TRAINING
Postgraduate Diploma of Medical Microbiology (DMM)
Introduction
Established in 1978, the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology (DMM) at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia, is one of the most respected regional training programmes in the field of infectious diseases. Conducted annually over six months, this prestigious course provides comprehensive, hands-on training in medical microbiology, a cornerstone discipline in global health and disease control.
The 2026 session is scheduled to be conducted from 6 April 2026 to 18 October 2026.
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 in 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 course will be led by:
- Dean: Dr. Rohaidah binti Hashim, Head of Bacteriology Unit, IMR
- Deputy Dean:Dr. Rozainanee binti Mohd Zain, Head of Infectious Disease Research Centre, IMR
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.
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 introduces 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 and Recombinant DNA
This module introduces 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.
Important Dates
Next Intake: 6 April 2026 – 18 October 2026
Course Dates: 6 April 2026 – 18 October 2026
Application dateline: 30 January 2026 (For non-Malaysian), 28 February 2026 (For Malaysian)
Contacts
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: seameo@moh.gov.my
Tel. No.: +603 – 3362 8068