Course Layout

Objectives:

To introduce the basic concepts and methods of epidemiology, so that at the end of the course student will be able to:

• understand and describe the basic epidemiological concepts and terminology
• calculate, interpret and use measures of disease burden
• understand the principles and methodology of different study designs and will be able to appreciate the strengths and limitations of each
• develop the skills to apply epidemiological principles in analysing a health problem
• interpret Demographic / Health information system data in public health perspective
• identify and deal with random and systematic errors when interpreting epidemiological data for causal association
• design, carry out, analyse, interpret and report investigations of disease outbreak while taking/suggesting most appropriate control measures
• appreciate the principles and practice of disease screening

Course Outline:

• Models of disease causation and determinants of health and disease
• Uses of Epidemiology
• Measures of disease burden: including measures of disease frequency, effect and impact
• Principles, methodology and analysis of epidemiological studies including Descriptive, Analytic and Experimental study designs
• Interpretation of epidemiological studies/data focusing on issues related to causality, random errors, bias and confounding.
• Designing, conducting, analysing, interpreting and reporting investigations of disease outbreaks
• Research methodology
• Principles of Infectious Disease epidemiology
• Screening, Health Management Information System and Surveillance systems
• Miscellaneous current topics of epidemiologic interest

Teaching Strategy

Teaching will consist of a series of lectures covering the topic being presented. The theory lectures will be strengthened by practical sessions in which students will be working in small groups to practice the concepts presented in theory lectures.

Course Assessment

The course will contribute 300 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on two written MCQ papers i.e. One paper in 1st mid term (40%=120 marks) and Paper I of 1st term examination (60%=180 marks).

It will also contribute a major portion of papers in final comprehensive examination.

Objectives:

To enable the student to appreciate the role of statistical methods in epidemiology and develop the knowledge and skill in statistical methods to

• Analyse the data in accordance with the objectives of the study/program
• appreciate the problem of sampling variation and the role of statistical methods in quantifying this by setting confidence intervals and testing hypotheses;
• select and use appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of small to medium sized datasets;
• correctly interpret and report the results of such analyses, and
• present data analysis results effectively, by making appropriate displays, summaries and tabulations of the data;
• critically review and interpret the statistical aspects of medical and scientific publications.

Course Outline:

• Concepts and uses of Biostatistics
• Measures of Central tendency and dispersion
• Normal Distribution curve
• Presentation of data
• Sampling techniques and sample size
• Generating and using random number tables/lists
• Point estimates and confidence intervals
• Methods for hypothesis testing in the analysis of epidemiological data including standard errors and confidence intervals, t-test, chi square test and other commonly used non-parametric tests
• Mantel Haenszel Chi square test
• Basics of Regression modeling
• Interpretation of data analysis

TEACHING STRATEGY

Teaching will consist of a series of interactive theory sessions covering the topic being presented. The theory lectures will be strengthened by practical sessions in which students will be working in small groups to practice the concepts presented in theory lectures.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be based on following allocation:

• Class assignments: 40% (80 marks)
• Attendance: 10% (20 marks)
• Ist term examination Paper IV (Biostatistics): 50% (100 marks)

It will also contribute significantly to papers in final comprehensive examination.

Objectives:

To enable students to use computers as a tool in their routine epidemiological studies and report writing activities. At the end of this course should be

• conversant with the commonly used computer hardware, operating systems and software
• able to produce a well formatted document using a word processing software and a graphical package
• able to use computer for data analysis while using Epi Info software

Course Outline:

• Introduction to computer software/ hardware/ operating systems currently in use
• Skill development in word processing using a currently popular software e.g. Microsoft word
• Skill development in graphic presentation using a currently popular software e.g. Microsoft powerpoint
• Skill development in worksheet using a currently popular software e.g. Microsoft Excel
• Skill development in using internet and email for search of epidemiological material and communication
• Using Epi Info (windows based) for designing data entry form, entering data into computer and data analysis

Teaching Strategy:

Teaching will consists of short lectures followed by on-hand training on computers for skill development.

Assessment:

The course will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on evaluation of

Microsoft Office assignments 15% (30 marks)

Epi-Info assignments 85% (170 marks)

Objectives:

To introduce the epidemiological aspects of infectious diseases of Public Health importance for adapting effective control and prevention strategies. This unit will strengthen the knowledge base of students in conducting Epidemic and other epidemiologic investigation related to communicable diseases.

On completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

• understand the basic principles and terminology of infectious disease epidemiology
• understand the epidemiological aspects of infectious and other communicable diseases of Public Health Importance in Saudi arabia
• identify and adapt measures/strategies for prevention and control of these diseases
• evaluate immunisation programmes

Conceptual Outline:

• Terms used in infectious disease epidemiology
• Principles and methods of disease transmission, control and prevention
• Agent factors, mechanism of transmission, incubation period, host/reservoir, periods of communicability, characteristics of asymptomatic infections, interplay of environment and host in disease transmission for the communicable diseases of Public Health importance in Saudi Arabia and GCC.
• Currently acceptable methods of control and prevention for each disease discussed
• Current status of infectious and communicable disease control programs of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Immunisation programmes planning, implementation and evaluation

TEACHING STRATEGY

The study strategy will consist of lectures and visits to offices of the concerned health programs. The teaching will be shared by external guest speakers, where appropriate, to acquaint the residents with the current status of disease and its control program in the country.

ASSESSMENT

The course will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on

• one written MCQ papers i.e. Paper II of 1st term examination 70% (140 marks)
• one literature review assignment, on a designated topic in communicable disease epidemiology 30% (60 marks)

Objectives:

To introduce the epidemiological aspects of chronic/ non-communicable diseases of Public Health importance for adapting effective control and prevention strategies. This unit will strengthen the knowledge base of students in conducting epidemiologic investigation related to non-communicable diseases.

On completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

• understand the epidemiological aspects of non-communicable diseases of Public Health importance in Saudi Arabia especially focusing on the preventable aspects
• identify and adapt measures/strategies for prevention and control of these diseases
• describe the major NCD programs of Saudi Arabia

Course Outline:

Principles and methods of control of non-communicable disease control

Epidemiological factors related to causation, prevention and control of the non-communicable diseases of Public Health importance in Saudi Arabia and GCC including

• Chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease, Cancers, Obesity
• Occupational hazards
• Life style and other health related behaviors including smoking, addiction, exercise
• Road side accidents
• Non-communicable disease control programs of Saudi Arabia

TEACHING STRATEGY

The study strategy will consist of lectures and visits to offices of the concerned health programs. The teaching will be also be shared by external guest speakers, where appropriate, to acquaint the residents with the current status of disease and its control program in the country.

ASSESSMENT

The course will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on

• one written MCQ papers i.e. Paper III of 1st term examination 70% (140 marks)
• one literature review assignment, on a designated topic in non-communicable disease epidemiology 30% (60 marks)

Topics will be assigned to the residents by the end of 1st term and will be submitted by the end of 2nd term. Final date to be announced by the University coordinator.

In case resident obtains less than 70% marks, he/she will be asked to revise and resubmit the literature review till the satisfaction of evaluators.

It will also be contribute to a significant portion of papers in final comprehensive examination.

Reviewing published scientific material and writing reports are vital skills needed by the epidemiologists or other public health managers in order to update their knowledge and share their findings with the other health care personnel.

This unit is divided into 2 parts i.e. critical review of the published articles and writing reports and short communiqués to ministry/department of health.

• Part 1: Scientific material published in journals, technical reports and print media are vital sources of information. However, appropriate utilization of this information needs the ability to critically evaluate the quality of this evidence before adapting it into practice. To develop this skill, this unit begins with a series of lectures on searching biomedical literature and critical reading. This is followed by assignments and group discussions focusing on critically reading of published material, while identifying strengths and weaknesses in methodology, analysis, results, discussion, conclusion and presentation styles.
• Part 2: In other course units, students will learn to write epidemiological reports conforming to the requirements of the peer-reviewed journals and universities. But in this unit, emphasis will be placed on preparing academically less rigorous but clearly written reports for timely feedback of the results of their investigations to practicing health professionals and the public; in addition to the routine communication with other departments. As Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, residents will also be tutored in writing such reports and communiqués in Arabic for Ministry/Department of Health.

Objectives

At the end of this course unit residents should be able to

• develop the skill in conducting biomedical literature review
• develop the skills in critically reviewing epidemiological articles published in scientific journals
• develop the skills for writing reports and communiqués to the Ministry/ Department of Health in Arabic

Course Outline

• Searching biomedical literature
• Principles of critical reading of biomedical literature with special focus on epidemiological literature
• Styles of writing to and for Governmental organizations, in Arabic

TEACHING STRATEGY

For part 1, teaching will include a small series of lectures followed by skill development assignments and group discussion. For part 2, residents will be assigned to write Arabic reports/letters to Ministry/Department of Health, in relation to their study projects and field assignments.

ASSESSMENT

The unit will contribute 300 marks to the final evaluation. The distribution of marks will be

• Part 1 (50%=150 marks) It will be based on assignments of critical review submitted by residents and their participation in group discussion, as evaluated by unit coordinator.
• Part 2 (50%=150 marks): Arabic report/letters to Ministry/Department of Health for two of the projects conducted by the resident.

Saudi Arabia has a strong public health program targeting towards provision of primary health care, control of high priority diseases (tuberculosis, immunizable diseases, malaria, diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypertension, obesity etc.) and environmental health. As majority of the graduates of the program are likely to work in one of these programs, getting a firsthand exposure to these programs, will enable to the residents to be more prepared for their future assignments.

Objectives 

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to comprehend:

• the structure, functions, strengths and weaknesses of public health programs in Saudi Arabia
• current epidemiological concerns of priority public health diseases and other issues

Programs to be covered:

• Major public health programs of Saudi Arabia including
• Malaria Control Program
• Tuberculosis control Program
• Leishsmaniasis, HIV,
• Smoking Control?
• Environmental Protection
• Reproductive Health
• Immunisation
• Child Health
• Diabetes control
• Premarital screening
• Cardiovascular disease control
• Neonatal screening
• Health education and information

TEACHING STRATEGY

The training program will consist of visits to local, regional and central offices of the concerned health programs and brief attachments to one of them for each resident. The training will be shared with managers and planners of these health programs at various levels, to acquaint the residents with the current status of these programs in the country.

ASSESSMENT

This program contribute 100 marks to the final evaluation, and will be based on attendance and active participation during the visit, and will be evaluated by coordinator of this unit.

Epidemiology is an ever-changing science, with a large amount of information generated continuously due to changes in epidemiology of diseases or epidemiological methods. This course will enable the resident to keep updated with the current issues in Epidemiology, while providing them an opportunity to develop skills in searching, organizing and presenting information of epidemiological interest to the peers.

Objectives of the unit:

The activity will enable the resident to

• keep updated with the current topics in Epidemiology
• to provide them an opportunity to develop the skills in the art of presentation

Activities:

• Residents will be assigned on rotational basis to identify an issue of current epidemiological importance, conduct an literature search on the issue and presnt it to the peers in FETP
• Residents will also be provided opportunity to present their study proposals, reports of surveillance and epidemiological practice assignments to improve their skills in presentation, while obtaining critical comments from the audience to improve the technical quality of their work
• Residents will be encouraged to attend the seminars and conferences locally and internationally to update their knowledge on current issues in epidemiology.
• Seminars will also be arranged based on the webcasts and other online lectures made available online by reputed academicians and international organizations.

Assessment:

This study unit will contribute 400 marks to the final evaluation of the course, which will be awarded based upon the evaluation of teaching staff attending the presentations.

The main objective of the Diploma in Field Epidemiology training program is to

• fortify the capacity of MOH and other health institutions in KSA and other gulf states to use Epidemiology to find appropriate solutions to the existing and emerging health concerns. In this connection, the Epidemiologic Practice unit provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the capacity of MOH while at the same time providing the training opportunity for the resident. Unit will consists of two set of activities, first being participation in studies conducted by other residents of DFE and second a 4 week attachment with a health program.

Objectives of the Unit:

• To obtain field experience in the process of outbreak investigation and research project development and implementation
• To practice the skills obtained earlier in the course to explore the epidemiology of the priority diseases and other health related issues of the Kingdom
• To conduct a health system analysis to study the relation between the identified problem and the health care system
• To apply their epidemiologic skills to the control and prevention of these priority diseases and other health related issues.
• To communicate their findings and actions to the other health care personnel and administrators
• To facilitate the participation of FETP in the development of public health practice in the Kingdom

Activities:

• Participation in research projects
• Residents will participate in the research projects of other residents during Hajj and outbreak investigations, in which they are not a designated co-investigator.
• Their participation will include one or more of the activities like development of questionnaire, data collection, data entry and data analysis
• Attachment to a health program/department

As part of this attachment, the residents will perform the following activities under the direct supervision of designated local health administrator and his advisor at FETP

• Explore the health care situation in an identified region to identify the specific health care issues
• Prioritize these problems and identify a specific problem for detailed investigation and intervention
• Investigate the identified problem to quantify the size of the problem and estimate its effect on the health system/community and the various associated factors, with a special focus on factors which can be manipulated
• Develop the intervention plan to rectify the problem, within the available resources
• If feasible within the time limits of assignment, implement the intervention and evaluate the outcome of the intervention
• Present progress reports regularly at the staff meetings in the MOH
• Submit a final report to FETP, both in Arabic and English, including the process of identifying the priority problem, findings of pre-intervention investigation, process of development of intervention, intervention done and post-intervention evaluation (2000-3000 words)
• Present the final report in Round Table meeting

The total duration of the attachment will be 4 weeks

Supervision and Follow-up:

Participation in other research projects will be supervised by the designated supervisor of the research project

Attachment to a health program/department will be supervised as follows:

• The designated Health administrator in the Health region and designated advisor of the resident at FETP will mutually supervise the resident.
• Throughout the period of this attachment, the resident will regularly report to the designated health administrator and will not leave the allocated health region or avail leave without his permission.
• All the leaves availed during the period will be communicated to the FETP for further processing
• The resident will be expected to submit a fortnightly report of his activities, through email to his designated supervisor in the FETP.

In conformation with the overall objectives of the training program, due to alternate priority activities the ‘Supervisor FETP’ can temporarily suspend, postpone or terminate the activity at any time.

Evaluation:

The course will contribute 800 marks to the final evaluation, and will be distributed as follows:

• Participation in research projects: hajj study participation (200 marks) and outbreak participation (200 marks). Marks will be allocated by the Hajj studies supervisor and supervisor of the outbreak investigation, respectively.

Attachment to the health program/department (400 marks), will be evaluated as follows:

• By health administrator to whom the resident is attached based on his evaluation of residents activities in the field (120 marks, 30%)
• By designated advisor of resident in FETP: Evaluation of final report submitted (160 marks, 40%) and Presentation (120 marks, 30%)

Investigating an outbreak is one of the essential basic skills expected from a Field Epidemiologist. This practical field training has been designed to develop the skills to work in the local environment when the need arise. Resident is asked to conduct investigation of the epidemic as the principal investigator, while guidance is provided by an FETP staff. This activity is one of the strongest component of FETP training program.

Objectives of the unit:

• To develop the skills to conduct an epidemic investigation while using the appropriate scientific principles
• To develop the understanding of disease occurrence and spread
• To support the MOH in conducting epidemiological investigation and control

Activities:

• As the opportunities arise, FETP supervisor will nominate the resident(s) to investigate the epidemics depending on the other assignments of the residents, expected workload and logistic facilities.
• During the stay in the program attempt will be made to provide each resident to investigate 2 epidemics as lead investigator and another 2 as participant.

As part of this activity the resident will perform the following activities, under the direct supervision of a FETP / DCFM-KSU consultant and specialist:

• Collect the preliminary information about the outbreak by visiting the area, meeting the local notables, examining the effected people in collaboration with the local Health department
• Design the data collection instruments to collect information about variables of interest
• Collect the data from the different pertinent sources including patients, controls, health records, municipality records, laboratory investigations, etc.
• Enter the data by using appropriate computer software
• Analyze the data to describe the distribution (person, place and time) and determinants (agent, host and environment) of the epidemic
• Write a report for Ministry of Health, in Arabic, describing the findings in brief and giving recommendations for control of epidemic and prevention of its recurrence
• Prepare a final report describing the purpose, methods, findings, and recommendations for control and prevention for recurrence, conforming to the guidelines given in relevant section, for submission to the university.
• Present the findings etc of the study in round table meeting and epidemiological seminars
• Residents are encouraged to investigate an epidemic independently as principal investigator, however a resident can share a maximum of one epidemic investigation/ short study with another resident as investigator during his training period, with the written permission of study supervisor. In such a case the study supervisor will evaluate both the investigators separately based on their relative inputs in the study.

Supervision and Follow-up:

A team of a specialist and a consultant of FETP or DCFM-KSU, will supervise closely the planning, conduction, data analysis, report writing and presentation of outbreak investigation.

Time schedule and Submission of reports:

Arabic report to MOH within 10 days of his/her return from the field

If applicable, submit the University report along with report for Epidemiologic Bulletin, Powerponit presentation and data disk within 2 month of return from field. However, in case of delay in laboratory reports the report has to be submitted within 3 weeks of receipt of final reports from concerned laboratory.

However all the reports should be submitted by 30th May during the 2nd year of training. (Or one outbreak investigation along with long project report must be submitted by this date)

Evaluation:

• A maximum of two epidemics in which resident has acted as lead investigator (alone or shared) will be sent to the University for evaluation as mandatory research projects. The decision about which investigation’s report to be sent to university will depend upon the mutual agreement of the Unit supervisor, supervisor of the epidemic investigation and resident concerned.
• Each of the two outbreak investigations (or short studies) submitted to university will be assessed against a total of 350 marks, with a pass percentage of 70%.
• 50% of the total marks (i.e. 175 marks) will be evaluated by the supervisor of study for ongoing evaluation of the resident’s study related activities (planning, field work, data analysis, report writing).
• The resident should score at least 50% of these marks before his written report can be submitted to university.
• 50% of the total marks (i.e. 175 marks) will be evaluated by the examiner, assigned by the University, on the basis of final report submitted, based on following criteria, which will carry 50% of the total score: Abstract 10%; Introduction 10%; Methods 15%; Results 30%; Discussion 25%; References and appendices 5%; and General layout 5%.
• Participation in each epidemic investigation will be recorded in the logbook of all participating residents for overall assessment at the end of program.
• Delay in submission will result in deduction of 3 marks per week, after the due date (however in case of unavoidable circumstance, beyond the resident’s control, this deduction can be condoned by the supervisor of the FETP while explicitly giving the reason)

Note: In case, a resident is unable to conduct the mandatory epidemic investigation due to non-availability of opportunity or other logistic reasons he/she will conduct a short study on the pattern of long term project, with a limited scope, as a replacement of each mandatory epidemic investigation. Final report of such a project will be 2000-3000 words, excluding table, figures and references. However, the last date of submission of final report, supervisor’s choice and evaluation methods, will remain as for outbreak investigation.

Surveillance is an essential tool in providing routine baseline information for disease distribution, studying the trends of diseases and early identification of outbreaks to initiate disease control mechanism. So epidemiologist need to develop the understanding of the surveillance mechanism and abilities to analyse and interpret its data. This unit provides access to the real surveillance data and provide an opportunity to residents to study it for identified issues of their interest.

Objectives:

• To comprehend the existing health surveillance system in Saudi Arabia with its strengths and weaknesses
• To develop the skills to interpret the surveillance data
• To develop the skills to analyze the surveillance data to answer specific epidemiological queries

Activities:

• As part of this assignment, each resident will undertake assessment of the existing surveillance system in the Kingdom while focusing on one health issue limiting his investigation either by type of issue/disease, time and/or geographical boundaries.
• After undertaking the assessment he will present his findings regarding operational and technical difficulties and suggest solutions to overcome these difficulties.
• The resident will present written findings for review and inclusions into recommendations for developing the surveillance system. Each resident will also prepare one or more surveillance reports from the actual surveillance data. This surveillance report will describe the epidemiology of the disease in the Kingdom.
• Submit a final report to FETP, both in Arabic and English, of 1000 – 1200 words each
• Present the final report in Round Table meeting

Supervision and Follow-up:

The designated coordinator in Surveillance department or and a consultant/specialist at FETP will mutually supervise the resident.

Time Schedule:

• The total duration of the attachment will be 2 - 4 weeks. And will be credited as 7 credit hours to the training program.
• The resident will complete the activity during the summer semester of first year and 1st semester of 2nd years. The exact program will be finalized by the unit supervisor, while adjusting with the time schedule for other projects/ training activities of all the residents.

Evaluation:

The evaluation of the activity will be based on:

• The evaluation report of the coordinator of surveillance department or Health administrator to whom the resident is attached, on the specified form.
• The evaluation by the consultant/specialist supervising the resident at FETP on the basis of report submitted and presentation

see 508 FETP: Seminars In Epidemiology I

see 513 FETP: Epidemiologic Practice I

see 518 FETP: Outbreak Investigations I

see 522 FETP: Surveillance Systems I

see 508 FETP: Seminars In Epidemiology I

see 513 FETP: Epidemiologic Practice I

see 518 FETP: Outbreak Investigations I

see 522 FETP: Surveillance Systems I

Sharing one’s scientific work with the professional colleagues and experts in the area is one of the important task of any scientific worker and especially an epidemiologist. This unit is designed to enhance the skills of the residents in this area.

Objectives of the unit:

• To enable the resident to develop skills in presenting their research findings to the health professionals

Activities:

• A series of lectures will be organized to provide residents basic understanding of principles of Oral presentation, especially focusing on presentation to a scientific audience.
• A seminar will be organized fortnightly with an invitation to the health professionals in Ministry of Health and other health institutes with interest in epidemiology and preventive medicine along with compulsory attendance by the staff and residents of FETP.
• Epidemiology residents will be required to present findings of their projects including epidemic investigations, at least twice during their stay in the program.
• The activity will be spread over the last 5 semesters of the training program.

Evaluation:

This study unit will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Detailed distribution of marks will be as under:

• Own presentation of resident 60% (120 marks) i.e. 60 marks for reach presentation
• Attendance in all the seminars 20% (40 marks)
• Active participation in the discussion during seminars 20% (40 marks)

All these activities will be monitored and evaluated by the course unit supervisor.

Among the various tasks of an epidemiologist, conducting training programs for different level of health care workers is gaining a special role. Whether this involve providing orientation to various level of health care staff to basic concepts of epidemiology or training staff for participation in an epidemiological study. This unit is designed to enhance the skills of the residents in this area.

Objectives of the unit:

• The activity will enable the resident to develop skills in training the health care workers for participation in Epidemiological studies and teaching them in principles of epidemiology.

Activities:

• 2nd year residents will be assigned along with a specialist to coordinate and lead the practical in the basic epidemiology course of 1st year residents.
• 2nd year residents will deliver revision lectures in the topics of principles of epidemiology or other topics of interest to all the residents.
• During their own epidemiological studies residents will be expected to organize training program for the data collectors.

The activity will be spread over 1st and 2nd semesters of the 2nd year training program.

Evaluation:

This study unit will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Detailed distribution of marks will be as under:

• All such training activities will be recorded in the logbook of resident.
• Participating practical training for first year
• Delivering lecture on a topic in epidemiology
• 50% of the marks will be given by the teaching staff member, supervising the activity and 50% will be given by the academic coordinator of the program in FETP.

see 508 FETP: Seminars In Epidemiology I

see 513 FETP: Epidemiologic Practice I

see 518 FETP: Outbreak Investigations I

see 522 FETP: Surveillance Systems I

see 527 FETP: Scientific Presentations I

see 529 FETP: Training Activities I

see 508 FETP: Seminars In Epidemiology I

see 513 FETP: Epidemiologic Practice I

Planning and conducting a properly designed study to answer a study question is the hallmark of Epidemiology. As part of this unit, each resident shall design and execute a comprehensive study on priority public health concerns of the Kingdom.

Objectives of the unit:

• To develop the ability to identify a priority public health problem
• To develop the skills to design, conduct and analyze an epidemiologic study to solve this problem
• To present the study findings for peer review

Activities:

The trainee will perform the following activities under the close supervision of his/her supervisor

• identify a priority public health problem for epidemiologic investigation
• carry out a thorough literature review to study the current knowledge on the issue, refine the study question and select an appropriate methodology to study the problem
• prepare a study proposal for approval by the University or FETP research committee
• make a presentation to the study review committee for their comments and approval
• submit ‘Project title approval form’ along with the proposal to the FETP course coordinator
• Plan and manage logistic arrangements for the study
• Collect and analyze the data in line with the study objectives
• Present the findings of study while drawing sound scientific conclusions
• Suggest suitable recommendation based on the findings of study.
• Present the study in the pattern of dissertation of 3,000-4,000 words, conforming to the guidelines given in relevant section.
• Present the finding of the study at scientific presentation seminars

Supervision and Follow-up:

A consultant or a team of a specialist and a consultant of FETP or DCFM-KSU, will supervise closely the planning, conduction, data analysis, report writing and presentation of study.

Before embarking upon the data collection resident has to submit ‘Project title approval form’ along with the proposal to the FETP course coordinator and make a presentation to the study review committee for their comments and approval.

Time schedule and Submission of Reports:

• For long project, during the summer term of first year and first term 2nd year the resident will identify the problem, carry out literature review and develop the study protocol under guidance of his/her supervisor. Final report will be submitted by 15th of September of 2nd academic year.
• The submission of the reports comprise of Final report for the university, Arabic report for the Ministry of Health, Report for Epidemiologic Bulletin, Power-point presentation and a disk with all data and reports. In case any of the above components is missing, the report will not be treated as submitted.

Evaluation:

• Long project will be assessed against a total of 400 marks, with a pass percentage of 70%.
• 40% of the total marks (i.e. 160 marks) will be evaluated by the supervisor of study for ongoing evaluation of the resident’s study related activities (planning, field work, data analysis, report writing).
• The resident should score at least 50% of these marks before his written report can be submitted to university.
• 60% of the total marks (i.e. 240 marks) will be evaluated by the examiner, assigned by the University, on the basis of final report submitted.
• Written report will be evaluated on the following criteria, which will carry 60% of the total score: Abstract 5%; Introduction 5%; Literature Review 15%; Methods 15%; Results 25%; Discussion 25%; References and appendices 5%; and General layout 5%.