Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences program is designed to meet the objectives of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. The program requires a total of 134 credit hours, distributed over eight semesters, and can be completed in four years.

Program Overview

The program encompasses a broad base of knowledge and technical skills in medical laboratory sciences, with a focus on laboratory data and its relation to clinical medicine and patient care. The program aims to develop a range of skills, including technical and practical knowledge, independent learning, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, time management, presentation skills, and teamwork.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

The program learning outcomes include:

• Acquiring a broad base of knowledge and technical skills in medical laboratory sciences
• Integrating and interpreting test results, recognizing errors, and establishing a course of action to solve problems
• Developing a range of skills, including technical and practical knowledge, independent learning, critical thinking, and communication
• Demonstrating a high degree of professionalism in understanding and practicing ethical and social issues related to human health and care
• Utilizing administrative skills and knowledge consistent with the principles and standards of quality assurance, continuous quality improvement, and laboratory continuing education
• Advocating for safe laboratory practice, including maintenance of the working environment, adherence to safety rules and regulations, and appropriate handling and processing of test samples
• Evaluating published scientific research results and appreciating technological development and advancement in the field of medical laboratory sciences

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

The program learning outcomes are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework strands, including:

• Strand 1: Knowledge
• Strand 2: Skills
• Strand 3: Autonomy and Responsibility
• Strand 4: Role in Context
• Strand 5: Self-development

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Medical Laboratory Sciences program will be prepared to pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Clinical laboratory generalists in hospitals, clinics, or private laboratories
• Clinical laboratory specialists working in areas such as microbiology, hematology, blood bank, chemistry, molecular biology/DNA, histocompatibility, immunology, and stem cell/bone marrow labs
• Clinical laboratory supervisors or managers
• Quality assurance and quality specialists in hospitals or industry
• Technical representatives, sales representatives, or research and development specialists in laboratory industries

Study Plan

The program study plan is designed to facilitate students' normal progression through the program. The 134 credit hours are distributed over eight semesters, with a mix of mandatory and elective courses.

Course Description

The program includes a range of courses, including:

• Medical Microbiology
• Histology
• Molecular Genetics
• Immunology and Serology
• Histopathological Techniques
• Diagnostic Microbiology
• Clinical Parasitology
• Clinical Chemistry (1)
• Hematology (1)
• Phlebotomy Lab
• Hematology (2) and Coagulation
• Pathology
• Clinical Chemistry (2)
• Blood Banking
• Urinalysis and Body Fluids
• Practicum in Hematology
• Practicum in Clinical Chemistry
• Practicum in Histopathology
• Practicum in Microbiology
• Practicum in Serology
• Lab Management and Quality Assurance
• Practicum in Blood Banking
• Medical Virology
• Medical Mycology
• Student Project

Mandatory Core Courses

The program includes a range of mandatory core courses, including:

• Medical Microbiology
• Histology
• Molecular Genetics
• Immunology and Serology
• Histopathological Techniques
• Diagnostic Microbiology
• Clinical Parasitology
• Clinical Chemistry (1)
• Hematology (1)
• Phlebotomy Lab
• Hematology (2) and Coagulation
• Pathology
• Clinical Chemistry (2)
• Blood Banking
• Urinalysis and Body Fluids

College Requirements

The program includes 24 credit hours of mandatory college requirement courses, which are listed in the College section of the Bulletin.

University Requirements

Every student is required to take 24 credit hours of general education courses, distributed over seven domains. Eighteen (18) mandatory credit hours are selected from domains A-F, and six (6) elective credit hours are selected from domains G & H.

Program Requirements

The program requires 86 credit hours of mandatory courses, which are listed in the table below.

Course Details

Each course includes a description, prerequisites, and credit hours. For example:

• Medical Microbiology: 4 credit hours, prerequisite: Biology
• Histology: 3 credit hours, prerequisite: Biology
• Molecular Genetics: 4 credit hours, prerequisite: Biology