Postgraduate Diploma In Medical Microbiology (DMM) Course

Next Intake :  Tentatively 15 April 2025 – 26 October 2025

INTRODUCTION

The postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology (DMM) was first established in 1978 at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Malaysia. This prestigious program is conducted annually over a 6-month period. For 2025, the course will run from 15 April to 26 October.

The postgraduate DMM program is designed to provide advanced training for medical doctors, scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals in both basic and applied Medical Microbiology. It also focuses on equipping participants with critical skills in research, diagnostics, and strategies for effective disease management and control programs—areas that are increasingly important in today's dynamic healthcare environment.

As the world undergoes rapid modernization and globalization, we are facing an increasing number of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. These changes are accompanied by shifts in the geographical distribution of diseases, further complicated by the global movement of people and goods. This complex landscape has created significant challenges in the prevention, control, and treatment of infections. Despite considerable progress in medical science, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in developing regions.  

In this context, medical laboratories play a vital role. They are essential in identifying the causes of both new and re-emerging infectious diseases, providing accurate diagnoses, and detecting novel pathogens. Furthermore, laboratories are central to surveillance efforts, tracking antimicrobial resistance and supplying crucial data for public health responses. To maximize their impact, it is imperative that these laboratories perform diagnostic and research tasks with the highest level of competence and precision.

For the 2025/2026 session, the Postgraduate DMM will be led by Dr. Rohaidah binti Hashim, Head of the Bacteriology Unit at IMR, as Dean, and Dr. Rozainanee binti Mohd Zain, Head of the Infectious Disease Research Centre at IMR, as Deputy Dean.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, focusing on pathogens that pose significant public health risks. Designed for aspiring professionals, it equips participants with the scientific skills and critical thinking needed to diagnose, prevent, manage, and control infectious diseases effectively.

In addition to enhancing individual expertise, the program also aims to strengthen institutional and national capabilities in medical diagnostic laboratory services, research, and human resource development. By fostering networking opportunities, we create an environment that encourages collaboration between participants' institutions and ours, promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and opening doors for future research partnerships.

COURSE LOCATION

The course will be held at the SEAMEO TROPMED Regional Centre for Microbiology, Parasitology & Entomology, located at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

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STRUCTURE OF COURSE

The postgraduate DMM course comprises 6 comprehensive modules, each designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in various key areas of medical microbiology:

1. Bacteriology
This module provides an introduction to medical bacteriology, covering the general properties and nomenclature of bacteria, bacterial diseases, and pathogenesis. It includes a systematic study of medically important bacteria with a particular focus on infections endemic to Asia, as well as antimicrobial agents. Key topics include laboratory diagnosis of bacterial infections, antibiotic susceptibility testing, disinfection, sterilization, and health care-associated infections. Public health bacteriology and disease control strategies are also discussed.

2. Virology
Participants will explore medical virology, including the general properties and nomenclature of viruses, virus replication biology, viral immunology, and pathogenesis. This module covers a detailed study of viruses, with a special emphasis on viral infections endemic to Asia, emerging viral diseases, antiviral agents, and viral vaccines. Diagnostic virology is also introduced, including specimen collection, transportation, processing, biosafety protocols, and standard laboratory techniques used in virology.

3. Mycology
This module focuses on the role of the mycology laboratory in diagnosing and managing fungal diseases. It includes histopathological techniques for diagnosing mycoses and a systematic study of medically important yeasts and fungi, and the diseases they cause. Topics also include antifungal agents, pathogenicity, immunity to fungal infections, and serodiagnosis of fungal diseases

4. Immunology of infectious diseases
This module offers an introduction to molecular, cellular, and clinical immunology. Topics include the lymphoid system, antigen-antibody interactions, immune responses (both antibody and cell-mediated), and the diversity of the immune system. It covers immunoglobulins, complements, antigen-antibody reactions, cellular assays, autoimmunity, immune complex diseases, allergies, clinical transplantation, and immunodeficiency states.

5. Epidemiology and biostatistics
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to both epidemiology and biostatistics in the context of public health and microbiology. Participants will learn the scope and applications of epidemiology, including the measurement of disease occurrence, sources of data, and epidemiological factors that influence disease transmission. The module will cover key epidemiological methods and the principles of disease control, equipping participants with essential skills to assess and manage public health risks.

In addition, the biostatistics portion focuses on the types and sources of data relevant to microbiology, and the measurement techniques for microbiological data. Participants will gain expertise in descriptive statistics, as well as inferential statistics, including methods for determining associations and correlations. This combination of epidemiological and statistical knowledge will enable participants to effectively apply these tools in their microbiological research, diagnostics, and public health work.

6. Molecular biology
This module provides an introduction to the principles and applications of molecular biology in diagnosis and research. Key topics include hybridoma technology, as well as its applications in medical diagnostics and research, providing participants with a strong foundation in cutting-edge molecular techniques.

COURSE METHODOLOGY

The course employs a variety of teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive learning experience, including:

• Lectures and demonstrations
• Hands-on laboratory sessions
• Field trips and study visits
• Dissertation preparation and assignments
• Post-module assessments
• A final examination, consisting of both theory and practical evaluations

TUITION FEE

Participants can choose to attend the entire course or select individual modules.

The full course fee for the postgraduate DMM is RM15,000.00 (or USD 3,750, subject to the current exchange rate). The fee must be paid in advance prior to the commencement of the course.

The fees for the individual modules are as follows:

*subject to the current exchange rate

ACCOMMODATION

Participants will be provided with hostel rooms that include basic facilities and bathrooms at the NIH Residency in Setia Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Currently, there is no accommodation charge, as the Ministry of Health is still negotiating the rates.

Rooms is subjected to availability, terms and conditions.

Application for postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology (DMM)

Course Dates: 15 April 2025 - 26 October 2025.

Application dateline: 24 January 2025 (For non-Malaysian), 28 February 2025 (For Malaysian)

Application steps:

a) Malaysian applicants

• Ministry of Health (MOH) Staff: Applications must be submitted through the Training Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Link: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/2573
• Public (Local Candidates): Local applicants are required to complete the application form (link below) and submit it via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additionally, please send a hard copy of the form to:
  SEAMEO TROPMED Malaysia, IMR, NIH, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

b) SEAMEO Member Countries
Applications must be made using the SEAMEO TROPMED fellowship form (link below). The completed form should be submitted through the applicant's government to the SEAMEO TROPMED Bangkok, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

c) Non-SEAMEO Member Countries
International applicants are required to complete the application form (link below) and submit it via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In addition, please send a hard copy of the form to:
SEAMEO TROPMED Malaysia, IMR, NIH, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Link to postgraduate diploma application form:

• For Malaysian citizens (Public): link
• For SEAMEO member countries: link
• For Non-SEAMEO member countries: link

Application for selected modules in postgraduate DMM

Participants may choose to apply for individual modules.

The module date is as follow;

*subject to the current exchange rate

Please complete the application form and submit it via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In addition, please send a hard copy of the form to:
SEAMEO TROPMED Malaysia, IMR, NIH, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Link to postgraduate diploma application form

Link of postgraduate DMM brochure

INQUIRY

For further inquiries, prospective applicants can contact:

Secretariat SEAMEO TROPMED Malaysia
Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health,
No. 1 Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Section U13, Setia Alam ,
40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel. No.: +603 – 3362 8068