Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Parasitology and Entomology (DAP & E) Course

Next Intake: Tentatively 15 April 2025 – 26 October 2025

Introduction

The Postgraduate DAP&E was initiated at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia in 1970. The course is conducted annually for a duration of 6 months, and for 2025, it will run from 15 April 2025 to 26 October 2025.

The course is designed to train medical doctors, scientists, researchers, and other health personnel in basic and advanced parasitology and entomology, as well as in research methods, diagnostic services, and control program strategies.

The primary aim of the course is to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical training on pathogens that are significant to public health. Participants will learn to apply scientific methods and critical thinking to diagnose, prevent, and control infectious diseases. The course will enhance institutional and national capabilities in medical diagnostic laboratory services, research, and human resource development.

In addition to academic and professional development, this course aims to foster networking between institutions and encourage collaborations in research projects.

Course Leadership (2025/2026 Session):

• Dean of Postgraduate DAP&E: Dr. Noor Azian bin Md Yusuf (Parasitology Unit, IMR)
• Deputy Dean of Postgraduate DAP&E: Dr. Nurulhusna Ab Hamid (Medical Entomology, IMR)

Course objectives

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Parasitology and Entomology (DAP&E) aims to provide an in-depth overview of major parasitic diseases and their vectors. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply basic epidemiological and statistical methods to interpret disease patterns and control measures.
• Understand the biology and life cycles of major parasites, as well as the roles of their vectors or intermediate hosts in disease transmission.
• Diagnose major parasites, vectors, and intermediate hosts of parasitic diseases using both traditional and molecular approaches.
• Understand the pathogenesis and pathology of major parasitic diseases, and comprehend the immune responses triggered by these parasites in the host.
• Appreciate the epidemiology of major parasitic infections and how they affect public health.
• Evaluate methods for chemotherapy and disease control, focusing on current and emerging treatments for parasitic infections.
• Comprehend laboratory and field techniques used in medical entomology, which is essential for studying vectors and transmission dynamics.
• Conduct independent research projects, utilizing the knowledge and skills gained during the course.

This course is specifically designed to train scientists, medical doctors, and other health professionals in the areas of research, diagnostic services, and control programs for parasitic diseases.

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.

Click to view location

Structure of Course

The postgraduate DMM course comprises 16 comprehensive modules, each designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in various key areas of parasitology & entomology:

1. Epidemiology and biostatistics

2. Student Thesis and Research Project

3. General Principles in infectious diseases

4. Entomology

1. Introduction to Medical Entomology
2. Vector of Arboviral Diseases
3. Other Vectors and Pests of Importance to Food and Tourism Industries
4. Vector of Malaria and Filariasis
5. Vector Control and Techniques in Insecticide Application
6. Applied Entomological Tools and Techniques

5. Acarology

1. Acarology in Public Health
2. Field Techniques in Acarology and Processing Animals for Acari

6. Parasitology

1. Arthropod-borne Protozoan Diseases
2. Arthropod-borne Nematode Diseases
3. Intestinal & Free-Living Protozoa and Related Diseases
4. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and other Nematode Diseases
5. Trematode and Cestode Diseases

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 DAP&E is RM18,500.00 (or USD 4,600, 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

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 DAP&E brochure 

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 Applied Parasitology & Entomology (DAP&E)

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 DAP&E

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 DAP&E 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