This one-year part-time PgD programme aims to develop expertise in the application of epidemiological techniques in infectious diseases investigation, control and surveillance; and to enhance response capacity to the control of diseases and health problems.

The programme is dedicated to develop expertise in the application of epidemiological techniques for infectious diseases investigation, control and surveillance; and to enhance response capacity to the control of diseases / health problems. The programme also aims to build on existing skills in the development of health information system.

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme provides a theoretical background and updated knowledge in epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory and public health measures for the investigation and control of infectious diseases.

Health professionals and policy makers working in public health organizations, disease control agencies, and field or health-related situations, who seek to understand the epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory, and public health measures for the prevention and control of infectious diseases and public health problems.

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is structured on a part-time modular basis comprising two terms offered each year.

For Postgraduate Diploma Programme, the coursework includes 14 units of core modules and 2 to 3 units of elective modules (1 unit - 13 hours).

For Postgraduate Diploma Programme, classes are normally held on weekday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm. A few core and elective modules are structured as intensive courses. Additional symposia / workshops will be held to increase exposure and to enhance the knowledge base of the programme participants.

Some modules in the Programme will also be offered as independent short courses for participants who are unable to enroll in the whole programme.

Postgraduate Diploma in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases will be offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, if the participant fulfills the respective programme requirements.

The Medical Council of Hong Kong has approved the qualification "Postgraduate Diploma in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong" to be added to the list of Quotable Qualifications for the purpose of professional practice in Hong Kong.

• Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Postgraduate Programmes in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
• International collaborations (University of California, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins University, CDC Atlanta, and CDC China, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)

English will be used as the language for instruction. Tutorials may be in Cantonese when appropriate.

Multidisciplinary approach including lectures, classroom exercises, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and take-home assignments will be used.

Term 1 (September - December)

Basic Epidemiology (3 units)

• Introduction to epidemiology
• Applied health research methods
• Design & Conduct of epidemiological studies

• Data exploration and data presentation
• Probability distribution and theories
• Fundamentals of statistical theories
• Sample size planning
• Statistical computing workshops

• Infectious agents & diagnostic methods
• Pathogenesis
• Host response to infectious diseases
• Treatment & prevention of infectious diseases
• Cases & problem solving

• Infectious disease epidemiological concepts
• Outbreak detection and investigation
• Surveillance
• Clinical trials and observational studies of vaccine efficacy
• Community level intervention
• Practical issues in study design/implementation

• Principles of hospital infection control and surveillance
• Epidemiology and control of major nosocomial infections
• Hospital hygiene and staff health

• Further Concepts in Epidemiology (3 units)
• Application of Geographic Information System in Public Health (2 units)*
• HIV/AIDS (2 units) *To be confirmed
• Molecular Epidemiology (2 units) *To be confirmed
• Evidence-based Healthcare (1 unit)

Potential candidates may include graduates in medicine, public health, nursing, physical or biological sciences, or other health-related disciplines; and preferably be currently working in a health-related setting. Past research experience in health sciences will be an advantage but is not essential. Applicants should also fulfill the University's English Language Proficiency requirement for admission.

Applicants should have a graduate qualification (Bachelor's Degree) from a recognized university and preferably have at least two years previous working experience in a health-related setting.

Participants must attend at least 80% of the lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops. Participants need to complete the necessary course requirements (assignments, exam etc) and pass a test on IT proficiency (Details can be obtained from http://www.sitc.cuhk.edu.hk).