial agents.

• Mechanisms for the development      of antimicrobial resistance.

• Antimicrobial combination      therapy.

• Principles of vaccine      development and immunotherapy

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 814: NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES                        3 CREDITS

Introduction

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have gained recognition lately. In this module students will be introduced to the various NTDs that affect an estimated one billion people in underdeveloped countries. Current global efforts to better understand the epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment and control of NTDs will be covered. This module will discuss NTDs in the context of poverty, malnutrition and poor healthcare systems. National and regional policies aimed at eradicating NTDs will be emphasized. The role of multinational drug companies and global affirmative action on NTDs will also be discussed. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objectives

• Define NTDs and appreciate the      current global trends and policy environment.

• Discuss NTDs in the context of      poverty, malnutrition, poor healthcare systems and political instability.

• Critically evaluate control      programs and eradication efforts on NTDs

• Appreciate the role of      pharmaceutical companies in the prevention, control and eradication of      NTDs.

• Conceptualize the complex      interplay between NTDs and international politics.

List of Topics

·       Overview of NTDs

o   Bacterial NTD:

§  Leprosy

§  Buruli Ulcer

§  Trachoma

o   Protozoan NTDs

§  Leishmaniasis

§  Trypasonomiasis

o   Helminths

§  Onchocerciasis

§  Soil Transmitted helminthes

§  Guinea Worm disease

§  Schistosomiasis

§  Filariasis

o   Viral

§  Dengue

§  Chikungunya

·       Public health implication of NTDs

·       Prevention and control strategies for NTDs: a critical review

·       NTDs in a socioeconomic context

·       The role Pharmaceutical industry in the control of NTDs.

 Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 816: INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL (IPC) AND PUBLIC HEALTH                                                                                                    3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module will build on IAI 809 to provide students with in-depth knowledge on the   detection, monitoring and control of infectious diseases. It is aimed at providing students with the skills needed to plan epidemic preparedness strategies and identify optimal strategies for disease prevention, containment or eradication. The module offers a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the principles of interventions against infectious diseases. Focused on the study of global infectious disease threats, the module uses country specific real-life examples to illustrate the importance of prompt diagnosis, surveillance strategies and vaccination policies in infectious disease control. Students will get the opportunity to critique existing infectious disease control programmes from Ghana and elsewhere.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

1.  Discuss the various components of the      public health system and how they are       related;

2. Explain and use basic      epidemiologic terms correctly.

3. Apply this knowledge to      appreciate important global health problems

4. Describe the influence of the      environment on the risk of infection.

5. Design and evaluate surveillance      activities in specific settings.

6. Describe the the various methods      for disinfection and sterilization

7. Discuss the relationship between      (infection prevention and control) IPC practices and prevalence of      multi-drug resistant organisms.

List of topics

• Introduction into public health      concepts and practice

• Concepts in epidemiology

• Disease surveillance

• Principles of infection control      and practice

• Infection control  programmes 

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 818; ADVANCED TOPICS IN HIV/AIDS                                      3 CREDITS

Introduction

This module will deal comprehensively with HIV/AIDS. It will also look at the socio-cultural and economic ramification of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Students of the module will cover the biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and clinical presentations of HIV infection. At the end of this module, students will be able to understand the laboratory, clinical and social aspects of the diagnosis and management of HIV infection. The module will use underlying scientific principles in virology, immunology and molecular biology to elucidate concepts in diagnostics, and pathogenesis as applicable to HIV infection. Modern molecular biology and bioinformatics tools will be employed in further elucidation of various aspects of HIV/AIDS. Emphasis will be placed on the roles of prophylaxis, antiretroviral and the management of associated conditions. The Legal, ethical and sociological dimensions of HIV infections and disease will also be discussed. Students of this module will have the opportunity to interrogate and evaluate the basis for HIV policies, health promotion and control programmes. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objectives

• Describe the etiology,      epidemiology, prevention andclinical manifestations and HIV/AIDS.

• Demonstrate a conceptual      understanding of HIV/AIDS and society;

•  groups at greatest risk

•  community resources

•  Psycho-social implications

• Treatment of HIV/AIDS

• Describe HIV/AIDS infection      control measures.

List of topics

• HIV/AIDS: the virus & the      Immune System

• Faces of AIDS: clinical      manifestation of disease

• At risk populations

• Treatment of HIV/AIDS

• Prevention Strategies

• National and International       control programmes 

• Women, Gender Issues & HIV

• AIDS and Mental Health

• HIV in the Prison Setting

• HIV in resource-poor settings

• HIV and gender

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Laboratory Practical

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Practical examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 820: NUTRITION, INFECTION AND IMMUNITY         3 CREDITS

Introduction

Malnutrition and infection are the two major obstacles for health, development, and survival worldwide. Epidemiological observations have confirmed that infection and malnutrition aggravate each other. It is also the commonest course of immune deficiency worldwide. The module would highlight the role nutrition plays in infection and immune development. Students would be introduced to the levels of effects of nutrition on some common infection especially in Africa and Ghana. (e.g. bacterial and viral diarrhoea, pneumonia, TB etc). The effect of micronutrient supplementation would also be explored. A series of lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials, facility visits and seminars would be the main modes of delivery.

Objectives

• Demonstrate  a working knowledge of the effect of      nutrition on infection and immune responses

• Understand      the interactions of various nutrients on the immune response

• Understand      the effect of immune response on nutritional status

• Describe      changes in immune responses induced by nutrient deficits and nutrient      overload

• Identify      feasible, simple, but reproducible methods for assessment of immune      responses as a function of nutritional status.

List of topics

• Overview      of the global burden of malnutrition and infection

• Effect of      protein energy malnutrition on immunity

• Effect of      Iron status on immunity

• Effect of      minerals status on immunity:

• zinc,       Iron, selenium status, Iodine, vitamin A

• Specific      amino acids & immunity: L-arginine;      Glutamine; Sulphur amino acids; glutathione.

• Antioxidants      and immunity (Vit E, C)

• Fatty      acids & Immunity

• Nutrition,      obesity, and immunity

• Nutritional      modulation of autoimmune diseases/inflammation

• Probiotics      and Immunity

• Breastfeeding      mucosal immunity, and defense against infection

• Nutrition,      HIV infection and immunity

• Nutrition,      Infection, and Immunity: Public Health Implications

Modes of delivery:

• PBL

• Self-directed learning

• Lectures/tutorials

• Seminars

Module Assessment:

• Written Examination

• Writing assignments

• Seminar scores

IAI 822: Seminar II                                                                            3 Credit

Introduction

Students are required to present the full report on their research thesis to the faculty.

Objective: To determine progress made by students on their research work and ensure that adequate work has been done.

Module assessment: Presentations will be graded. Written feedback will be given to students

IAI 899: THESIS                                                                                  12 credit

Each student will undertake a major research project and present a written thesis.  In addition, students will present an oral defense of their research work. Students will be assessed by an external examiner appointed by the Vice chancellor of the University.

1.     Requirements for graduation:

Provide information on the following requirements for graduation:         

a.      Course Requirements;

b.     Credits Requirements;

c.       Any additional requirements for graduation e.g. attendance.         

On admission, students are provided with the School of Graduate Studies and Research Handbook, which contains the academic policies and regulations guiding graduate studies in the University of Cape Coast. A copy of the School of Graduate Studies and Research Handbook (2011- 2015) is attached as appendix 3

Graduation requirement

A candidate for a research masters degree must satisfy the following requirement for graduation:

·       Pass all compulsory courses

·       Obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the course work

·       pass the thesis

·       pass the oral examination (Viva Voce)

·       settle all financial and other obligations to the university

·       be in good standing- not barred for disciplinary reasons.