Overview
Philosophy
MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases program offered by the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Nairobi is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and control of tropical and infectious diseases. The program emphasises a holistic approach to health and disease, acknowledging the interplay between biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors contributing to infectious disease occurrence and spread.
Rationale
There is an urgent need to address the burden of tropical and infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. These diseases pose significant health and economic challenges, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Objective
To produce graduates with a broad and in-depth understanding of tropical and infectious diseases, including their pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Graduates will be equipped to apply this knowledge in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs to reduce the burden of these diseases in local and global contexts. The program also aims to develop student's research skills, enabling them to conduct independent research in tropical and infectious diseases and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.
Structure
FIRST YEAR
Semester 1
WID 601 – Medical Parasitology
WID 603 – Medical Entomology
WID 605 – Medical Microbiology
WID 607 – Virology and Prion Infections
WID 609 – Immunology
Semester 2
WID 602 – Molecular Biology
WID 604 –Pharmacology and Therapeutics
WID 606 – Clinical Microbiology
WID 608 – Non-Infectious Tropical Conditions
WID 610 - Research Methods
SECOND YEAR
Semester 1
WID 701 – Tropical Paediatrics and Maternal Health
WID 703 – Social Science and Health
WID 705 - Epidemiology and Biostatistics
WID 707 – Health Systems Management
WID 709 – Tropical and Travel Medicine
Semester 2
WID 750 – Research Project
Mode of Delivery
The programme is delivered through face-to-face mode that includes:
- Didactic lectures
- Presentations/seminars
- Case studies/presentations
- Practical demonstrations in specialized laboratories
- Journal articles review
Research Project
Students, under a supervisor's guidance, carry out a research project on a selected topic in Tropical and Infectious Diseases. Research proposals shall be presented to the Departmental Postgraduate Committee and appropriate ethics committees as may be required by the Faculty.
Admission Requirements
- Holders of Bachelors degree in Medicine & Surgery, Dental Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing Sciences and Veterinary Medicine;
- Holders of upper second class honours degree in biomedical sciences with at least three years working experience in medical research or in disease control programmes.
- Holders of lower second class honours degree in biomedical sciences with at least ve years working experience in medical research or in disease control programmes.
- Any other equivalent qualifications to the above from institutions recognized by the Senate.
Schedule of Intake
Intake for this postgraduate degree programme is done in September of every year. Application is done online through the Online Application System. Click here to apply
Contact Details
For any assistance contact the Secretary, Office of the Chair, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Telephone: +254 737 348 848
E-mail: dept-medmicrobiology@uonbi.ac.ke
or pay us a visit at Kenyatta National Hospital Campus, University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Click here to see the physical location
Careers
Award of Degree
A Candidate who passes in both the coursework and dissertation examinations shall be awarded the Degree of Masters in Tropical and Infectious Diseases
Career opportunities include:
- Teaching careers in academia
- Job opportunities in research
- Institutions and industries
- Post-doctoral fellowship/training
- Scientist in research and development
- Infectious Diseases in hospital
Attachment opportunities
Students have the opportunity to train and work as interns in well equiped laboratories such as Molecular Laboratory at University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Disease (UNITID), KAVI -Institute of Clinical Research, Kenyatta National Hospital, National Public Health (NPHL) laboratories, Aga Khan University Hospital among others.
Notable Alumni
1. Linda M. Guantai, Research Associate, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
2. Dr. Adut M.Chan, Pediatrician, Mater Hospital
3. Dr. Irum Beg Mizra, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital
4. Dr. Simon Mukora, Kitui Referral Hospital
5. Isabella M. Mwangi, Project Officer, CREAW Kenya
Fees and Funding
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