Master of Medical Science Program
Student Academic Handbook
Sep 2020
1
PREFACE
Texila Group
Texila American University Consortium is an education management company registered in
Mauritius for international universities offering On-Campus and Distance & Blended Learning
programs to students worldwide.
Texila American University campuses are located in Guyana (South America), Zambia
(Southern Africa) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). TAU offers several Health Sciences’ programs
with a high level of professionalism, exactness and problem-solving skills.
Texila American University Group and IAU-UNESCO listed Universidad Central de Nicaragua
(UCN) (English name: Central University of Nicaragua) have signed an agreement, to collaborate
academically, to offer various programs from Bachelors to Doctoral levels and to work in the areas
of scientific research. UCN was founded in 1997. It is a private institution and authorized by the
National Council of Universities (CNU).
Overview of UCN:
Universidad Central de Nicaragua (UCN) Credentials
UCN is fully accredited and recognized by Ministry of Education of the Republic of Nicaragua
via the National Council of Universities CNU in official government session No 10-1998 and
approved by the Assembly of the Republic Act No. 2822 according to law http://www. cnu. edu.ni /
universidades- legalmente- establecidas.
UCN is listed with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) International Association of Universities and the international handbook of accredited
universities published by the United Nations.
Texila American University (TAU), College of Medicine welcomes the prospective
candidates for Fellowship Program. This hand book provides information on the rules, regulations,
policies and procedures pertaining to the award of Fellowship degree.
The material contained in this hand book is subject to periodical reviews at least once in a year
and the alterations like additions and deletions will be updated and posted on the University website.
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INDEX
S. No
Index
Page No.
1
Program Information
4
2
Regulation
5
3
Program Flow Chart
6
4
Course and Delivery Content
7
5
Assessment Pattern
13
6
Course Fee
14
7
Awarded Degree
14
8
Appendix
15
3
1. PROGRAM INFORMATION
Program Overview:
Master of Medical Science(MMSc) is a unique program that allows medical students to expand
their professional horizons and get an additional certification to strengthen their professional
competence. The program allows working professionals to further specialize in their areas of interest
without having to compromise their clinical commitments.
Texila American University Ltd in academic partnership with University of Central Nicaragua
(UCN) offers MMSc program in various specializations. The program allows students to gain
knowledge and needed professional competencies through Distance & Blended Learning mode. The
program consists of an appropriate interplay of course work, clinical work and research.
 Research based program offered in rare specialties.
 Blended Learning Mode.
 International Standard Curriculum.
 Students have the opportunity to attend CME programs to gain more credits.
 Study from your place of work.
 Hands on classes at TAU associated hospital.
Programs Offered:
 Critical Care
 Cosmetology
 Diabetology
 Nuclear Medicine
 Endocrinology
 Oncology
 Family Medicine
 Preventive Cardiology
 Global Health, HIV Medici
& Infectious disease
 Reproductive Health
4
2.
REGULATION
Master of Medical Science
Title:
Duration of the Course
2 YEARS
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine with Medical Council
Registration.
Age
No age bar, Candidates with experience in the field will be given
preference.
Method of Learning
(i) Should acquire clinical skills through training in hospitals and
clinics.
(ii) Review contemporary articles in the concerned subject and
publish in international journals.
Requirement
Submission of Weekly Tests, Monthly Log Books, Case Reports,
Clinical case presentation, Article Reviews, CME, Thesis report,
FSI
Examination
Theory / Practical
Award of Degree
Master of Medical Science(MMSc) in relevant specialty will be
awarded by University of Central Nicaragua in Academic
Partnership with Texila American University.
5
3. PROGRAM FLOWCHART - MMSc
1
2.
*Student Enrolls into the program
*Support through Program Instructor, Student Coordinators and Academic Coordinators
3
*Block 1: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1)
4
*Block 2: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1)
5.
*Block 3: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1) +
6
*Block 4: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1) +
Online Theory Exam (1)
Guide details
7
*Block 5: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1)
8
*Block 6: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1) +
Clinical case presentation 1 + Online Theory Exam (1)
9
*Block 7: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1)
10
*Block 8: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1)
11
*Block 9: Weekly Online MCQ Test (7) + Case Study (2) + Monthly Log book (2) + FSI (1) +
Clinical case presentation 2 + Online Theory Exam (1)
12
*Block 10: Thesis Proposal (1) + Research Methodology Test (2) + RM Final Exam (1)
13
*Block 11: Article Review (1) + CME (2) + Quarterly Report on Research Progress (1)
14
*Block 12: Thesis Submission + Viva Voce
6
4. COURSE AND DELIVERY CONTENT
 The course is divided into 12 Blocks, each block is of 2 months duration.
 Blocks 1 to 9 are theory blocks. At the end of block 3, the student has to appear for an online
theory examination.
 Faculty student interaction [FSI] sessions will be conducted periodically.
Academic Process
 After enrolling in the university, the student will pursue his/her course from his/her own
place of residence and from the place where he/she is working.
 Each student will have a Program Instructor who will provide online support to the students
throughout the course.
 Students will submit periodical reports in the Moodle (Learning Management System).
 The students will also review the latest research articles in his subject and publish it in
international journals. These articles will be peer reviewed before publication.
 Evaluation mode is viva voce.
Learning Methodology
 The main outcome of the program is to gain knowledge and competencies through blended
learning which is acquired through an appropriate interplay of course work, clinical work and
research.
 Students are expected to do course work as prescribed in the curriculum.
 Work in hospitals or attend hospitals/clinics to acquire necessary clinical skills.
 Attend CME programs to gain credits.
 Article Review: To understand the contemporary innovation and research in the concerned
specialty by doing article reviews.
 Interested students can attend the hands on classes organized at TAU associated hospitals.
7
Program Requirements- MMSc Students
MMSc
2 Years
Frequency of submission
Sl.No
Academic Requirement
1
Weekly Online MCQ test
63
3
Case Study
18
One report every month
2
Once in a year
FSI
9
Once in two months
3
Once in every 6 months
RM MCQ test
2
Block 10
Article Review
2
Monthly Log Book
4
Clinical case presentation
6
Online Theory Exam
8
RM Exam
5
7
9
10
CME
11
Thesis
18
Each week in mentioned block
One report every month
1
Block 10
1
Block 11
2
Block 11
1
Block 12
Academic Reports Submission Policy
1. All the students have to start working on the academic submissions from the first day of
their training.
2. At the end of every month, the students must submit all the academic requirements as
specified for that month (50% submissions).
3. An extra 15 days may be given to complete any backlog of submissions for genuine
reasons on request. The system will be programmed not to accept any submissions after
the 15th day of each month.
4. Beyond the grace period, if the student submits the pending submissions, the report will
be graded as “zero” marks.
5. A warning letter will be sent to the student at the beginning of the 3rd month stating that
if the academic reports are not submitted for a consecutive period of 3 months, the student
will be deferred to the next upcoming batch.
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6. If the student is deferred to next intake, the student has to submit all the academic
requirements again. Previous submissions will not be considered.
7. Student will become eligible for exams if they score 50% in the internal marks.
Students have to accomplish the following during the Program: -
Case Study Report
A case report is a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an
individual patient. Case reports may contain a demographic profile of the patient. It is not necessary
for the case to be rare or unusual. Conditions seen and managed on a daily basis can also be included
in case reports. A literature review of other reports on similar cases will add value to the case report
and encourage learning. Every month one report has to be uploaded in LMS.
Evaluation mode: Viva Voce
Instructions:
1. All students should submit a plagiarism report along with each case report. The percentage of
plagiarism should not exceed 20%. In plagiarism check exclude the abstract and references.
Standard online plagiarism tool will be provided for this purpose. Please note that case report
will not be accepted if it is not accompanied by a plagiarism report.
2. A viva will be conducted every month on the case reports submitted by the student. The
faculty will take the viva along at a date and time convenient to both for about an hour. Based
on performance in the viva marks will be provide as a part of internal assessment.
3. The case report submitted should be relevant to the case topics listed in the curriculum. If
you are not currently working in a hospital/clinic of your specialization, you are required to
take up consultation work outside of your workplace where you can treat patients of your
specialization and submit case reports on the same.
9
Monthly Log Book
Every month one report has to be uploaded in LMS. Students are monitored and assessed throughout
their training by their clinical supervisors and coordinator. Log books are documentary evidence of
their teaching and learning activities from the start to the end of the module. It comprises the daily
attendance of the student and record of daily activities in the hospital such as:
 Out-patients details or follow-up patients in review OP
 Ward work which includes clerking of patients daily
 Attending or performing ward rounds
 Observing/assisting/performing ward procedures
 List of “must know” conditions to be exposed to during the clinical rotation
 List of “must know” procedures to be learnt/ observed/ assisted/ performed during the clinical
rotation
 Daily case presentations and the feedback from the clinical supervisor
Bedside clinical assessments such as mini-CEX, etc. Every month one report has to be uploaded in
LMS.
Evaluation mode: Viva Voce
Weekly Online MCQ Test
Multiple choice questions (MCQ) are single best answer (SBA) type questions, which have four or
five options within each question. The student is required to identify the best option that fits the stem
of the question. Each correct answer gains 1 mark and there is no negative marking. This test is
conducted twice in a month as a form of internal assessment. MCQs will be used to assess factual
knowledge, analytical skills, critical thinking and medical ethics. Every week student has to take one
MCQ test in LMS.
10
Clinical case presentation
A detailed report of a case suggested by the faculty from a reputed journal has to be presented.
The case study research paper examines a person, place, event, phenomenon, or other type of subject
of analysis in order to extrapolate key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate
previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an
important research problem with greater clarity. Goals of the case presentation is to lay a foundation
for understanding broader trends and issues applied to similar circumstances.
Evaluation mode: Viva Voce
FSI (FACULTY STUDENT INTERACTION)
Faculty Student Interactive (FSI) sessions are an excellent method for students to engage with
senior doctors and understand different topics related to their specialty. This is an opportunity for
them to get more practical information on the subject as well as clarify any doubts that they may have.
FSI programs will 
Improve the academic performance

Increase the critical thinking skills

Support the students
Once the FSI session has been completed, 10 MCQ’s related to the discussed topic will be posted in
LMS (Moodle). The students must answer the MCQs as participation is mandatory and will be
considered towards their internal assessment.
CME
Continuing medical education (CME) refers to a specific form of continuing education (CE)
that helps those in the medical field maintain competence and learn about new and developing areas
of their field. These activities may take place as live events, written publications, online programs,
audio, video, or other electronic media. Content for these programs is developed, reviewed, and
delivered by faculty who are experts in their individual clinical areas. It is mandatory for each
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student to have attended the specified number of CME programs as part of their academic
requirements.
Note: Students are required to attend credit-based CME programs, minimum 2 Credits points are
mandatory.
Article Review
An article review is a critical analysis of a peer reviewed journal article on a study or case report.
The review should summarize the article in the student’s own words. From the review, the faculty
will know how much the student understands of that topic/ case/ study.
A viva will be conducted on the article review submitted by the student. The faculty will take the
viva along at a date and time convenient to both for about an hour. Based on performance in the viva
marks will be provide as a part of internal assessment.
Evaluation mode: Viva Voce
Thesis Work and Submission
Thesis is a project which the students has to submit at the end of the program. Thesis belongs to
particular topic which is selected by the student on the basis of his/her specialization. This includes
the introduction, objectives, outcomes, suggestions, and limitation of the project which the student
has undertaken.
Guide Eligibility - Minimum 5 years of total experience including 3 years of experience in teaching
in PG + 3 publication is mandatory where he/she must be first or second author in the publication.
The guidelines for Ethical research committee: Certain countries have their own government
bodies to do ethical research, so if the proposal has to run through any government ethical committee
in that country, then the student has to get it. It is the responsibility of the student to get it approved
from Ethical Committee in case required by law from their country.
12
Master Research Process:
1
Student has to get his/her Research Guide Approved from University before
starting the research
2
Student will submit the Research Proposal
3
Proposal will be forwarded to the Program Instructor
4
Once the Program Instructor approves the proposal, it will be forwarded to
the Ethics committee for approval.
5
If Ethics committee approves it, it will go back to the student and they will
start working on their research work and periodical reporting will start as per
the calendar.
Research Calendar
Report Submissions
2 Years
Guide Details
Block 4
Thesis Proposal
Block 10
Quarterly progress report
Block 11
Final Thesis
Block 12
Viva Voce Examination
Block 12
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5. ASSESSMENT PATTERN – MMSc
Subjects
Theory Marks
Internal
External
Clinical Marks
Internal
External
Theory Paper I
40 % Weekly 50 % Online Theory
Test +10% FSI
Examination
Theory Paper II
40 % Weekly 50 % Online Theory
Test +10% FSI
Examination
Theory Paper III
40 % Weekly 50 % Online Theory 50% Case study 50% Clinical
report
case presentation
Test +10% FSI
Examination
Research
Methodology
50% RM Test
50% Case study
50% Clinical
report
case presentation
50 % Online RM
Examination
Clinical Research I
AR (50%) + CME (50%)
-
Clinical Research II
Thesis Writing (50%)
Viva (50%)
Pass Criteria: student has to secure 50% marks to pass the paper.
Note: Internal assessment will be finally tabulated for 50% and external assessment will be for
50%
6. COURSE FEE
For information please contact the admission office.
The student who fails to pay the course fee by the due date, a penalty of 1% of the due amount
will be charged everyday until the payment is made.
7. AWARD OF DEGREE
After successful completion of the program and passing the examination & thesis viva-voce, the
degree on Master of Medical Science in relevant speciality will be awarded by University of
Central Nicaragua in Academic Partnership with TAU.
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Appendix
Format of Case Study report
CASE STUDY FORMAT
STUDENT NAME
SPECIALIZATION
BATCH
BLOCK
YEAR OF STUDY
HOSPITAL/CLINIC NAME
Evaluation format
CRITERIA
MARKS
Abstract
5
History
15
Examination
15
Diagnosis / Differential diagnosis
15
Investigations and interventions
15
Treatment
10
Discussion
15
Conclusion
5
References
5
TOTAL MARKS
100
15
PROGRAM
INSTRUCTOR
MARKS
Program Consultant’s comments
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 5
ABSTRACT
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 15
HISTORY
EXAMINATION
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 15
DIAGNOSIS / DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 15
INVESTIGATIONS AND INTERVENTIONS
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 15
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 10
TREATMENT
DISCUSSION
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 15
CONCLUSION
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 5
REFERENCE
PC’s SCORE
OUT OF 5
16
Format of Log Book
Clinical Procedures/Operations Assisted
STUDENT NAME
SPECIALIZATION
BATCH
BLOCK
YEAR OF STUDY
HOSPITAL/CLINIC NAME
LOG BOOK
INDEX
Week 1
Case
O/A/P/S
HOD Signature
Case
O/A/P/S
HOD Signature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Week 2
1
2
3
4
5
17
6
7
8
9
10
Week 3
Case
O/A/P/S
HOD Signature
Case
O/A/P/S
HOD Signature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Week 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Week 5
Case
18
O/A/P/S
HOD Signature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This is to certify that the student has Observed/Assisted/Performed under supervision the above procedures.
HOD Signature
O=Observed
A=Assisted
P=Performed
S= Supervised
Clinical Procedures/Operations Assisted
WEEK - 1
Case 1
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 2
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
19
O/A/PS
Case 3
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained
briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 4
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 5
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 6
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 7
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
20
O/A/PS
Case 8
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 9
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
O/A/PS
Case 10
S. No
Date
Diagnosis (Diagnosis should be explained briefly)
Patient ID
21
O/A/PS
Format Of Clinical Case Presentation
STUDENT NAME
SPECIALIZATION
BATCH
BLOCK
YEAR OF STUDY
HOSPITAL/CLINIC NAME
Evaluation format
S.no
CRITERIA
1
Structure of the Case Report
MARKS
Relevant history and examination
10
1b
Differential diagnosis
10
1c
Investigations and interventions
10
1d
Different types of management recommended
5
2
Discussion on different modalities of
treatment
10
3
Discussion on references provided
5
TOTAL MARKS
50
1a
22
PROGRAM
INSTRUCTOR
MARKS
Program Consultant’s comments
Case Title:
Literature Review
Relevant history and examination
PC’s SCORE OUT OF 10
Differential Diagnosis
PC’s SCORE OUT OF 10
Investigations and interventions
PC’s SCORE OUT OF 10
Different modalities of treatment
PC’s SCORE OUT OF 10
Discussion on References
PC’s SCORE OUT OF 5
23
Format for Article Review
General Instructions:
 The article review must be submitted in the format given below. The report not in the
prescribed format will not be accepted.
 Review at least five articles which have been published within last five years which includes
current knowledge and recent advances in the field and methodological contributions to a
particular topic
 The article must be original and written by the student
 Student should check for plagiarism using the software tools provided. References may be
excluded
 Up to 20% of plagiarism can be accepted
 A plagiarism report should be generated which must be attached to the article review prior to
sending for evaluation.
 It is mandatory to submit the original article along with the article review.
 Marks split up for each section of the article review is clearly given below for your reference.
 Mode of evaluation: Oral examination
Evaluation format
STUDENT NAME
SPECIALIZATION
BATCH
BLOCK
YEAR OF STUDY
HOSPITAL/CLINIC NAME
24
Introduction – Give a brief introduction about the areas on which you are going to
review the articles in 100 to 150 words
10 Marks
Critical Analysis of the articles- Review at least five articles which have been
25 Marks
published within last five years which includes current knowledge and recent advances
in the field and methodological contributions to a particular topic and prepare a
summary of about 500 words in the above points
Conclusion – Give your conclusion about the articles and suggestions of about 100 to
150 words.
References– Give a list of references details from where the journal articles has been
taken as per the standard APA format. Check link for reference -
http://courses.semo.edu/library/infolit/apastyle_articles.htm
25
10 Marks
5 Marks
1. Format for Thesis Writing
ORDER OF CONTENTS
The thesis has to be organized in the following order:
1. Cover Page
2. Inside Title Page
3. Certificate signed by the Supervisor(s) (in the stipulated format)
4. Declaration signed by the Candidate (in the stipulated format)
5. Acknowledgements
6. Dedications (if any)
7. Abbreviations (if any)
8. Table of Contents
9. Introduction
10. Review of Literature
11. Research Methodology –Tools & Techniques
12. Results and Discussion
13. Summary
14. Conclusion
15. Contribution to knowledge
16. Limitations of the study
17. Suggestion for Future Research
18. References
19. Appendix (if any)
20. Copies of Publications attached
26