Zagazig University

Faculty of Medicine

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL Microbiology and Immunology

DEGREE: Doctorate (MD) in Medical Microbiology and
Immunology
Programme Specification
2012/2015
Date: 11 /2011

A-Basic Information
1- Programme Title: Doctorate (MD) in Medical Microbiology and Immunology.
2- Final Award: MD degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology.
3- Programme type: Single Double Multiple
4-Responsible Departments:
1-Medical Microbiology department.
2-Public Health department.
5- programme duration: 3 academic years
6- Number Programme courses: 4courses
{Pre-requisite courses in:1-statistics & methodology for MD students (SMD), 2-
Computer and internet application in medicine (CMD), Microbiology (MIMD
01), and Thesis (MDTH)
7-Coordinator: Prof. Laila Al Kady
8-External evaluators: Prof .
9-Last date of programme specifications approval:
10- Programme management team:
Prof. Fatma Ahmed Amer Mousa
Prof. Laila Al Kady
Prof. Heba Mohtady

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 B-Professional Information:
1-Programme aims:

The aim of this programme is to build the competencies of the candidates to

master the scientific basis of traditional and novel microbiological concepts and
to provide them practical skills and critical awareness to enable them to pursue
careers in the microbiological field, whether in the hospital, laboratory,
industrial or research settings.

2- Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

A- Knowledge and Understanding

KU1. Explain detailed and specific structure, taxonomy, physiology and genetics
of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
KU2. Associate mechanisms of pathogenesis of major infectious diseases.
KU3. Clarify the recent trends in laboratory procedures used in the diagnosis of
microbial as well as immunological diseases.
KU4. Discuss mechanisms of molecular immunology.
KU5. Discuss the components of infection control program in different health care
facilities.
KU 6. Apply ethics and legal implication for the professional practices in
microbiology.
KU 7. Demonstrate the principles and basis of quality in the professional practices
of microbiology.
KU 8. Apply the basics and ethics of scientific research.
KU 9. Realize the effects of his professional practices on the environment and
ways of the development and maintenance of the environment

B: Intellectual Skills
IS 1. Analyze and evaluate the knowledge in medical microbiology and immunology to
solve medical problems.
IS 2. Solve special problems in medical microbiology and immunology according to
available inputs.
IS 3. Join different types of knowledge to solve the professional problems.

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 IS 4. Perform scientific research/ thesis about a scientific problem.
IS 5. Write scientific papers.
IS 6. Evaluate risks in the professional practices of medical microbiology.
IS 7. Plan for development of performance in the field of medical microbiology.
IS 8. Take professional decisions in different situations.
IS 9. Innovate and create.
IS 10. Perform evidence based conversation and disscussion.

C- Professional/practical skills
PS1 Work effectively in a group in biological science laboratories.
PS2 Deal with different clinical samples.
PS3 Write & evaluate laboratory reports.
PS4 Use technology to serve the professional practices.
PS5 Plan for development of the professional practices and performance of others.
PS6 Evaluate and improve tools in his/her specialty.

D- General &Transferable skills

GS1. Develop & make database search in the library & internet.
GS2. Discuss freely about some medical problem.
GS3. Learn and evaluate others.
GS4 .Use information and communication technology effectively.
GS5. Solve problems related to work management and among colleagues.
GS6. Practice the different types of effective communication.
GS7. Evaluate him/herself and assess the personal educational needs.
GS8. Use different resources to gain knowledge and information.
GS9. Develop rules and indicators to evaluate the performance of others.
GS10. Work in a team and lead teams in different professional situation.
GS11. Manage seminars in addition to the effective time management.
GS 12. Learn by self and in a continuous manner.

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3. Academic standards:
3a. Generic standards of postgraduate programmes prepared by National Authority
of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE).

(2009)

3b. External reference (Benchmark) (attached):

The Royal College of Pathologists, 2010 Curriculum for specialty training
in medical microbiology and virology
May 2010

3c. Matrices:
1- Comparison between the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) of the Faculty
of Medicine Zagazig university MD in Medical Microbiology and
Immunology program and that of the Generic Academic standards of
postgraduate program prepared by National Authority of Quality Assurance
and Accreditation of Education.

Generic Academic standards of MD Comparable Remarks

programme ILOs in the MD

( in Medical

) Microbiology
programme
-1 100 % is fulfilled
- KU1 to KU9

-
.
-
.
-

-

100% is fulfilled
IS1- IS10 -
.
-

-
.
- .
-
.
- .
- .
-
- .
- .
100% is fulfilled
PS1 to PS6 -
.
- .
-

-
.
-
.
100% is fulfilled
GS1 to GS12 -
-
.
-
-
.
- .
-
.

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 . -
. -

2- Comparison between the ILOs of the MD programme in Medical

Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University and
The Royal College of Pathologists, 2010 Curriculum for specialty training
in medical microbiology and virology
May 2010
External Reference Comparable ILOs in Remarks
the faculty
programme
Knowledge
Partially fulfilled& covered
Define the patterns of symptoms found in patients KU2 more by clinical
presenting with infection. departments.

Define the indications for Investigations. IS1 Fulfilled.

Outline scientific theory relating to pharmacology and the

pathophysiology of therapeutic interventions for infection. IS3 This objective is not
completely covered by the
program as it needs
collaboration with other
departments as
Pharmacology Dpt.

Be aware of the national and international situation regarding

the distribution of disease, the factors that determine health PS4,GS1 This objective needs
and disease, and major population health responses. collaboration with Ministry
of Health and Public Health
Dpt.
Recognise that personal beliefs and biases exist and
understand their impact (positive and negative) on the KU6
delivery of health services.

Be aware of current screening, immunisation and

reporting programmes that relate to infection. KU4

Demonstrate sufficient clinical and biochemical knowledge

to enable integration of clinical and laboratory features. KU3 This needs collaboration
with other Clinical Dpts and
biochemistry Dpt.

Explain about health and safety policy, policies on needle

stick injuries, note keeping, communications and staffing
numbers, in relation to risk. IS6 Partially fulfilled.

Describe risk management issues pertinent to laboratory

processing. IS6 Partially fulfilled.

Describe:
the principles of evidence based medicine.

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 types of clinical trial ----------- These objectives are covered
types of evidence by separate programs
arranged by the faculty.

Describe the principles of performing a research study.

KU8,IS4
Describe how to use appropriate statistical methods.
----------- As above
Describe the principles of research ethics and the structure
and function of local research ethics committees. KU8

Describe how to write a scientific paper.

IS5 Partially fulfilled
Describe principles of research funding and how to obtain
funding. ------------ ---------

Describe how a team works effectively.

PS1,GS5 Partially fulfilled.
Explain basic biology (structure, genetics, taxonomy,
epidemiology) of major bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic Fulfilled.
agents. KU1

Explain basics of the immune response to infection.

KU4 Fulfilled.
Compare and contrast cellular and humoral immunity.
KU4 Fulfilled.
Explain the basis of how vaccines work.
KU4 Fulfilled.
Explain the basics of molecular biology.
KU1 Fulfilled.
Explain the basis of genetic susceptibility to pathogens and
disease. KU2 Partially fulfilled as it needs
collaboration with
Explain the basis of how the immune response protects specialists in human
against infection and how it may contribute to pathogenesis genetics.
of
infectious diseases. KU4 Fulfilled.

Explain the basis of different types of hostparasite

relationships, e.g. symbiosis, viral latency, quasispecies
evolution, etc. KU2 Fulfilled.

Explain the types of immunodeficiency and how they affect

susceptibility to and control of infectious diseases. KU4 Fulfilled.

Explain pathogenic mechanisms involved in infectious

diseases and the role of host response in KU2,KU5 Partially fulfilled.
immunopathology.

Explain basic laboratory hazards and precautions against

them. IS6 Fulfilled.

Explain principles of standard precautions, hazard groups

and containment levels. IS6 Fulfilled.

Describe the importance and relevance of standards to

good laboratory practice. KU7 Fulfilled.

Understand the evidence base behind standard operating

procedures (SOPs)/examination procedures (EPs) and the KU7 Partially fulfilled.
importance of audit and quality control to establish validity.

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Explain basic techniques for serodiagnosis in infectious
Diseases. KU3 Fulfilled.

Explain nucleic acid-based detection system such as

polymerase chain reaction (PCR). KU3 Fulfilled.

Explain simple antimicrobial and antiviral susceptibility

testing KU3 This objective is not
and its interpretation. completely covered as the
facilities for performing
antiviral susceptibility tests
are not available.

Outline the principles of epidemiology, presentation,

diagnosis and management of clinical syndromes:
genitourinary tract infection including sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) and bacterial urinary tract infection
respiratory tract infection
gastrointestinal infections
skin and soft tissue infection KU2 Partially fulfilled as it is
eye infection more covered by clinical
post-operative infection departments.
inoculation incident
encephalitis/meningitis
brain abscess
hepatitis including test interpretation
rashes and rash contacts (pregnant and non-pregnant)
infections in pregnancy, including methods of diagnosis,
and
implications of infection for mother and fetus.

Explain the range of therapies available for infectious

disease, the clinical indications for their use and their side IS1,IS2,IS3 This needs collaboration
effects. with other clinical Dpts.

Explain the classification of antimicrobial agents.

KU2 Fulfilled.
Explain the basic principles of action and resistance for
other KU2,IS2 Fulfilled.
antimicrobial agents, their uses and limitations.

Explain the basic principles of prophylaxis, both with

antimicrobials and with immune globulins. KU4&IS3 Fulfilled.

Describe existing vaccines and the schedules of

immunization. KU4 Fulfilled within the course
of immunology.

Describe routes of transmission and methods of preventing

nosocomial spread of common and important infecting KU5 Fulfilled within the course
organisms (alert organisms). of infection control.

Describe basic terms of disinfection and sterilization and

describe the basis of the different methods available. KU5 Fulfilled as above.

Describe microscopy, culture and identification techniques

for PS2 Fulfilled.
common pathogens.

Describe current techniques for susceptibility testing For financial reasons, both

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including Etest, broth dilution and automated KU3,PS2 Etest and automated
methodologies with appropriate quality control. methodologies are not
demonstrated to candidates.

Describe the basis and clinical interpretation of results of

latex agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay For financial reasons, CFT
(ELISA), immunofluorescence, complement fixation test KU3,PS2 is not demonstrated to
(CFT) and the various controls. candidates.

Describe the principles of current clinically used nucleic

acid-based techniques. KU3 Fulfilled.

Describe the selection of appropriate tests and their

interpretation (advantages and limitations). IS1,IS3 Fulfilled.

Describe automated culture and identification

methodologies. KU3 For financial reasons, these
automated tests are not
demonstrated to candidates.

Skills

Analyse clinical and laboratory problems effectively. Partially fulfilled& we hope

IS1,IS3 to develop this more.
Be competent in the use of databases, libraries and the Actually, this is covered by
internet. GS1 other programs in the
faculty.
Ability to frame questions to be answered by a research
project. IS4 As above.

Develop protocols and methods for

Research. IS4 As above.

Use databases.
GS1 As above.
Accurately analyse data.
IS1,IS3 As above.
Write a scientific paper.
IS5 As above.

Communicate effectively and seek advice if unsure.

GS6 As above.
Develop effective working relationships with colleagues and
other staff through good GS6 As above.
communication skills , building rapport and articulating own
view.

Process all routine specimens received in the

laboratory and carry out further tests necessary PS2 For financial reasons, the
for full identification of pathogens. processing of viral samples
is not available.

Perform susceptibility tests..

PS2 For financial reasons, the
antiviral susceptibility tests
and the automated tests are
not available.

Perform simple serological tests.

PS2 Fulfilled.
Behavior

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Team working and Time management
PS1,GS1O Covered by other programs
Decision making and prioritisation skills conducted by the faculty.
IS8 As above.
Negotiation skills
GS7,GS11 As above.

Managing underperformance
GS7,GS9 As above.
Enthusiastic approach to learning and
application of knowledge GS6,GS8 As above.

Act in accordance with the principles

of Good Medical Practice KU6,7 As above.

Collaboration with colleagues

PS1,GS5,GS10 As above.
Co-operative working within a multidisciplinary team
GS10 As above.

3- - Comparison between the ILOs of the MD programme in Medical

Microbiology and Immunology and that of the 4 courses (CA, MS, MIMD
01, and MDTH).
Programme MIMD 01 MDTH CA MS
of MD in
Medical
Microbiology
KU1,KU2 KU1, 2,5,6,7

KU3 KU3,4
KU4 KU8,9 KU4
KU5 KU10 KU5
KU6 KU14 KU1
KU7-8 KU11-14 KU2,3
IS1 -IS3 IS1-5,7 IS1-3 IS3 IS1,2,3
IS4,IS5 IS10,11 IS7
IS6 IS7 IS5
IS7-10 IS5-9 IS6,10,11,1
2
PS1-3 PS1-4 PS1,2 PS2 PS1,PS3
PS4 PS6 PS5
PS5,6 PS6,7 PS7,8
GS1,GS4 GS1,2 GS2 GS1

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 GS2,3 GS3,6 GS2,6
GS4-8 GS1,4,5,6 GS3,4 GS1,2
GS9,10,12 GSGS4,5 GS6 GS1,2 GS1
GS11 GS6 GS5 GS1

4- Programme structure:
Course units Teaching weeks Academic year
hours
CA 11 48 24 1st academic year
MS 9 24 12 1st academic year
MIMD 01 7 644 36 2nd academic year
MDTH Thesis 216 36 3rd academic year
(supervision)
Total 932 108

5. Programme courses
Code Units Title No of hours No of
No. Theoretical Practical total weeks
& seminars
1 How to locate the
proper source for
health and medical
information 3 1 4 2
2 How to decode URLs 2
and identify file types 2 1 3
3 How to formulate an 2
effective search
statements 3 2 5
4 How to evaluate the 2
CA

internet information 3 2 5
5 Citing internet 2
documents and
avoiding plagiarism 3 2 5
6 Web 2.0 and social / 2
collaborative internet
tools 3 2 5
7 Using of Internet 4
tools in Evidence-
Based Medicine 3 2 5

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 8 Health on the net 2
code of ethics 2 2
9 Using of Free online 2
Journal Databases 2 2 4
10 Scope , uses, 2
application of Pub-
Med Medline
database 3 2 5
11 Medical Wiki, 2
Blogs, groups,
multimedia, and
Health 2.0 tools 3 2 5
1 Introduction to 2 1 1 2
medical
statistics
2 Types of 4 2 2 2
research
methodology
3 Population 2 1 1 1
sampling
4 Types of data, 4 2 2 1
MS

presentation
5 Summarization of 4 2 2 1
data
6 Normal distribution 1 1 1
curve
7 Tests of 4 2 2 2
significance
8 Types of errors, 1 1 1
bias
9 Correlation, 2 1 1 1
regression
Total 54 29 83 36

Code No of hours No of
Units Title
No. Theoretical Practical total weeks
& seminars
MIMD 1 Advanced 76 40 118 5
01 virology
2 84 94 178 6
Advanced
bacteriology
3 Advanced 28 18 46 5

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 mycology
4 Advanced 74 54 128 5
immunology
5 Infection control 24 22 46 5
6 Applied 34 30 64 5
microbiology
7 Advanced genetics 36 28 64 5

356 288 644 36weeks

Total

MDTH Research in 216 36weeks

Medical
Microbiology and
Immunology

6- Programme admission requirements

Master degree in microbiology and immunology (Candidates must pass the final
exam of course MDTH with at least 65%)
7- Regulations for progression and programme completion
At the end of 1st part
*- fulfillment of the of log book.
*- Pass examinations in the computer and statistics courses.

2nd part
*- Perform the MD thesis in new area of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
(MDTH) fulfillment of the supervisors report every 3 months.
*- Perform a seminar about the thesis results.
*- Acceptance of the MD thesis from judgment committee nominated by
department council.

*- Fulfillment of the of log book.

*- Pass examination in the course MIMD 01.

8- Evaluation of programme intended learning outcomes

Evaluator Tool Sample

1- Exams results Results analysis All the students
Report
2- Students Questionnaires All the students

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 3-Graduates after achieving MSc Questionnaires 10 at least
degree group discussion
*- teaching staff.
*- Technicians. Interviews
4-Stakeholders

*- Regional medical institutes Internet contact

*- International medical Phone calls 10 at least
institutes. Questionnaires
*- other Governmental
faculties
*- Non governmental faculties
5-External Evaluator Questionnaires
6-Others(If Present)
Hospital managers

References :
Essential Books: Medical Microbiology and Immunology by professors of
Microbiology and Immunology Dpt.
Schaechter's Mechanisms of Microbial Disease, Fourth Edition.
Infectious Disease: A Clinical Short Course by F.S. Southwick, McGraw-
Hill, 2007.
Medical Microbiology, (Baron, 2nd edition; 4th edition on-line);
Infectious Disease and Medical Microbiology, (Braude, 2nd edition);
Rippon-medical Microbiology- Jounders comp.
Koll and Kathrine practical Mycology.
Journal of Medical Microbiology 2010.

SUGGESTED MATERIALS:

Medical Microbiology & Immunology, by Levinson and Jawetz (Appleton

and Lange).

Supports for Candidates and their Learning:

Candidates and their learning are supported in a number of ways:
Printed copies of the programme and Microbiology courses (Candidates aware of
the ILOs and requirement of the MD degree in Medical Microbiology.
Availability of University central library.
Availability of the Faculty postgraduate library.
Availability of the faculty digital library.

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 Availability of the other educational resources included in every course.
MD thesis supervisors (three Staff members according to the research specialty for
each candidate).
Websites available in the department.

Methods used for improving the programme:

Peer teaching observations and feedback to the programme management team and the
coordinator (written reports at the end of the courses).
Faculty appointed external examiners.
Candidates evaluation of teaching (Questionnaires).

Committee with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality:

Internal Evaluators:
Prof. Fatma Ahmed Amer Mousa
Member from Quality unit in the faculty.

External Evaluator :

Regulations of assessment by-laws of the MD degree postgraduate of the

faculty of medicine:

CA
1- Attendance of at least 75% of the teaching courses.
2- Log book fulfilled and approved by the head of the department.

Tools Mark Percentage of the total mark

Written exam 80 80%
Oral and Practical exam 20 20 %
Total marks 100

MS
3- Attendance of at least 75% of the teaching courses.
4- Log book fulfilled and approved by the head of the department.

Tools Mark Percentage of the total mark

Written exam 100 100%
Total marks 100

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MIMD 01
1- Pass the exam of the computer and statistics courses (at least 60% of total Mark).
2- Attendance of at least 75% of the teaching courses.
3- Log book fulfilled and approved by the head of the department.

Tools Mark Percentage of the total mark

Written exam 100 33.3%
Oral exam 100 33.3 %
Practical exam 100 33.3%
Total marks 300
NB: Examinations are conducted twice yearly.

MDTH
*- Preregistration seminar
*- Registration of the thesis title.
*- Perform the thesis within at least 24 months of registration.
*- After finishing the thesis, candidate performs a seminar about the thesis results.
*- Progression reports are introduced by each supervisor (one every 3 months).
*- MD thesis acceptance by the supervisors.
*- MD thesis acceptance by the judgment committee in an advertised public session by
three professors including one of the supervisors, one from the faculty and third
from other faculty..
*- Four copies of the thesis must be given to the postgraduate library.

Rules for awarding the MD Degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology:

* Candidates must pass the computer and statistics courses exams (at least 60%) as a
prerequisite for the registration of MIMD 01course and MD thesis (MDTH) .
* MD thesis must be accepted by the judgment committee before attending the final exam
of MIMD 01.
* Candidates must pass the final exam of course MIMD 01 (at least 60% ).

Head of Microbiology and Immunology Department:

Prof. Fatma Ahmed Amer Mousa

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