Program Overview
The Master of Laboratory Medicine program provides comprehensive training in laboratory medicine principles and practices, equipping students with technical skills in various laboratory techniques. Through hands-on experience and professional placements, students gain practical knowledge and prepare for careers in medical and pathology laboratories, including roles such as clinical laboratory scientist and laboratory manager.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Laboratory Medicine lies at the core of healthcare. This program prepares students for careers in specialized medical and pathology laboratories that provide essential diagnostic services. Students gain knowledge and practical laboratory skills in clinical chemistry, haematology, blood transfusion science, microbiology, histopathology, human molecular biology, immunology, and more. The program's objectives are to: Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of laboratory medicine principles and practices. Develop students' technical skills in a variety of laboratory techniques. Prepare students for careers in the laboratory medicine field. Students receive hands-on laboratory experience with an average of three hours of practical laboratory experience per week in each unit. The final semester includes a Professional Experience Placement (PEP), which allows students to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
Outline:
The Master of Laboratory Medicine program consists of the following units:
- CXA600 Human Molecular Biology
- CXA631 Haematology 1
- CXA641 General and Medical Microbiology
- CXA651 Clinical Chemistry 1
- CXA625 Histology
- CXA632 Haematology 2
- CXA642 Medical Microbiology A
- CXA652 Clinical Chemistry 2
- CXA601 Integrated Laboratory Medicine
- CXA622 Histopathology
- CXA633 Transfusion Science
- CXA643 Medical Microbiology B
- CXA731 Medical Laboratory Practice
- CXA732 Medical Laboratory Placement 1
- CXA733 Medical Laboratory Placement 2
- CXA600 Human Molecular Biology This unit introduces students to basic molecular biology concepts and focuses on medical molecular genetics. Students study genetic mutations, inheritance patterns of genetic diseases, and laboratory techniques for diagnosing genetic disorders.
- CXA631 Haematology 1 This unit covers the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Students learn about the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases such as leukemia, anemia, hemophilia, and deep vein thrombosis.
- CXA641 General and Medical Microbiology This unit explores how bacterial characteristics can be used for identification in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Students study bacterial regulation, communication, multiplication, and metabolism.
- CXA651 Clinical Chemistry 1 This unit provides a thorough understanding of quality assurance, reference ranges, specimen collection, preservation, transportation, storage, and laboratory analysis.
- CXA625 Histology This unit introduces students to the fundamental theoretical and practical concepts of histology. Students study histological methodologies, including fixation, decalcification, processing, section cutting, and staining techniques.
- CXA632 Haematology 2 This unit builds on the knowledge and skills gained in CXA631 Haematology 1. Students investigate the causes, laboratory investigations, and treatment of anemia, leukemia, and other hematological conditions.
- CXA642 Medical Microbiology A This unit introduces students to diagnostic medical bacteriology. Students learn about specimen processing, recognition of normal microbiota, identification of pathogens, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- CXA652 Clinical Chemistry 2 This unit extends students' knowledge in clinical biochemistry. Students study the pathological changes that occur in tissues and cells and how these changes can be detected in the laboratory.
- CXA601 Integrated Laboratory Medicine This unit integrates learning from previous clinical laboratory medicine units. Students apply their knowledge to the diagnosis and management of complex diseases.
- CXA622 Histopathology This unit develops the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases. Students recognize common pathological conditions and use histopathological methods and microscopic recognition to demonstrate bacterial and fungal infections, amyloidosis, pigments, and neoplasia.
- CXA633 Transfusion Science This unit covers the major blood group systems of relevance to human blood transfusion and the theoretical basis of common transfusion testing practices. Students explore the donation of blood products and the management of transfusion services.
- CXA643 Medical Microbiology B This unit introduces students to the common and diagnostically important fungal, parasitic, and viral diseases of major organ systems in humans. Students are subject to the rules and regulations of their host laboratory and supervised by a practicing laboratory professional.
Assessment:
The assessment methods used in the program may include:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Practical examinations
- Oral presentations
- Written reports
- Final examinations
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are active in research and practice. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Case studies
- Problem-based learning
- Clinical simulations
Careers:
Graduates of the Master of Laboratory Medicine program are qualified for a wide range of career opportunities in medical and pathology laboratories. These opportunities include:
- Clinical laboratory scientist
- Medical technologist
- Research scientist
- Quality control manager
- Laboratory supervisor
- Laboratory manager
