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Schedule

TopThis module will be conducted every Wednesday, 6 to 9pm. Classes will start from 13 January 2016.

For more information on topics and venues, please check the module schedule under 'WEBLINKS'. Any changes to the schedule will be reflected in the module schedule.

Brief Module Description

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This module focuses on communicable diseases of public health concern. Students will learn the fundamentals underpinning prevention, surveillance and control of communicable diseases, and how these principles and concepts are applied to specific groups of communicable diseases. Students will apply this knowledge to investigate and control a hypothetical outbreak, and critically appraise and discuss the application of current control strategies in case studies from Singapore and elsewhere. This course will help students prepare for work in communicable diseases in governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Learning Outcomes

Top Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Describe fundamental principles and concepts in the study and control of communicable diseases, including:

the factors affecting their distribution in populations
the methods used to characterize this distribution
the role of surveillance systems
how all of the above informs disease control strategies and programmes

Describe the principles and concepts in the transmission and control of specific groups of communicable diseases, including:

contact transmissible and airborne infections
environment-related, food and water borne diseases
vector-borne diseases
vaccine preventable diseases
drug resistant and healthcare associated infections
sexually transmitted infections

Apply principles of outbreak investigation and control on a hypothetical outbreak
Describe and critically appraise control measures and programmes in real-world situations using case studies on HIV, TB, drug resistant infections and dengue.

Teaching Modes

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Lecture
Case Study
Required Readings

Class/Small Group Discussion
Student Presentations
Recommended Readings

The module will be taught on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm over 13 weeks. The first 4 weeks of the module will be dedicated to exploring fundamental principles and concepts in the study and control of communicable diseases. The remainder of the course will include lectures and small group discussions on specific groups of communicable diseases. Interspersed with the above will be several sessions where groups of students are to apply their knowledge on outbreak investigation and control in a hypothetical outbreak situation, culminating in a student-led presentation on the topic.

Assessment

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(a) Class Participation 10%

(b) Group Assignment 30%

Total: 100%

Active participation is expected and will be taken into account when calculating the class participation grade. Students are expected to contribute to the discussion through their questions, comments and personal insights.

All assignments are due on the dates provided. If students are unable to complete assignments, they must communicate with the instructors before the deadline to avoid penalties.

Disclamier

TopWhen a student is unable to attend the required sessions, an excuse may be granted for limited time periods upon the production of evidence of illness, misadventure or leave of absence having been granted.

Students must inform the Education Office if any of the above has taken place.

Failure to meet attendance requirements will affect module grading.