Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (INFE310)

This course covers: Terms commonly used in microbiology, e.g. infectious agent, infection, symptomatic and asymptomatic infection, infection and disease, virulence and pathogeniciy. Principles of bacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology in clinical medicine, with emphasis on bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi of medical importance. The pathological basis of infectious diseases and inflammation. Principles of chemotherapy in infections and infectious diseases The principles of interaction between host immune responses and establishment of infection. The principles of hypersensitivity, allergic and anaphylactic reactions and other immunopathologic mechanisms (acquired disorders of immune deficiency, auto-immunity and auto-immune diseases). The principles of anti-inflammatory therapy Surveillance, epidemiology, prevention and control of infections and infectious diseases. The themes of the course are Infectious agents (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic), Immunity, Common inflammation, and Therapeutics (antimicrobials-anti-inflammatory drugs).

Credit Hours : 7

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Compare And Contract Clinically Relevant Infectious Agents On The Basis Of Their Morphology, Structure, Growth And Reproduction, Metabolism, Genetics, Virulence, Pathogenicity And Epidemiology.
2. Demonstrate Capability To Communicate Professionally And Learn In Collaborative Groups.
3. Demonstrate Life-Long Learning Skills For Personal And Professional Growth And Development.
4. Discuss The Interaction Between Host Immune Responses And The Establishment Of Infection.
5. Discuss The Principles Of Chemotherapy In Infections And Infectious Diseases Including The Mechanisms, Side-Effects, Drug Interaction, Caution In Pregnancy, Pediatric Implications And Contraindications.
6. Explain The Pathological Basis Of Infectious Diseases And Inflammation.
7. Explain The Principles Of Hypersensitivity, Allergic And Anaphylactic Reactions And Other Immunopathologic Mechanisms (Acquired Disorders Of Immune Deficiency, Auto-Immunity And Auto-Immune Diseases) And Means To Regulate Disease Activity By Pharmacological And Biological Agents.

Biomedical Sc Journal Club 1 (JRC601)

This is a course in oral communication for Masters students in medical sciences disciplines. Students are required to deliver a power point presentation discussing and critiquing a selected recently published peer reviewed article in a research area that is related to the student’s own research. A faculty member is nominated to evaluate and provide feedback on the presentation. This is intended to provide students with an insight into new original research publications, both, related to their own research project as well as in broader context. In addition, it assist in training students in transferable skills such as presentation techniques, critical reading, thinking and scientific discussion and argumentation. Furthermore, it provides a platform for interaction, networking and collaboration with fellow students.

Credit Hours : 1

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Express an updated knowledge of current literature.
2. Present research hypothesis and research approach
3. Interpret findings of research of articles.
4. Criticize research articles
5. Summarize the implications of research findings.

Biomedical Sc. Journal Club II (JRC602)

This will require students to discuss and critique an original and recent journal article, not a review paper, describing a major scientific advancement in their area of research and will be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor. Each student is required to discuss and critique one research article.

Credit Hours : 1

Prerequisites

• JRC601 with a minimum grade D

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Develop An Approach To The Analysis Of Research Of Articles
2. Develop An Understanding For The Basis Of Hypothesis Testing
3. Develop An Updated Knowledge Of Current Literature
4. Develop Understanding For The Implications Of Research Findings
5. Acquire Critical Appraisal Skills

Principles of Microbiology and Immunology (MCRO223)

This course covers the different groups of microorganisms, their structure, metabolism and growth, and how they cause diseases in the human. Also covered are the different body defence mechanisms against the micro-organisms.

Credit Hours : 3

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Describe The Main Constituents Of The Immune System, Their Development And Function. Outline The Components Of The Innate And Adaptive Immune Systems And Their General Role In Antimicrobial Defenses.
2. Describe The Modes Of Transmission, Pathogenesis And Host-Pathogen Interaction Of Medically Important Microorganisms And Outline The Basic Concepts Of Laboratory Diagnosis, Prevention And Treatment Of Infectious Diseases.
3. Explain The Taxonomy, Classification, Morphology And Replication Of The Medically Important Microorganisms (Including Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites, Molds, Helminthes And Viruses) And Describe Their Growth, Genetics And Metabolism.

Molecular Bacteriology – Gene, Structure, Pathogenesis (MMIM601)

This is an advanced graduate level course on the pathogenesis bacterial infections. The first set of lectures on general bacteriology will describe the molecular structure and genetics of the bacterial cell. The common themes (e.g. adhesion, invasion and toxin production) in the infectious process together with the concepts of “pathogen” and “virulent” will also be dealt with during these lectures. The second part of the course takes an organ-system based approach on the most important bacterial pathogens and the pathology they cause. Particular emphasis will be put on the molecular interplay between the host and parasite to understand how bacteria breach natural host barrier, how they exploit new niches in the host and avoid host defense mechanism. All during these lectures genes and structures targeted in recent molecular and immunological diagnostic work, as well as in vaccine development will be identified and described.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the concept of infectious disease and that of the germ theory.
2. Analyze the implications of the structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and those existing between different types of bacteria.
3. Classify and categorize the most important elements in prokaryotic genetics, particularly those important in the evolution, pathogen nature and drug resistance of microbes.
4. Evaluate and compare the common steps of infectious process and the varieties in those expressed by the various pathogens.
5. Critically evaluate scientific publications on recent research findings pertaining to the most important bacterial pathogens and their modes of infections in various organ systems.
6. Critically evaluate various diagnostic methods targeting virulence factors and their genes in case of infections of the major organ systems.

Principles of Cellular and Molecular Immunology (MMIM602)

The field of immunology has witnessed a huge surge in knowledge in the last 40 years. From relatively modest and rather esoteric beginnings, immunology has become one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of medical sciences. This course encompasses the major sub-disciplines in the field. These will include, but not be limited to, development and maturation of the various cell lineages of the immune system, phylogeny and structure-function relationship of cell-associated as well as soluble receptors used by the immune system, the mechanisms of antigen processing, presentation, and recognition, properties of innate vs. adaptive immune responses, communication and cell-cell interactions, immunoregulation, and humoral and cellular effector mechanisms. Throughout the course, the Seminar material will be discussed with emphasis on the underlying original experimental findings. Moreover, practical applications will be related to basic immunological principles wherever appropriate.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the components of innate and adaptive immunity.
2. Describe the molecular mechanisms of B and T lymphocyte ontogeny.
3. Explain structure-function relationship of MHC proteins and their role in antigen presentation and its application to disease susceptibility.
4. Discuss the importance of cell-cell interactions in regulating immune responses.
5. Discuss the concept of immunological self-tolerance and evaluate its relation to autoimmune diseases.
6. Analyze and evaluate the immune responses that ensue in the settings of microbial infections, tissue transplants and cancer.

Molecular Principles of Viral Replication and Pathogenesis (MMIM603)

Virology has made a significant contribution in revolutionizing modern molecular biology. Many of the tools of molecular biology in use today were conceived of while studying viruses, their replication and ability to cause disease. Thus, this course will focus on virus replication and pathogenesis. Understanding the basic steps of virus replication is important for combating virus spread since these steps can serve as targets for intervention. Similarly, a study of viral pathogenesis is critical for not only successful control of virus transmission, but also towards the development of vaccines and other novel therapeutic agents. Hence, the first part of the course will introduce basic principles that unite all viruses and will discuss the molecular basis of virus replication and pathogenesis. In addition, it will also cover effects of viruses on the host cell since the life cycle of viruses are intricately connected to the host cell functions. This will include topics related to the ability of viruses to persist into the host cell, cause latency, acquire cellular genes (viral oncoproteins), as well as the ability to transform host cells. The second part of the course will present an in-depth view of major viral groups that cause human diseases, including retroviruses, adeno- and adeno-associated viruses, papillomaviruses, herpesviruses, influenza, and hepatitis viruses. The focus of these lectures, once again, will be on the specifics of virus replication and pathogenesis within the specific viral group. The format of the course will be lectures and active participation of the students is a must. The class will meet once a week for approximately two hours with a fifteen minutes break.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the basic principles of virus replication that are common to all viruses.
2. Discuss how viruses can cause cell injury and death
3. Describe how viruses are grouped and divided
4. Explain in detail the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of important viral diseases affecting humans.
5. Plan and design basic molecular approaches used for identifying and studying viruses.
6. Critically evaluate and present research findings.

Gene Therapy (MMIM605)

Gene therapy is the novel, state-of-the-art approach to treating human disorders using nucleic acids as the therapeutic agent. The disorders open to gene therapy include inherited genetic deficiencies, infectious and autoimmune maladies and extends to chronic and acquired diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, gene therapy aims to cure medical problems at the source; illnesses that otherwise were incurable, did not have effective treatments, or treatments that affected only the symptoms, but not the cause. This course will provide the student with a comprehensive overview of the field of gene therapy from the basics to the ethical implications. It will cover topics related to the fundamentals of gene delivery, how it can be used as a new form of therapy, what are some of the gene delivery systems (both viral and non-viral), what strategies have been used for therapy within the organism, what are some of the successes and failures in human, and finally what are some of the ethical and legal considerations that arise out of this new field of medicine. The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with the basics of gene therapy and bring them up-to-date as to where gene therapy stands today both technologically and ethically. The format of the course will be Seminars and student directed presentations.

Credit Hours : 1

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the concept of gene therapy and compare and contrast advantages/disadvantages of gene therapy.
2. Discuss and explain different types of gene therapies and their applications.
3. Critically evaluate different types of physical and biological methods that are used to deliver the therapeutic gene in the cells and/or human body.
4. Compare and contrast the role of different viral vectors in transferring the therapeutic gene in human body.
5. Describe and evaluate the ethical implications of gene therapy and the moral dilemma.
6. Discuss, develop, and present review of literature and recent developments pertaining to current gene therapy approaches.

Molecular Techniques Viral Pathogenesis (MMIM606)

The advent of novel techniques in cellular and molecular biology has revolutionized our understanding of viruses and viral diseases. These technical advances have not only resulted in the discovery of new viruses implicated in human disease (e.g. Kaposi’s sarcoma virus), but also unraveled the mechanisms of pathogenesis of some viral diseases. This in turn has led to improved diagnosis, control and prevention of viral infections. The recent introduction of HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer is one success story. This advanced level graduate course will provide a comprehensive overview of the common molecular techniques used in studying viruses and their involvement in human diseases. The emphasis will be on how these molecular techniques can be used for the detection and analysis of viruses in tissue specimens routinely sent to diagnostic pathology departments. The course will be delivered in the form of seminars, complementary laboratory sessions and student directed presentations. Successful completion of this course should give the student a sound understanding of the molecular techniques available for studying viruses in tissue specimens.

Credit Hours : 1

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the principles of molecular approach to studying viral diseases.
2. Compare and contrast common methods used for tissue preservation and processing.
3. Evaluate some of the common molecular tools used for the detection and analysis of viruses.
4. Examine common molecular techniques and their applications for investigating viral pathogenesis and viral associated diseases.
5. Critically evaluate the limits and drawbacks of these techniques.

Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance (MMIM607)

This course covers the pharmacological, microbiological and laboratory aspects of anti-bacterial agents, anti-infective therapy and antibiotic resistance. The core knowledge to understand the various approaches to anti-infective therapy, to conduct and interpret anti-microbial sensitivity testing and to understand the bases of laboratory monitoring of drug therapy will be provided. Anti-bacterial drugs, their chemistry, mode of action and pharmacological properties will be described while special emphasis will be put on the molecular bases, genetics, mechanisms and importance of anti-microbial resistance.

Credit Hours : 1

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Compare and contrast chemical structure, mode of action and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics properties of the major groups of antibiotics
2. Categorize the major antibiotic resistance mechanisms of bacteria.
3. Evaluate the various methods of antibiotic susceptibility testing and their role in clinical vs. reference laboratories.
4. Construct hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms playing a role in the spread of acquired antimicrobial resistance in given scenarios

Immune-Mediated Diseases (MMIM608)

From the topics covered in a prerequisite course of cellular and molecular basis of immune reactivity it is clear that a fully functional immune system is necessary for survival and health. It also appears that there is an obvious and dangerous potential for the immune system to kill its host. This course discusses the consequences of differentiational arrests in the development and different types of pathogenic immune reactivity that cause immune mediated diseases. This Course will cover at an advanced level, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying inappropriate immune responses leading to tissue damage. The first part includes pathological immune response to self-antigens. The course will also cover the mechanisms of loss of tolerance to self, the failure of the regulatory mechanism of immune responses and pathogenic role of different effector cells and molecules leading to progression of diseases in experimental models and human pathology. Particular emphasis will be given to the immunodiagnostic modalities and disease monitoring. The second includes the responses characterized as hypersensitivity reactions caused by a response to innocuous antigen (allergy) or an exaggerated response to an infectious agent. The third part of the course is to discuss primary immune deficiency diseases. This course will also cover therapeutic aspects of immune-mediated diseases including anti-inflammatory agents, cytokines and cytokine antagonists and inhibitors, immunotherapy of allergy, and new approaches including stem cell and gene therapy in autoimmunity.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain in details the understanding of mechanisms of innate immunodeficiencies.
2. Describe the mechanisms and consequences of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
3. Understand the peripheral and central mechanisms of tolerance of self.
4. Plan and design methods of identifying hypersensitivity reactions and their major clinico-pathological consequences.
5. Discuss and explain the mechanisms of autoimmunity.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of major organ specific and systemic autoimmune disorders.

Microbiome in health and disease (MMIM609)

The human microbiome is referred to as the genomic content of microorganisms (microbiota) inhabiting a particular site in the human body, such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract. They form a complex and discrete ecosystem that adapts to the various conditions of each niche. Alterations in microbiome composition have been associated with many infectious and non-infectious diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, cancers and diabetes. Multi-omics techniques, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses, are used to better understand how the microbiota are acting on and interacting with the human hosts in health and disease. This course will provide the students with deep understanding of microbial communities residing at different niches in the human body, their diversity, cell-cell communication, interaction with the immune system, modulation and impact on human health. Students will be exposed to modern molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools for profiling and analysing microbiome data sets. They will also learn how to integrate these data to develop a holistic understanding of the interactions between host and microbial communities in both health and disease states.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the links between human microbiome and diseases.
2. Discuss the importance of microbiota cell-cell communication and interaction with the immune system.
3. Compare and contrast microbiome composition in health and disease at different sites in the human body.
4. Describe the methods used in the modulation of human microbiome and their impact on health.
5. Evaluate and assess the complexity of the human microbiome communities using next generation sequencing and common bioinformatics analysis tools.

Basic Medical Parasitology and Entomology (MMIM612)

The aim of the course is to provide core knowledge in medical parasitology and entomology. The course is covering tropical neglected diseases, covering the protozoan and metazoan parasites of humans and the vectors/arthropods which transmit them. As well as explores a number of medically/scientifically important helminths infection. The parasitology course will ensure that CMHS graduates have the knowledge, attitudes and skills to pursue a career in medical parasitology, and any other carrier related to public health and medical parasitology and entomology research. The course will enable students to be understand the concept of prevention and control of parasitic disease and equipped with critical appraisal skills, ability to evaluate scientific evidence.

Credit Hours : 2

Prerequisites

• MMIM602 with a minimum grade D

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Examines the general biology, life cycles, modes of transmission, and pathogenesis of major parasites on global human health and its vectors.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply relevant research skills such as critically analyses and interpret scientific data, and prepare a written report including a critical literature review of relevant scientific publications; and show competence in communicating scientific information and findings.
3. Outline methods of control of parasitic diseases, and their prevention; and understand the doctors and scientist’s role and responsibilities in health protection.
4. Carry out practical laboratory identification of the various parasite stages both free and in tissues and diagnose infections
5. Understand the principles and concepts for neglected tropical diseases and appreciate the changes that will affect their future practice, including issues such as the changing patterns of parasitic disease (emerging and re-emerging disease), interaction between environment and population, political changes, professional changes, and changes in public expectations and health beliefs and behavior.

Emerging bacterial infectious diseases (MMIM620)

Emerging infectious diseases are newly recognized in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. They may be new infections resulting from changes or evolution of existing organisms, known infections spreading to new geographic areas or populations, previously unrecognized infections appearing in areas undergoing ecologic transformation, or old infections reemerging. Emerging infectious diseases may be unpredictable with the potential for global outbreaks. Although they are transmissible, there is the potential for immunity against reinfection. Many are preventable through vaccines with the potential for eradication. The challenge of EID relates to their impact on humans: pandemics, epidemics as well as the threats to human health and global stability. Despite the development of advanced diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against infectious diseases, world travel and increased global interdependence have added to problems in diagnosing and containing these diseases. This course will provide the students with deep understanding of emerging infectious diseases with special focus on bacteria. The student will learn about the ecological, environmental, microbial, host and social factors contributing to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases in humans. Students will be exposed to various molecular tools including the next generation methodologies available to work on the epidemiology of disease-causing microorganisms. They will also learn how the emerging infectious diseases can be controlled through vaccines.

Credit Hours : 2

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the pathobiology of emerging microorganisms with special focus on bacteria.
2. Evaluate the ecological, environmental, microbial, host and social factors contributing to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases in humans.
3. Analyze the various molecular tools available to work on the molecular epidemiology of disease-causing microorganisms.
4. Demonstrate how the infectious diseases may be diagnosed using next generation diagnostic tools.
5. Explain the control of emerging infectious diseases through vaccines.

Biomedical Sc. Seminar I (SEM601)

This is a course in oral communication for Masters students in Medical Sciences disciplines. It will require students to prepare and deliver a PowerPoint presentation that will discuss the progress of their own research work. The outline for the presentations should include an introduction leading into the research question or theory, experiment design and their results and conclusion and finally their proposed follow up work. This course is intended to provide graduate students with experience in presenting their own scientific research data. A nominated faculty member provides critical evaluation and feedback for the presentation skills and presented material which can be very beneficial for students practicing for later defending their own research thesis. This course provides a platform for interaction, networking and collaboration and scientific discussion and argumentation.

Credit Hours : 1

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect on current literature in their research area.
2. Present research approach and methodology with confidence and clarity
3. Adhere to the logical structure and coherent design of an effective scientific oral presentation
4. Interpret scientific research findings
5. Defend research outcomes and future work

Biomedical Sc. Seminar II (SEM602)

This will require students to make a PowerPoint presentation on an assigned topic in their area of research in consultation with the student’s supervisor, which will help the students to develop their research projects. Each student is required to present one seminar. The students are also highly encouraged to attend all faculty seminars.

Credit Hours : 1

Prerequisites

• SEM601 with a minimum grade D

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an updated knowledge of current literature.
2. Develop their oral and visual scientific presentation skills.
3. Adapt to the logical structure and coherent design of an effective scientific oral presentation.
4. Develop confidence of presenting scientific research findings.
5. Defend research outcomes and future work.