Jimma University

Institute of Health, Department Epidemiology

Introduction to Public Health Laboratory and Bio- safety course Profile
Program: MPH in Field Epidemiology

Module-6

Module Title: Public Health Laboratory and Bio- Safety

COURSE Code: PhFe 7015

Module Credit hours/ ECT: - 1 (2)

Pre- requisite: N/A

Course policies

 Student should attend 90% of the course

 Student should do all the assignments
 Cheating and plagiarism is not allowed

Module information: academic Year: 1, semester: 1

Course description: this module aims at familiarizing students with the roles of laboratory in public health and in
field situation like in the case of epidemics. Student will be also introduced about proper specimen collection,
handling and transportation from the field to the appropriate laboratory setup mainly to regional or national referral
laboratories, safe handling of specimen along with recommended biosafety measures and brief description of testing
components of this module.

Learning outcome:

 Describe role of laboratory in public health

 Describe the pros and cons of common diagnostic tests for disease of public importance
 Able to collect, handle and transport clinical and environmental specimens from field to referral /regional/
national laboratories
 Perform very simple screening test in the field along with laboratory personnel for immediate purpose, such
as malaria epidemics

Harmonized curriculum for Master of Public Health in Field Epidemiology, Jan. 2015
 Analyze and give appropriate interpretation for laboratory test results
 Demonstrate basic specimen taking collection, bio-safety, processing and handling techniques

Module content:

i. Introduction to laboratory and bio-safety procedures

ii. Roles of laboratory techniques in clinical and public health emergencies
iii. Basic Principle of specimen management in the Field and clinical situation
iv. Biosafety issues concerning specimen collection, handling and transportation
v. Principle of validity and reproducibility of diagnostic tests

Teaching Methods:

 Lecture presentation
 Discussion, critics
 Demonstration
 Take home Assignments
 Group work /term paper

Assessment Method:

 Individual assignment ..................15%

 Observation/demonstration ............35%
 Final Exam......................................50%

References:

 Craig A. Lehmann, Saunders of Manual of Clinical Laboratory Science, W.B, SAUNDERS

company, 1998
 Patrick R.Murray, Ellen JO Barobn, James H. Jorgensen, Michael A. Pfaller, Robert H
Yolken. Manual of Clinical Microbiology,8th edn,, volume 1Washington D.C., 2004.
 Epidemiologic methods for the study of infectious diseases, James C. Thomas and David C.
Weber 1st ed., 2001 Oxford university press.
 http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/ bmbl4s6.htm
 https://www.ephi.gov.et/

Harmonized curriculum for Master of Public Health in Field Epidemiology, Jan. 2015
Titles for consideration for seminar presentation /Term paper.

1. Serologic techniques in field condition

2. Major patient Specimen collection for field epidemiologist
3. Environmental and food Samples Collection approach
4. Water sample collection and transport method
5. Normal flora and their interaction with the host
6. Quality control on laboratory protocols
7. Case (Pt) specimen handling and shipment
8. Bioterrorism
9. Characteristics of best tests
10. Standard precautions in public health laboratory
11. Most common methods of sterilization and disinfection

A TERM PAPER
It is a concisely written, documented paper of reasonable length in which a student identifies,
analyzes, interprets, and draws conclusions from the facts and opinions of other people.
Layout

 Preferred papers that are 1.5 spaced, using 12 point font (Times New Roman) for the
body of the tests whereas 14 for titles/subtitles. Margins from all side should be [1] one
inch on each side. Italics are commonly used when a new term is introduced.

 Please communicate me your specific title outline before you start writing a 7 to 10 pages
maximum for term paper.

Harmonized curriculum for Master of Public Health in Field Epidemiology, Jan. 2015