About the Department: The department was established with the founding of the College of Medicine in 1428H 2007 following the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the Northern Border Region. Teaching activities began in 1430H initially offering Medical Microbiology and Medical Parasitology to students of the College of Medicine and the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology at the College of Applied Medical Sciences.
Vision: In alignment with the College vision the department aspires to achieve excellence in education and scientific research in the fields of microbiology and medical parasitology contributing to the improvement of community health at the local level.
Mission: The department mission extends from that of the College to prepare qualified medical professionals in microbiology and parasitology who meet labor market needs conduct rigorous scientific research and contribute to the development of modern diagnostic methods for microorganisms and infectious diseases to support patient care locally.
Objectives: Teaching Objectives: For College of Medicine students : The department teaches Medical Microbiology Immunology and Medical Parasitology in the second year. These subjects are also integrated within nine third year modules which include Musculoskeletal System Immune System and Blood Diseases Cardiovascular System Respiratory System Urinary System Gastrointestinal System Nervous System and Special Senses Reproductive System and Endocrine System. The courses are further delivered in the fourth year within the Laboratory Medicine course. Upon completion of the program students are expected to
- Recognize medically important microorganisms.
- Understand proper methods for collecting and analyzing clinical specimens .
- Interpret laboratory results and correlate them with different stages of disease.
- Perform microbial culture techniques and assess the effects of antibiotics .
- Understand diagnostic methods prevention strategies and treatment of infectious and immune related diseases.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the immune system and its role in defending against infections and immune disorders.
For College of Applied Medical Sciences students Medical Laboratory Technology:
The department teaches Parasitology I in the second year Parasitology II in the third year and Clinical Parasitology and Urinalysis in the fourth year.
By the end of the program students are expected to understand laboratory diagnostic techniques and their application in diagnosing parasitic diseases. For College of Nursing students
The department teaches Medical Parasitology in the second year and Medical Microbiology in the third year.
Upon completion nursing students are expected to
-Recognize medically important parasites bacteria and viruses and understand modes of transmission and prevention.
-Understand sterilization methods essential for disinfecting medical instruments.
-Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the immune system.
Research Objectives: The department conducts research in medical microbiology immunology and parasitology particularly studies that address environmental and community health concerns.
Academic Programs
- The department does not independently grant a Bachelor degree in Medicine and Surgery but contributes to the program in collaboration with eleven other departments.
- The department does not independently grant a Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Technology but delivers integrated courses within the broader program requirements.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery is a unified program offered by the College of Medicine. The department contributes to the program alongside eleven other departments.
Duration of Study
The Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery program spans six academic years including the preparatory first year Health Track totaling twelve academic levels semesters.