Examination of stool and urine for the presence of parasitic infection is one of the basic tasks of parasitologist. This training program will provide trainees with extensive practical experiences and raise their skills by application of different methods used to examine stool and urine beside soil samples for the presence of parasitic stages.

1. Understand the principles & precautions needed for sample collection, storage and transportation and waste disposal.  
2. Perform a range of appropriate techniques in the laboratory used for stool, soil and urine analysis.
3. Examine different parasitic stages that may be recovered from stool, soil and urine samples.
4. Use of ocular micrometer for measuring different parasitic stages that may be recovered from stool, urine and soil.
5. Describe important morphological features of recovered parasites.
6. Oriented by the quality assurance during examination of stool, soil and urine parasites.

Importance of the program:

This program is crucial for all parasitologists who need extensive training for future progress in their career

Each subject is introduced with a theoretical session on sample collection, sample storage & transportation, and waste disposal & precautions.  Procedures for selected tests are highlighted.  Practical sessions are performed on selected tests.  Practical work is done through group work.  Practical sessions are concluded by discussions and grading of the best performing group of the day. The trainees will be asked to incorporate in department activity concerning sample examination in research unit under supervision of the responsible staff members. The course outline may be adjusted to correspond with the level of training of participants.

Main topics:

-   Principles & precautions needed for sample collection

-   Storage and transportation of different samples and waste disposal  

-   Different laboratory techniques used for stool, soil and urine analysis

-   Different parasitic stages recovered from stool  samples

-   Different parasitic stages recovered from soil samples

-   Different parasitic stages recovered from urine samples

-   How to describe important morphological features of different recovered parasitic stages & their quantification.

-   Quality assurance during examination of stool, soil and urine parasites.

-   How to write a full report after examination.

The teaching strategy is based on extensive laboratory work. They must use the ocular micrometer for measuring the size of recovered parasitic stages.

During the practical sessions trainees will do all tests that have been taught.  Trainees are divided into groups of two or more according to their number.  At the end of the session test results are compared and problems are discussed. 

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on training sessions with few theoretical lectures and the learning time is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents only 5% of the learning time and 50% is for training sessions (contact time is 55%). 

o   35 % is for self-directed training.

o   The remaining 10% is specified for assessment.

Depends mainly on practical achievement 

The aim of this program is to train the students on the basic procedures in slide-mounting techniques and permanent preservation of different samples of medical importance.

 

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Understand the main principles of mounting techniques
2. Correctly and successfully mount different  stages of medically important parasites
3. Describe the possible mistakes which may face the trainees during the mounting process

Importance of the program:

 

Mounting techniques are frequently used in Parasitology field for teaching or research purposes.

This program is important for future carrier of parasitologist. The program facilitates and simplifies training on mounting procedures

            

This program is mainly practical.  Group practical work will be arranged under observation and supervision of the responsible staff members.

Teaching Strategy:

Each practical session will include short demonstrations by a staff member, followed by periods of supervised laboratory work using different samples materials.  Students are encouraged to practice outside the time tabled sessions. Errors or mistakes during work will be recorded to be discussed in next practical session.

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on practical training sessions and learning time is designed as follows;

o    60% is for training sessions (contact time is 60%). 

o   20 % is self-directed training.

o   The remaining 20% is specified for assessment, review and revision.

Preparation of a number of parasitological specimens related to different stages of medically important arthropods.

The aim of this program is to provide students with sufficient computing skills to enable them to produce quality academic reports, papers and presentations as outlined in the objectives below.

 

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Create, edit, format, print and save files using Microsoft Word 2007
2. Access and use the university computer network and electronic mail facilities
3. Use Microsoft Excel 2007 for performing calculations, creating charts and managing data
4. Use of Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 to create presentations.

Importance of the program:

Without doubt, there is no research or learning without use of computer. This program supports training on basic computing for Post graduate student and raise their computer skills.

This program is aimed at students with limited experience of computing.  Announcement for this program will be as soon as the agreement with the responsible staff members. Students who are reasonably competent in using a computer should sign up for preparing a simple presentation after a meeting with the program coordinator and should submit an approved certificate to the department.

Each session will include short demonstrations using a computer-linked display, followed by periods of supervised work on a desktop computer using workbook-type materials.  Students are encouraged to practice outside the timetabled sessions.

Learning Time:

Total learning: the whole program depends on practical training sessions. Students are expected to attend all or at least 75% of the sessions to pass this program.

No formal assessment. The student is asked to present some data in the end of the practical sessions

To equip students with the skills needed to analyse and interpret data from different research designs using basic statistical techniques.

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Understand the methods used to collect and organize data and its determinants using appropriate tools.
2. Apply basic statistical techniques to explore  different data in parasitological research
3. Critically read assess relevant literature.

Importance of the program:

This program provides training on basic statistical techniques for our students. This is an essential step in almost all scientific researches.

Regulations of the program:

Basic computing skills are prerequisites for joining this program. The program is organized by the responsible staff members in collaboration with medical education center or Public Health department Cairo University. Examples will be based around research themes appropriate to the particular module. Announcement for this program will be as soon as the agreement with the responsible staff members.

This module is predominately computer-based. The data analyzed will be drawn from research works by staff members in Parasitology. There will be also some lectures and small group work.

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on training sessions with few theoretical lectures.

Students will write up the results of one of the analyses carried out in the program, presented in the format of a scientific paper.

To provide a basic understanding and practical experience of a range of reagents, methods and tools of the molecular techniques. The program also aims to demonstrate what can be achieved with the molecular approach, and how expertise in this area can be integrated into career development.  Practical training will be built around an appropriate research theme.  

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1.    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning important techniques in molecular biology.

2.    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some applications of these techniques in laboratory research on parasitic diseases.

3.    Demonstrate the ability to carry out basic laboratory experiments in molecular biology with analysis and interpretation of the results.

4.    Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend and assess the relevant scientific literature.

Importance of the program:

 

This program is intended for our students who require theoretical knowledge and practical experience of standard molecular biology techniques which is crucial for advanced recent researches.

 

This program is designed for students with a basic knowledge of molecular biology.

Concurrent lecture topics will be closely linked to the practical work.  Following the practical section of the module, published papers will be read and discussed to illustrate applications of the techniques covered.  Revision sessions are included to consolidate the theoretical aspects of the program.

Main topics:

-   DNA structure and function

-   Different DNA extraction techniques

-   Different methods for visualization of nuclear products

-   Principles of DNA amplification

-   Conventional PCR techniques

-   Quantitative real time PCR  technique

-   Principles and application of genotyping in Parasitology

-   Principles and application of gene expression in Parasitology

-   Principle of cloning technique and its application in Parasitology field

The program is a mainly practical, intended to develop laboratory skills and experiences through the following teaching strategies:

o   Theoretical lectures

o   Practical sessions  with interactive discussions

o   Critical analysis and appraisal of scientific researches related to molecular technology

Learning Time:

A range of teaching methods will be used including practical sessions, formal lectures and group work.  The program is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents 20% of the learning time and 40% is for practical sessions (contact time is 60%). 

o   20 % is for directed self-study and self-directed learning.

o   The remaining 20% is specified for assessment, review and revision.

Assessment will be based on a written report, in scientific paper format, on one of the practical sessions. Some consideration will be given to the quality of data provided.

To develop an understanding and skills in a range of techniques currently used in immuno-parasitology.

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1.      Describe the theory, practice and development of a range of techniques currently used in immuno-parasitology;

2.      Demonstrate or/and perform a range of appropriate techniques in the laboratory

3.      Interpret and present experimental data in an appropriate scientific format.

4.      Critically analyse a scientific research related to immunoparasitology.

Importance of the program:

Theoretical information about the different immunological techniques is not enough for the post graduate students who are really in need of not only demonstration of different techniques but also application of some of them whenever possible. This program will facilitate their learning process and help them to analyse immunological parameters in recent researches.

This program is designed for students with a basic knowledge of immunology (prerequisite for joining this program). Practical work forms the major element of the program and so students should be motivated for learning technical skills.   The student will perform some techniques whenever possible otherwise, demonstration will be done. The extensive laboratory time involves in formal teaching and provides good opportunities for discussion of some problems or areas of specific interest.

Main topics:

Principals and values of different techniques currently used in immuno-parasitology;

-   Immunoelectrophoresis techniques

-   Immunoblot technique

-   ELISA techniques

-   Immuno- florescence techniques

-   Indirect haemagglutation and other agglutination techniques

-   Immunohistochemistry

The program is mainly practical, intended to develop laboratory skills in a number of areas of up to date immuno-parasitology. The program will be managed through the following teaching methods:

o   Theoretical lectures

o   Practical sessions  with interactive discussions

o   Critical analysis and appraisal of scientific researches  related to immunoparasitology

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on practical sessions with few theoretical lectures and the learning time is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents 20% of the learning time and 40% is for practical sessions (contact time is 60%). 

o   20 % is for directed self-study and self-directed learning.

o   The remaining 20% is specified for assessment, review and revision.

Assessment will be based on a written report, in scientific paper format, on one of the practical sessions. Some consideration will be given to the quality of data provided.

To introduce the fundamental concepts, principles and methods required for scientific researches and enhance the research capabilities of post graduate students to be able to conduct and to critically appraise research work

A. Knowledge and understanding: By the end of this program, students should be able to:

1.    Demonstrate understanding of concepts underlying the design of research studies of different designs

2.    Understand the concept of sampling variation.

3.    Outline the guidelines for ethics in research.

B.    Intellectual skills: By the end of the course the candidate should be able to:

1.    Assess the main areas of research in a particular aspect of the subject and explain basic approaches to the design and interpretation of multivariable analysis models.

2.    Critically analyse published papers in various areas, identify important unanswered questions and suggest ways of answering them.

C.   Professional and practical skills: By the end of the course the candidates should be able to:

1.    Demonstrate  some of the skills and  ability required to design a laboratory or field based research project, apply relevant research skills and critically analyse and interpret data

D.   General and transferable skills: By the end of the course the candidates should be able to:

1.    Apply acquired skills to understand, evaluate and keep up to date with scientific literature to  select and design an appropriate research project for future carrier

 

Importance and plan of the program:

This program provides a suitable foundation for students involved in laboratory and field research on which they can develop their skills and expand their experiences for independent research which is crucial in their carrier.

Emphasis will be on practical and applied skills. Each lecture will be followed by a supervised practical session, where the ideas and concepts will be applied. Examples will be based around research themes appropriate to the particular module.

Main topics:

-       Problem identification, analysis and prioritization

-       Research question, hypothesis and goal of the study

-       Variable types (data and information) and specific objectives

-       Study types & design

-       Sample types

-       Sample size

-       Study tools

-       Data management and quality assurance

-       Overall examples

Teaching Strategy:

The program is based mainly on training and brain storming sessions and will be managed through the following teaching methods:

Lectures – interactive discussions - Practical sessions and small group activities

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on training sessions with few theoretical lectures and the learning time is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents only 10% of the learning time and 40% is for training sessions (contact time is 50%).  

o   30 % is for directed self-study and self-directed learning.

o   The remaining 20% is specified for assessment, review and revision.

 

·         For monitoring student achievement, a formative assessment based on critical appraisal  and assignments will be performed.

·         The student will be asked to prepare a research  proposal  at the end of the training program. 

This training program will provide trainees with practical experiences and raise their skills by application of different methods used to examine blood samples for the presence of parasitic stages.

1.    Understand the principles & precautions needed for sample collection, storage and transportation and west disposal.     

2.    Demonstrate a range of appropriate techniques in the laboratory used for blood examination for parasitic infections.

3.    Observe different parasitic stages that may be recovered from blood samples.

4.    Describe important morphological features of recovered parasites & their quantification.

5.    Oriented by the quality assurance during examination of blood parasites.

Importance and plain of the program:

This program is important for all parasitologist who need extensive training for progress in their career

Each student is introduced with a theoretical session on sample collection, sample storage & transportation, and waste disposal & precautions.  Procedures for selected tests are highlighted. Practical sessions are performed on selected tests.  Practical work is done through group work.  Practical sessions are concluded by discussions and grading of the best performing group of the day. The trainees will be asked to incorporate in department activity concerning sample examination in research unit under supervision of the responsible staff members. The course outline may be adjusted to correspond with the level of training of participants.

Main topics:

-   Principles & precautions needed for blood sample collection.

-   Storage and transportation of blood samples and waste disposal.

-   Different laboratory techniques used for blood examination for parasitic stages.

-   Different parasitic stages recovered from blood.

-    How to describe important morphological features of different recovered parasitic stages.

-   Quality assurance during blood examination.

-   How to write a full report after examination.

Practical Sessions: 

During the practical sessions trainees will do all tests that have been taught.  Trainees are divided into groups of two or more according to their number.  At the end of the session test results are compared and problems are discussed. 

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on training sessions with few theoretical lectures and the learning time is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents only 5% of the learning time and 50% is for training sessions (contact time is 55%). 

o   35 % is for self-directed training.

o   The remaining 10% is specified for assessment.

Depends mainly on practical achievement 

This training program will provide trainees with needed basic knowledge as well as extensive practical skills for bright field microscope (compound microscope) handling; and subsequently raise their abilities in microscope calibration & proper use of eyepiece micrometer to identify parasites especially ova & cysts.

1.    Understand the principles & precautions needed for proper handling of compound microscope.

2.    Perform a range of appropriate training in the lab to use different magnifications especially oil immersion lens for parasites identification.

3.    Work out with extensive training of: how to do microscope calibration?

4.    Use of ocular micrometer for measuring different parasitic stages that may be recovered from stool, urine and soil.

5.    Describe scientifically the important morphological features of recovered parasites

Importance of the program:

Correctly calibrated microscope and accurate measurement is crucial for parasitologist because size is an important characteristic for identification of different parasites. This program is essential in providing needed training in microscopy & practice of ocular micrometer for precise measurement of parasitic stages.

Each student is introduced with a short theoretical session on bright field microscope parts, proper care & performance, high lightening how to obtain best images with a special consideration for oil immersion lens. Practical sessions are performed on microscope calibration & using the micrometer for precise measurement.  Practical work is done through group work.  Practical sessions are concluded by discussions, demonstration and grading of the best performing group of the day. The trainees will be asked to incorporate in activity by applying the procedure to measure different parasitic stages (e.g. eggs of helminths, trophozoites & cysts of protozoa).

Main Topics:

- Introduction to compound Microscope.

-  Microscope parts, oil immersion lens.

-  How to get best image?

- What is micrometry?

- Why it is important to use it?

- Scientific description of microscopic images.

- How to do microscopic calibration (4X & 10X magnification)?   

  And to use micrometry in precise measurement?

- How to do microscopic calibration (40X & 100X  magnification)?

  And to use micrometry in precise measurement?

- Practical application on diversity of slides (helminthes, protozoa & arthropods).

- Practical Evaluation

 

The teaching strategy is based on extensive laboratory work. All students must be well trained on the method of calibration of different magnification powers using ocular micrometer. Then they must be as well skilled on using the ocular micrometer for measuring the size of recovered parasitic stages.

During the practical sessions trainees will do & practice all skills that have been taught.  Trainees are divided into groups of two or more according to their number.  At the end of the session, test results are compared and problems are discussed. 

Learning Time:

This program depends mainly on training sessions with few theoretical lectures and the learning time is designed as follows;

o    Lecture represents only 8.3% of the learning time (7.5 hours) and 36.7% (33 hours) is for tutorial & practical sessions (contact time is 45%). 

o   45 % (40.5 hours) is for self-directed training.

o   The remaining 10% (9 hours) is specified for assessment.

Depends mainly on practical achievement