About the Department

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About Us

BRIEF OVERVIEW ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology was established in 1983 as an independent unit, separating from the former Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Morbid Anatomy, and Forensic Medicine. Since its inception, the department has been fully operational and is now one of the five departments within the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at the College of Health Sciences.

MISSION

  1. To equip undergraduate and postgraduate students with an in-depth knowledge of infectious disease agents.
  2. To provide undergraduate and postgraduate students with a sound knowledge of the principles and practice of infectious diseases.
  3. To carry out research on the aetiology, pathogenesis, biology and epidemiology of infectious diseases.
  4. To apply current advances and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.

VISION

To be a department that builds capacity in training in all branches of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; To carry out cutting-edge research that will enhance management of infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To teach Medical Microbiology and Parasitology so that medical, dental, and postgraduate students can have a good understanding of microorganisms that cause infectious disease with a view to enhancing health care delivery with emphasis on the areas of aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.
  2. To build the capacity of the department for research activities in bacteriology, parasitology, virology, mycology, and molecular biology.
  3. To become a centre of excellence and training in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

A. Undergraduate programme

Medical Microbiology and Parasitology is taught at the 300 and 400 levels in accordance with CCMAS guidelines for both Medicine (MBChB) and Dentistry (B.Ch.D.) students. The programme is designed to provide medical and dental students with adequate exposure to achieve the stated learning objectives. The disciplines of Microbiology and Parasitology are delivered through courses in Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Entomology, and Clinical Microbiology. These areas encompass the study of pathogenic organisms that constitute major public health challenges in tropical and developing settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the biology of these organisms, including their life cycles, where applicable, before progressing to clinical and applied aspects such as pathogenesis, pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive appreciation of disease processes. Teaching methods employed by the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology include lectures, practical laboratory sessions, seminars and tutorials, as well as clinical instruction. Block postings are conducted through structured and planned rotational schedules. Additionally, the department provides essential theoretical and practical instruction to third-year nursing students and fourth-year pharmacy students to round out their clinical education.

B. Postgraduate Programmes

The department also runs postgraduate programmes designed to address the growing demand for specialists in teaching, service delivery, and research across medical, public health, environmental, industrial, and research institutions. The programmse offer a balanced and integrated training framework that combines a strong foundation in the fundamental biology, biochemistry, and physiology of pathogens with rigorous instruction in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Graduates of each specialization are equipped to apply their expertise to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases caused by the respective microbes and parasites.

Degrees offered are:

  1. Master of Science (M.Sc.) Medical Microbiology or Medical Parasitology
  2. Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) Medical Microbiology or Medical Parasitology
  3. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Medical Microbiology or Medical Parasitology