TEACHING/ACTIVITY VENUES
1. AMDI CLINICAL CENTRE, BERTAM
Note: Teleconferencing is used for lectures that are conducted at other venues e.g. AMDI, Kompleks Eureka, USM main campus (modules TMR 501, TMR 504); School of Medical Sciences, USM, Kota Bharu; National Blood Bank, Kuala Lumpur etc.
2. SEMINAR ROOM, HOSPITAL KEPALA BATAS
3. ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, AMDI, BERTAM
4. PATHOLOGY LABORATORY, HOSPITAL KEPALA BATAS
5. PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT, HOSPITAL PULAU PINANG
6. PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT, HOSPITAL SEBERANG JAYA
7. KLINIK KESIHATAN, KEPALA BATAS
8. CLINICAL WARDS, HOSPITAL KEPALA BATAS
STUDENTS’ FACILITIES
- Lecture/Tutorial Room, AMDI Clinical Centre, Bertam, with teleconferencing facility.
- Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory, AMDI, Bertam.
- Computers with internet connection and printer at AMDI Clinical Centre, Bertam.
- AMDI Library, Hospital Kepala Batas.
- Library at USM Main Campus.
- AMDI Clinic, AMDI Clinical Centre.
- Recreational facilities i.e. students’ lounge, recreation room under planning.
- As registered USM students, you are entitled to all facilities accorded in the USM main campus.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
PROGRAMME: TMR 501
GENOMICS AND MEDICINE
A. Introduction to Molecular Biology-1
1. To give a general overview of Genetic and Molecular Biology as the following:-
2. The origin of Genetic and Molecular Biology (The birth of Genetic; Mendel re-discovered; Genes are made of DNA).
B. Introduction to Molecular Biology-2
To give a general overview of the structure of Nucleic Acid and Chromosomes, with special reference to DNA Synthesis, RNA structure and RNA Types.
C. Genes and Biological Information
1. To give an overview on Gene Transcription and Translation.
2. To give an overview on control of Gene Expression.
D. The Human Genome
To give an overview on the Human Genome project and the benefits of the human genome project to Medicine and Humanity.
E. Gene Cloning
1. To explain to the students what is Gene Cloning and to give an overview on how to construct a recombinant DNA molecule.
2. To give a general overview on Cloning Vectors
3. To give general overview on the basic principal of Genomic Libraries and how to identify a gene in a Genomic Library ( Hybridization Probing, Polymerase Chain Reaction and DNA sequencing)
F. Gene Mutation
To give an overview on the definition and types of mutation and the technical approach to detect a genetic mutation in clinical samples
G. Molecular Biology of Cancer
To give general overview on the following topics:
· Proto-Oncogene and Oncogenes
· Tumour Suppressor gene with special reference to p53
· DNA damage and DNA repair
· Cell Cycle control
· Telomeres, Telomerase and cancer
· Apoptosis
H. Genomics and Discoveries of new drugs
To give a general overview on Genomics and discoveries of new Drug
I. Application of Genomics in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases including discussions on gene arrays and rapid diagnosis
To cover the following topics:
· Application of In situ Hybridization and combined in situ PCR for rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases.
· Gene arrays technology and cancer
· Comparative Genomic Hybridization
J. Application of Genomics in treatment of diseases such as cancer, immunodeficiency, haemophilia and genetic diseases
To give a general overview of the methods and the underlying concepts of the following topics:
· Viral Vectors as a tool for vaccine development and cancer therapy
· Anti-sense Oligonucleotides as a therapeutic tool.
· Genomics in treatment of haemophilia and immunodeficiency
K. Latest Advances in Medical Genomics
To give a general overview of the methods and the underlying concepts of the latest advances in Medical Genomics.
PROGRAMME: TTS 502
PRINCIPLES OF TRANSFUSION AND TRANSPLANTATION SCIENCE
Objectives
To equip candidates from diverse backgrounds with essential core knowledge before progressing to consider the applied and clinical aspects of modern transfusion and transplantation science, to review the principles of immunohaematology that underpin modern transfusion and transplantation science, to develop skills in the interpretation of clinical laboratory data.
Synopsis
The core unit provides the basic science for the basis of the applied and clinical aspects of transfusion and transplantation sciences which will be encountered in the other units.
The students will have a working knowledge of the theory underpinning clinical and applied aspects of transfusion and transplantation science.
It will be delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case presentations and practicals.
Topics
A. Introduction to Transfusion
- History of transfusion
- Transfusion in the new millennium
B. Basic immunology
C. Basic pharmacology
D. Basic microbiology
E. Red cell physiology
- Red blood cell production & kinetics, Haemoglobin synthesis, Structure of oxygen, Red blood cell metabolism
F. Blood group antigens and antibodies
- Human carbohydrate, Blood group systems, Rh & LW systems, other blood group antigens
G. Human blood groups and compatibility testing
- Red cell immunology and compatibility
H. Platelet function
I. Platelet immunology and the HLA system
J. Preparation and storage of platelet concentrates
K. Neutrophil and lymphocyte kinetics
L. Haemopoietic growth factors
M. Coagulation mechanisms
N. Preparation of plasma derivatives
O. Apharesis
- Principles and practice
- Platelet pharesis
- Leukapharesis
- Therapeutic pharesis
PROGRAMME: TMR 504
PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH SKILLS
Objectives
The main aim of this module is to expose students to professional and research skills in preparation to be a skillful, efficient and progressive medical scientist. A professional has to have good communication skills including public speaking skills using current information and communication technology in multimedia preparations.
Students will be exposed to procedures involved in application of research grants and the various bodies that offer research grants within and outside Malaysia. Students will also be guided in basic research methodology, statistics and statistical software packages for data analysis and interpretation.
Students will also be taught on medical information technology including bioinformatics, clinical and laboratory information systems.
Topics
A. Introduction
General overview of the course
B. Introduction to research
1. Introduction to various types of research
2. Literature search (EREC - 1 hr)
3. Research structures of USM and Malaysia
4. Agencies sponsoring research in Malaysia
5. Research ethics and responsibility.
6. Research proposal.
C. Introduction to research management
1. Management of research account
2. Purchasing procedures
3. Management of research equipments
D. Research culture: A panel discussion
Research culture as practiced in various research institutions in the world
E. Information Technology in Medicine
1. Application of various technologies to information processing in relation to medical sciences.
2. Advantages and limitation of IT in its application to medicine
F. Multimedia skills
1. Production of multimedia materials
2. Use of multimedia in teaching
3. Use of multimedia in preparation of presentation and publication materials
4. Visit to multimedia laboratory at PTPM
G. Communication skills
1. Public speaking skill
2. Art of presentation
3. Preparing for oral examination
4. Group communication skills
H. Scientific writing
1. Skill in thesis writing
2. Skill in writing scientific papers for publication
3. Skill in scientific assessment
I. Organizational Psychology
1. Psychology of working in a group.
2. Leader and subordinate relationships
3. Emotional intelligence
J. Statistical Skills
1. Biostatistics skill
2. Use of software for data analysis and data interpretation
K. Bioinformatics
1. Power of bioinformatics in medical research
2. Use nucleotide sequence databases
3. Use protein and specialized sequence databases
L. Creativity and Innovation
1. Individual and milieus in fostering research creativity
2. National strategies for driving the creativity agenda
3. Role of science and technology for innovation and sustainable growth
M. Science and mass media
1. Role of mass media in disseminating research advances
2. Ethic of the use of mass media in disseminating research findings
PROGRAMME: TTS 503
TRANSFUSION IN CLINICAL MEDICINE
Objectives
To equip candidates from diverse backgrounds with core knowledge in understanding the pathophysiology of various diseases that can cause anaemia, and to understand the practice, indications and complications associated with blood transfusion and blood components.
Synopsis
This module will provide the essential knowledge needed to apply the basic science learnt in previous module to contemporary clinical and laboratory practice both for service and research.
This will be delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case presentations and practical sessions.
Topics
A. Pathophysiology of Anaemia
- Anaemia and red blood cell transfusion
- Red blood cell substitutes
B. Haemolytic Disease of Newborn
C. Transfusion in Hypoproliferative Anaemia
D. Red cell Transfusion in Paediatrics
- Fetal and neonatal haematopoiesis
- Haemolytic disease of the newborn, treatment and prevention
- Management of congenital haemolytic anaemia
- Neonatal red blood ells, platelets, plasma, neutrophil transfusions
E. Platelet Transfusion Therapy
- Platelet transfusion and alternatives
- Preparation and storage of platelet concentrates
F. Platelet Alloimmunisation
- Platelet immunology and alloimmunisation
G. Transfusion Reactions and Complications
H. Transfusion of Plasma
I. Erythrocytosis and therapeutic phlebotomy
J. Transfusion support for oncology patients
K. Red blood cell support in the peri-operative setting
- Coagulation support in peri-operative patients
- Transfusion therapy in trauma and burn patients
L. Emergency transfusion
M. Management of Massive Transfusion
N. Management of Coagulopathy
O.
Special blood products
- Indications
- Irradiated blood
- Washed red blood cells
- Filtered red blood cells
- Leukocyte reduced red blood cells
P. Blood Conservation
Q. Transfusion Alternatives
PROGRAMME: TTS 505
TRANSPLANTATION IN CLINICAL MEDICINE
Objectives
To educate students on the science and basis of transplantation, to instill awareness of the origins, supply and demand of organs and tissues for transplantation and the ethical and legal constraints surrounding their collection and use, to instill a critical understanding of current practice and recent advances in transfusion and transplantation.
Synopsis
This module will deal with various aspects of organ transplantation including stem cell and cord blood. In addition they should be able to interpret immunogenic tests for typing, matching and cross matching, interpret immunological responses to transplanted human tissues.
This will be delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and visit to a bone marrow transplant unit.
Topics
A. Haemopoeitic growth factors
- Cell biology and physiology
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
B. Processing and preservation of haemopoeitic progenitor cells
- Clinical applications
C. Human progenitor cell
- Autologous transplantation
D. Blood and bone marrow transplantation
E. Gene therapy in transfusion medicine
- Adoptive immunotherapy
F. HLA
- From Serology to Antigen Molecules and Genes
- Renal Transplant and Tissue Typing
G. Tissue and Organ Preservation and Transplantation
H. Allogenic bone marrow transplantation: General principles & Current Practice
I. Allogenic bone marrow transplantation: Current Problems and Possible Solutions
J. Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for the Treatment of Malignant Disease
K. Transfusion support in Bone Marrow Transplantation
L. Organization of Organ and Tissue Procurement
PROGRAMME: LAB & CLINICAL HAEMATOLOGY
Objectives
To educate students on the laboratory and clinical aspects of haematology.
Topics will be taught in Semesters 1 and 2
Synopsis
This module will deal with various aspects of laboratory and clinical aspects of haematology.
This will be delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical and clinical sessions.
Topics
A. Blood cell formation (haemopoiesis)
B. Erythropoiesis and general aspects of anemia
C. Hypochromic anaemias and iron overload
D. Megaloblastic anaemias and other macrocytic anaemias
E. Haemolytic anaemias
F. Genetic disorders of haemoglobin
G. Aplastic anaemia and bone marrow failure
H. Stem cell transplantation
I. The white cells 1 : granulocytes, monocytes and their benign disorders
J. The white cells 2 : lymphocytes and their benign disorders
K. The genetics of haemotological malignancies
M. Chronic myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia
N. The chronic lympoid leukaemias
O. Malignant lymphomas
P. Multiple myeloma and related disorders
Q. Myeloproliferative disorders
R. Platelets, blood coagulation and haemostasis
S. Bleeding disorders caused by vascular and platelet abnormalities
T. Coagulation disorders
U. Thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy
V. Haematological changes in systemic disease
W. Pregnancy and paediatric haematology
EVALUATION FORMAT
To be awarded the degree of Master Medicine Transfusion Medicine, a candidate must pass the both the Phase 1 Professional Exam, Phase 2 Professional Exam and must pass the research component.
PHASE 1 PROFESSIONAL EXAM
This exam will be held at the end of Year 1.
This exam is composed of:
A. Theory – essay (25%), MCQ (25%)
B. Practical and Clinical (OSCE) - 30%
C. Continuous assessment – 20%
The candidate has to pass all components of the exam.
A pass in the Phase 1 Professional Exam is a pre - requisite for students to be enrolled in Year 2 M Med Transfusion Medicine program.
PHASE 2 PROFESSIONAL EXAM
This exam will be held at the end of Year 3.
This exam is composed of:
- Theory – essay (25%)
- Practical – Clinical -25%
– OSCE – 15%
- Viva - 15%
- Continuous assessment – 20%
The candidate has to pass all components of the exam.
ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION
This is a partial fulfillment for the degree of Master Medicine (Transfusion Medicine).
The candidate has to obtain a Pass grade.