Curriculum

Programme Structure

The Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies programme is a coursework-based programme that can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). To graduate, students must complete 40 units of coursework.

Our user-friendly programme combines face-to-face (F2F) and virtual learning opportunities. Each semester includes F2F sessions at the start and end, with flexibility in between for continued learning either on campus or online. Each semester begins with approximately three weeks of F2F instruction. This is followed by a flexible period where students can attend live virtual classes or continue learning from a space provided on campus. While teaching during this period is often delivered virtually by global authorities based abroad, students staying in Singapore can participate from the shared space alongside peers, with support from the team. Virtual learning is available but entirely optional, with no advantage to either option. Each semester concludes with two weeks of F2F sessions to consolidate learning. Adult learning styles will predominate over traditional didactic learning, facilitating engagement and network building.

For AY26/27:

Early-Semester: Full Days

Mid-Semester: Evening Sessions

End-Semester: Full Days

F2F learning activities

(3 weeks intensive)

Sem 1: Mon, 20 Jul'26 - Fri, 7 Aug'26
Sem 2: Mon, 11 Jan'27 - Fri, 29 Jan'27

Virtual learning activities and supported self-directed study

(14/11 weeks)

Sem 1: Mon, 10 Aug'26 - Fri, 13 Nov'26 (14 weeks)
Sem 2: Mon, 1 Feb'27 - Fri, 16 Apr'27 (11 weeks)

F2F learning activities

(2 weeks intensive)

Sem 1: Mon, 16 Nov'26 - Fri, 27 Nov'26
Sem 2: Mon, 19 Apr'27 - Fri, 30 Apr'27

*Please note that while we do not anticipate any changes, the dates provided are subject to adjustment based on unforeseen circumstances.

Courses Offered

These courses each have rich evidence based and practical content as well as cross cutting threads of leadership, ethics and law, which add unique insights and prepares candidates with skills valid beyond infectious disease emergencies.

Core Courses

Students are required to complete all 3 core courses (4 units each, 12 units in total).

S/N	Course Title	Brief Description	Semester Offered
1	IDE5001 Leadership and Coordination	Reform is happening globally in funding mechanisms, systems, and governance with respect to outbreak preparedness and response. This compulsory module will enable participants to develop their own leadership skills by understanding different styles of leadership and how they can be applied. Leaders facing outbreaks need to coordinate the many pillars of response in the health and non-health sectors (public and private). A close link with operational logisticians and knowledge of current and future technologies in supply chain management will enable strong coordination.	Sem 2
2	IDE5002 Surveillance and Epidemiology	This course will illustrate outbreak investigations systematically (whether they be air borne, food or water borne etc) and how a hypothesis relating to disease spread can lead to public health interventions and contact tracing, the effect of which is monitored epidemiologically. Learners will appreciate the role of various surveillance methods that inform a risk assessment. The One Health ecosystem and how it affects antimicrobial resistance, early warning and response systems and complex humanitarian emergencies also feature in this course.	Sem 1
3	IDE5003 Communications and Engagement in a Crisis	This course provides comprehensive coverage of the key elements of preparing for and delivering effective and comprehensive communications in a health crisis, including risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), information management, stakeholder engagement, media management, and media training. Conducted via an interactive series of lectures, workshops, small group discussions and panel discussions with a team including global communications experts, students will be guided on the steps needed to design, implement and evaluate an effective and holistic communications plan in response to outbreaks.	Sem 1

Elective Courses

Students are required to choose and complete 7 electives (4 units each, 28 units in total).

S/N	Course Title	Brief Description	Semester Offered
1	IDE5004 Clinical Management, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Facility Infrastructure	In this course, learners will acquire knowledge to effectively prepare for and safely respond to a surge in demand for clinical case management during infectious disease emergencies (IDEs). Enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies can contain the transmission of disease and facilitate the maintenance of usual health services. Preparing and responding benefits from strategic planning and resource management leveraging off well considered facility infrastructure.	Sem 2
2	IDE5005 Interventions for Outbreak Control	This course focuses on strategic public health emergency interventions, including both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions, evidence-based approaches, and adaptability to different settings. The challenges and ethical implications of vaccine development and implementation, assessing the risks of mass gatherings, and managing volunteers are also core components.	Sem 1
3	IDE5006 Research in a Pandemic	This course examines the central role of research to inform and enhance various outbreak response strategies during different phases of an outbreak. The course will cover how research can be effectively conducted and published rapidly to answer pressing clinical and policy questions. Using a variety of case studies, challenges of clinical research conducted during health emergencies will be explored. The evolution of outbreak research from ad hoc investigations to mainstream internationally coordinated efforts will be examined along with the potential impact of ethical, legal, operational, and cultural factors on quality and research processes.	Sem 2
4	IDE5007 Mental Health and Support for the Vulnerable	This course will provide insights into strategies for protecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and minority and disadvantaged groups in society, who are at risk of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, especially during an outbreak. Preparing these communities can improve resilience via proactive and informed interdisciplinary approaches toward building stronger and healthier communities. In addition, learners will engage with experts to explore innovative strategies to support ongoing wellbeing.	Sem 2
5	IDE5008 Laboratory	This course will provide the learners with an appreciation of the role laboratory has to play before, during and after an outbreak response. Learners will be exposed to the various components such as testing, contact tracing, isolating, and communication of lab results. Building capacity, and how research and an evidence base shape policy and decision making will be emphasised. Pathogen genomics will be explored in depth as will the use of varied technologies in evaluating and implementing new diagnostics during an outbreak. Learners will have the opportunity to appreciate biosafety and biorisk management (BRM) approaches, in a real-world environment.	Sem 1
6	IDE5009 Training for Outbreak Response	In this practical immersive course, learners will experience the deployment, implementation, and evaluation of various training methods for preparedness and response to infectious disease emergencies (IDEs). The design of training programs will be influenced by the phase of an outbreak and the background of the target audience. Frameworks for evaluation of training programs will be discussed. Skills acquired in this module will benefit the learner in educational initiatives beyond those required for outbreak preparedness and response.	Sem 2
7	IDE5010 Outbreak Prone Pathogens	Learners will gain knowledge on emerging and reemerging pathogens with outbreak potential. An understanding of commonly identified organisms will be shared by content experts with real world experience. This will help learners identify known pathogens, anticipate novel pathogens including Disease X, prevent transmission and use tools to investigate and control infections. Nuances of specific management concerns will be highlighted. Other features of this module include discussions surrounding intentional and unintentional origins of outbreaks and pathogens of concern.	Sem 1
8	IDE5011 Infectious Disease Emergency Response Modelling	This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease modelling. It is tailored for learners with some background in epidemiology but limited mathematical training. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, learners will explore the fundamental principles of infectious disease modelling, how to construct and interpret models, and how these models can inform public health decisions.	Sem 1

Study Plan

The study plan outlines the courses to take each semester and the expected workload for both full-time and part-time students. Plan and pace your course selections wisely across the semesters to ensure timely graduation.