Dow University launches summer short courses

By Fahim Patel May 13th, 2012 ( 5 Comments )

Karachi: Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) as a part of its academic excellence launches Summer’s Short Courses in different specialty including Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistical Software and Financing Healthcare, at Dow University of Health Sciences.

The Introductory Symposium on Short Courses was held today at Arag Auditorium of Dow Medical College to give the students a brief concept of the Courses.

Prof. Dr. Junaid Ashraf, Principal, Dow Medical College in his address said that Dow University since inception is focusing on three domains which includes community healthcare, besides having academic excellence and human resource development. He said that the University have a very strong Research Department in which undergraduates students are introduced in research from third year. This Short course will increase the knowledge and expertise of the students. The students will be benefited by these short courses.

Dr. Nazeer Khan, Director, Research Department gave a brief overview of Research Department of Dow University. Speaking on Biostatistics course, he said that this course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods as applied to data encountered in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. It emphasizes the basic concepts of experimental design, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences. This course will provide appropriate balance between conceptual statistical understanding and their application in medical sciences. The course consists of lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises designed to give users practical experience with the featured statistical methods.

Briefing the participants on Statistical Software course, he said that it is designed to familiarize with Ms Excel statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Minitab and Basis SAS and will cover topics such as importing data, basic data manipulation, graphic data, descriptive analyses and simple inferential tests. It will also provide appropriate balance between statistical understanding and their application employing software.

Dr. Nighat Nisar, Dean Basic Medical Sciences, DUHS speaking on Epidemiology Courses said that, this course is initiated to build knowledge and skills around basic epidemiology and medical statistics and will utilize computer packages appropriate to these skills. Furthermore it will also provide the methodology and practical application of epidemiological tool in the developing countries, the interpretation of data and on reporting of the field studies. This course is intended for physicians, nurses, biologists, anthropologists, health program managers and other professionals with an interest in health problems in developing countries

Dr. Sabeena Jalal Khan, Assistant Professor of Community Medicine, DUHS gave concept of Financing Healthcare Course. She said that this equity short course aims at enhancing knowledge and expertise in healthcare financing and equity analysis for a better policy, fair and responsive to the healthcare needs of the population. Specifically it will enhance understanding of healthcare system in the context of socioeconomic determinants of healthcare in Pakistan. It will provide equity analysis of healthcare policy and programs and will help to develop appropriate skills in applying equity techniques in healthcare financing and delivery.

Later on, questions answer session was held in which participant actively participated.