Integrated postgraduate study program

Abstract

            Tikrit University College of Medicine [TUCOM] applied an innovative curriculum and learning programs. Their learning approach  is community based study modules incorporating problem based learning in undergraduate study. Later the TUCOM adopted integrated postgraduate programs for Diploma and M Sc degrees. This program provides professional preparation for teaching in a problem based settings and is designed for graduate’s health professions to work in the rural areas. It covers the theory and practice of teaching, concentrating on the characteristics of learner’s background to fill the practical and theoretical gaps in their knowledge and the social and educational contexts of education.  Furthermore, they implement program that improve the leadership ability of health professions.

Programs description

Diploma in Clinical Investigation

This is an integrated program that is formed of thirteen modules that cover the disciplines of microbiology, physiology, clinical chemistry, clinical pharmacological investigations, research methods, biostatistics, hematology and methods of sampling. The program offered either full-time over one year or part-time over two years at TUCOM. Applicants are required to nominate supervisor to perform under his supervision a research investigational work.

Program structure
The program consists of 13 modules [Learning periods]:

• Research methods.
•  
• Health system and community health
• Sampling methods
• Genitourinary system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Cerebrospinal and nervous system diseases.
• Hematology and oncology.
• Rheumatology and clinical immunology.
• Allergic and dermatologic diseases
• ENT diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Endocrinology

The first two courses taught as longitudinal course while the others given as integrated multidisciplinary courses. The durations of courses depend on the amount of materials to be given in each course.

Assessment

Student assessment performed at the end of each module and each module worth mark weight that depends on teaching hours for each module [ The examination consist of written paper and practical experimental work]. At the end of the program there is a final examination in all modules. The examination consisted of written, oral and practical papers. The final examination worth for 50% of the total mark. For research methods and biostatistics there is a written examination only.

 Entry requirements

Applicants must have a bachelors degree and working in the ministry of health laboratories. University staff member who would like to expand his experience in the clinical investigation allowed applying for the program. However, their number should not more than 20% of the total number of program participant.

Diploma / M Sc in Allergy and Immunological Diseases.

This is an integrated program that is formed of 8 modules that cover the disciplines of Anatomy and Physiology of skin and respiratory system; Basic and Clinical Immunology; Pharmacology; Dermatology; Food Allergy; ENT and Eye allergy; Drug Allergy; Research methods; Clinical training and Research thesis. The program offered full-time over two years at TUCOM. Applicants are required to nominate supervisor to perform under his supervision a research investigational work.

Program structure
The program consists of 11 modules

Anatomy of skin and respiratory system.

Physiology of skin and respiratory system

Pharmacology

Basic immunology

Chest diseases

Food and drug allergy

ENT and Eye allergy

Skin diseases

Research method

Clinical Clerkship

Thesis

Assessment

Student assessment performed at the end of each module and each module worth mark weight that depends on teaching hours for each module.  The examination consists of written paper, Clinical short and long cases, Oral clinical pharmacology and pathology and Oral clinical session. At the end of the program there is a final clinical and oral examination and presentation of thesis. The participant should pass [60%] in each module examination and the thesis presentation and defense [70%]. If the student doesn’t pass he allowed repeating the examination at second attempt for once only. 

The weight of modules is as follow:

Thesis                 9 units

Clinical             18 units

Others                9   units

 Entry requirements
Applicants must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree [MBCHB] and working in the ministry of health and Universities.
2. C0mpleted two year of residency.

One year of residency as house officer