Undergraduate
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Honours Degree Programme.
Courses
First year
In the first year, students study courses that are designed to give them an understanding of the normal structure, chemistry and function of the human and microbial systems. Students are also introduced to principles of analysis and laboratory techniques used in clinical laboratories. The following courses are taught in the first year: -
- HMLS 101 Cell Biology
- HMLS 102 Genetics and Molecular Biology
- HMLS 103 Laboratory Principles
- HMLS 104 Biochemistry
- HMLS 105 Microbiology
- HMLS 106 Histology
- HMLS 107 Blood Transfusion Science and Immunology
- CSHS 101 Communication Skills for Academic Purposes
Second year
The second year courses concentrate on techniques and procedures for the qualitative and quantitative investigations carried out in clinical laboratories. There is a wide coverage of the techniques and procedures the students are faced with during their laboratory attachment in the third year. The students are also introduced to experimental design and data analysis as well as laboratory management. The following courses are taught in the second year: -
- HMLS 204 Biochemical Techniques
- HMLS 205 Microbiological Techniques
- HMLS 206 Histological Techniques
- HMLS 207 Blood Transfusion Science and Immunological Techniques
- HMLS 208 Haematological Techniques
- HMLS 209 Biostatistics and Research Methodology
- HMLS 210 Laboratory Management Systems
- CSHS 102 Communication Skills for Professional Purposes
Third year
An important aspect of the training is the requirement for students to gain clinical laboratory experience. In the third year, students are seconded to approved clinical laboratories in Zimbabwe so that they gain practical laboratory experience in all disciplines of medical laboratory sciences. Students also acquire interpersonal, communication and management skills during the attachment period. The following course is offered in the third year: -
- HMLS 390 Laboratory attachment
Fourth Year
The fourth year courses concentrate on the study of the disease processes, their causes and intervention. There is also consolidation of the knowledge gained by students during the third year laboratory attachment on interpretation of laboratory data. In addition, all students carry out a substantial laboratory-based research project in consultation with the academic staff. The following courses are covered in the fourth year: -
- HMLS 404 Biochemistry
- HMLS 405 Microbiology
- HMLS 406 Histology
- HMLS 407 Blood Transfusion Science and Immunology
- HMLS 408 Haematology
- HMLS 460 Research Project
Entry Requirements
The prospective candidate must normally satisfy the general entry requirements of the University of Zimbabwe for undergraduate degrees. To qualify for consideration for admission, a prospective candidate must normally have:-
-
Passes at Ordinary Level (or approved equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics;
-
Passes at Advanced Level (or approved equivalent) in Chemistry and any two of the following three subjects:-
- Biology (or Zoology)
- Mathematics
- Physics
The subject not offered at “A” Level must normally have been passed at “O” Level.
Career Prospects
There is a great demand for medical laboratory scientists in both the public and private sector. The majority of the graduates in medical laboratory sciences begin their career in clinical and veterinary laboratories. Besides employment in clinical and veterinary laboratories, there are many other career opportunities. Medical laboratory scientists also work in industry for companies manufacturing a wide range of products e.g. food and pharmaceutical industries. Some of the laboratories where medical laboratory scientists are employed are:-
-
Government and Private Clinical Laboratories
-
Veterinary Laboratories
-
Scientific Research Laboratories
-
Industrial Laboratories e.g. Chemical, Food, Pharmaceutical
-
Teaching and Research Laboratories at Universities and Technical Colleges
-
Private Laboratories
Medical Laboratory Scientists are also employed as technical sales representatives for companies that manufacture or sell laboratory equipment, reagents, media, etc.
Duration
The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Honours degree programme requires full-time attendance over a minimum of four years.