MLS Curriculum

MLS 401 – Laboratory Fundamentals (2 credit hours)

Introduction to life in the clinical laboratory.  Safety practices and the correct techniques and procedures for collecting and storing patient samples are taught. Laboratory mathematics covering performance of basic laboratory calculations including: serial and ratio dilutions, conversions of SI and Metric units, temperature conversions, statistical data for quality control and statistical analysis.  Fundamental training is provided on laboratory techniques such as phlebotomy, pipetting, microscopy and calibrations.  This course provides a history and discussion of the role of medical laboratory scientists’ play within the divisions of the clinical laboratory and the inter-relationship of Medical Laboratory Science and health care.

MLS 410- Clinical Immunology (2 credit hours)

Course Description: This course focuses on principles and procedures of immunology and serology including: antigen/antibody reactions; innate immunity and inflammation; immunoglobulins.  Emphasis will be on the role of the immune system in health and disease and developing an understanding of the role of both humoral and cellular immunity in defense against disease as well as in situations where the immune mechanisms are functioning abnormally. Basic and advanced immunological concepts are explored, including:  Major histocompatibility complex (MHC), human leukocyte antigen system (HLA), immunologic techniques used in the clinical immunology laboratory, flow cytometry and disease states.

MLS 415-Urinalysis and Body Fluid Analysis (2 credit hours)

Course Description: Theoretical and applied concepts related to the formation, collection, processing, and evaluation of urine and body fluids are taught. Urinalysis portion focuses on formation of urine including chemical, physical, and microscopic properties including characteristics which are normal, and those that reflect abnormality or disease. This course also encompasses the evaluation of normal and abnormal body fluids and resulting disease states. Concepts related to and fluid analyses of Urine, CSF, Serous, Synovial, Amniotic, and Seminal fluids will be examined. This course will prepare students for professional practice in Urinalysis and Body Fluid Analysis.

MLS 430 - Clinical Chemistry I (3 credit hours)

Course Description: This course is designed for medical laboratory science students to gain an understanding of the analytical principles and components of instrumentation utilized in clinical chemistry laboratories.   Students will acquire knowledge of metabolism, principles of methodology and interpretation of analytical results for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and electrolytes, non-protein nitrogen, toxic substances and trace elements, acid-base balance, and blood gas studies. Emphasis is also placed on disease processes and pathological conditions which affect body systems in relation to the topics above. Laboratory skills will be introduced to reinforce principles of analysis that can be applied to a clinical laboratory setting.

MLS 450 - Hematology (4 credit hours)

Course Description: This course focuses on the study of formed elements of blood including production and maturation. Normal cell morphology and abnormal morphologic changes due to disease states are studied. Recognition and correlation of pathological changes in morphology, cytochemistry and distribution of cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow are discussed. The laboratory component equips students to accurately perform manual and automated hematologic procedures and calculations while understanding the purpose, principle, validity, and clinical value of tests. This course will prepare students for their clinical practicum in Hematology.

MLS 440 - Clinical Chemistry II (2 credit hours)

Course Description: This is an advanced course in clinical chemistry/biochemistry which continues the study of the measurement and interpretation of chemical constituents in human blood and body fluids. The laboratory results of each analyte are correlated with the clinical significance and pathophysiology which may generate changes in the analyte. Advanced topics such as endocrinology, organ systems, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, tumor markers and nutritional chemistry are explored. This course will prepare students for their clinical practicum in Clinical Chemistry.

MLS 460- Immunohematology (5 credit hours)

Course Description: This course focuses on principles of the antigen/antibody reactions and their relevance to Immunohematology. The ABO and Rh systems; major blood group systems, regulation, common procedures, adverse reactions, and donation of blood components are all studied as integral parts to the practice of transfusion medicine. This course will prepare students for a clinical practicum in Immunohematology.

MLS 465- Laboratory Leadership I (1 credit hour)

Course Description: This first installation in the three-part leadership series of courses prepares the student for an entry-level laboratory position by developing skills in basic laboratory management practices including principles of leadership, functions of a manager, and personnel management.

MLS 470-Bacteriology and Virology (5 credit hours)

Course Description: This course introduces students to bacteria and viruses, with a focus on organisms that are medically relevant to humans. Appropriate specimen collection, processing, identification techniques, and recognition of key diagnostic features of bacteria and viruses will be emphasized.  Correlation of clinical features and laboratory findings will be included. This course will prepare students for their clinical practicum in Microbiology

MLS 420- Molecular Diagnostics (2 credit hours)

Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of cellular physiology as a background to facilitate an understanding of the processes which have been collectively referred to as molecular biology. With the advent of biotechnology many aspects of molecular biology have been exploited to provide molecular tools which can be used in the clinical laboratory, research laboratory and industrial setting. The goal of this course is to provide the student with a practical theoretical background in molecular biology which will promote critical thinking and problem solving as it relates to clinical molecular diagnostics.

MLS 455- Hemostasis (2 credit hours)

Course Description: This course is designed to give students the understanding of the mechanisms by which blood coagulates.  Students will explore the pathophysiology of hemostatic disorders. Examination of the coagulation system and correlations of laboratory results to clinical findings will be used in the classification of disorders that manifest as excessive bleeding or thrombotic events.

MLS 466 - Laboratory Leadership II (1 credit hour)

Course Description: The second installment in the three course Leadership series prepares the student for a laboratory position by developing skills in basic laboratory management practices including financial considerations, laboratory regulations, and laboratory operations

MLS 475 - Clinical Parasitology and Mycology (2 credit hours)

Course Description: Study of parasites and fungi that are medically relevant to humans. This course introduces students to the taxonomy and identification of morphologic and microscopic characteristics of parasites and fungi.  Diagnosis of disease states based upon laboratory findings will be emphasized.

MLS 481 - Clinical Practice in Hematology (3 credit hours)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in Hematology under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses. This course focuses on the acquisition of manual and automated laboratory skills, laboratory safety, understanding the principles of test procedures, instrumentation, and quality control.

MLS 482 - Clinical Practice in Chemistry (3 credit hours)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in Chemistry under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses. This course focuses on the acquisition of manual and automated laboratory skills, laboratory safety, understanding the principles of test procedures, instrumentation, and quality control

MLS 483- Clinical Practice in Immunohematology (3 credit hours)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses. This course focuses on the acquisition of manual and automated laboratory skills, laboratory safety, understanding the principles of test procedures, instrumentation, and quality control.

MLS 484 - Clinical Practice in Hemostasis and Body Fluids (1 credit hour)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in Hemostasis, Urinalysis, and other Body Fluid analyses under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses. This course focuses on the acquisition of manual and automated laboratory skills, laboratory safety, understanding the principles of test procedures, instrumentation, and quality control.

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE
BEHL 305- Research Ethics (3 credit hours)

Course Description:  This interactive seminar will explore the responsible conduct of science with a focus on ethical issues in clinical research involving human participants. We will review federal research policies and international guidelines related to researcher responsibilities and the research ethics review process. Students will become familiar with the history, terminology, and resources of research ethics as well as key debates that have occurred/are occurring in the research ethics literature. Material covered in this course will be relevant for researchers, institutional review board (IRB) members, and ethicists.

MLS 485 - Clinical Practice in Microbiology (3 credit hours)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in Microbiology under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses. This course focuses on the acquisition of manual and automated laboratory skills, laboratory safety, understanding the principles of test procedures, instrumentation, and quality control.

MLS 486- Special Topics in Medical Laboratory Science (1 credit hour)

Course Description: Clinical laboratory practicum in special areas of laboratory medicine under the guidance of qualified medical laboratory professionals. During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic and student training laboratory courses in Molecular Diagnostics, Flow Cytometry, HLA testing, and laboratory administration.

MLS 467 - Laboratory Leadership III (1 credit hours)

Course Description: The final installment in the Leadership series of courses prepares the student for a laboratory position by developing skills in career planning, introduction to professional development, grant writing, and process improvement planning.

MLS 490- MLS Educational Practice and Review (2 credit hours)

Course Description: This course will prepare students for taking the Medical Laboratory Science Board of Certification exam. Students will gain basic educational and pedagogical approaches needed to train others in the field of Medical Laboratory Science. Application of theories demonstrated through presentation of review material lectures and assisting in kinesthetic instruction for first year course laboratory sessions.

MLS 495 - Medical Laboratory Science Capstone (2 credit hours)

Course Description: The MLS Capstone allows students the opportunity for exposure to leadership and ancillary niche aspects in areas beyond those of a standard Medical Laboratory Science curriculum. Students will create in a Capstone project to reflect on their unique experience in the field. The student must demonstrate the capacity to utilize knowledge and make evidence-based decisions regarding laboratory issues, and exhibit leadership, organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication.

Course Outcomes: The goal of the M.S. in Medical Laboratory Science Capstone project is to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in the academic coursework, professional practice, and their Capstone Experience. Students must document and communicate specifics of their experience and how it relates to the traditional Medical Laboratory Science curricula through a written report and oral presentation.