Introduction
This is a one-year training program in applied epidemiology and laboratory management practice.
Participants in the program will develop competencies in several inter-related areas: epidemiology, disease surveillance, laboratory management practice, biostatistics, data management and analysis, scientific communication and public health leadership. This program also focuses on providing a systematic, process-oriented approach to meeting quality objectives, and delivering consistent, high-quality, cost-effective laboratory services through the implementation of a QMS.
The program involves 50% classroom instruction and 50% field assignments and the aim is to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in field epidemiology to identify public health problems and design interventions targeted to impact the overall public health in Somalia, to cooperate and integrate the laboratory as essential member of epidemiological team.
Program Objectives
The overall aim of this program is to train and produce graduates with relevant competencies and skills in applied epidemiology and laboratory management, which will enable them to contribute towards strengthening the public health system of Somalia.
The main objectives of the program are to produce graduates who are able to:
- Make surveillance of diseases and have the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
- Demonstrate and apply appropriate management, statistical and research tools to analyze the data from field study.
- Meet accreditation quality requirements.
- Run with the highest efficiency and productivity.
- Provide the highest quality test results to their patient population.
Program Learning Outcomes
On completion of the program, students will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Understand the surveillance of disease
- Describe the role that clinical and public health laboratory have in a health system.
- Outline essential elements of a well-functioning public health laboratory system and understand their importance in the context of a public health program.
- Describe the importance of quality laboratory information on public health policy making.
- List the Quality Management System Essentials and demonstrate how to design, implement, maintain and improve a quality management system tailored to their laboratory’s needs.
- Use quality improvement tools and techniques, including process mapping, benchmarking, root cause analysis and gap analysis.
Program Structure
The program comprises a total of 30 credit hours, made up of 3 core modules (10 credit hours) plus 7 Program units (20 credit hours) which consist Field epidemiology core units (12 credit hours) and Laboratory management core units (8 credit hours) according to the following structure.
| SEMESTER I | ||
| CODE | COURSE NAME | CREDIT |
| FELM111 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| FELM 112 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| FELM 113 | Fundamental of Laboratory Methods | 3 |
| SUB TOTAL | 9 | |
| SEMESTER II | ||
| FELM121 | Field Epidemiology | 3 |
| FELM122 | Research methodology | 3 |
| FELM 123 | Laboratory quality Management Systems | 3 |
| SUB TOTAL | 9 | |
| SEMESTER III | ||
| FELM 131 | Management and Leadership | 2 |
| FELM 132 | Field Training | 6 |
| FELM 133 | Thesis dissertation | 4 |
| SUB TOTAL | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 30 | |
Entry Requirements
- Applicants of this program should possess a bachelor’s degree in the fields of Laboratory Sciences, Medical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Biological sciences or any other laboratory related fields of study.
- All Applicants must pass the university English proficiency test or provide evidence for international English certification.
Duration:
One year = 3 Semesters * 4 months
Program Fees:
- Tuition Fees: $720
- Registration Fees: $50
Graduation Requirements
Candidates must fulfil the following requirement for graduation to qualify for the degree:
- Satisfactorily completed all the courses and the total number of credit hours specified for the program.
- Obtained a final CGPA of at least 2.67 on completion of the program.
- Paid all fees due to the university.
Grading System
The grading system for all courses is as follows:
| Marks | Grade | Grade Point (GPA) | Meaning |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.00 | High Distinction |
| 80-89 | A | 3.67 | Distinction |
| 75-79 | A- | 3.33 | Very Good |
| 70-74 | B+ | 3.00 | Good |
| 65-69 | B | 2.67 | Pass |
| 60-64 | B- | 2.33 | |
| 55-59 | C+ | 2.00 | |
| 50-54 | C | 1.67 | |
| Less than 50 | F | 0.0 | Fail |