Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science in Health Professions is offered by Nelson Mandela University.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science offered by the Nelson Mandela University at the Faculty of Health Sciences

The programme prepares students for their profession as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and aims to facilitate training in the following disciplines:
• Clinical Chemistry (diagnostic biochemical analysis);
• Haematology (study of blood cells and blood diseases);
• Medical Microbiology (study of microorganisms);
• Clinical Pathology (combination of: clinical chemistry, haematology and microbiology);
• Cytology (study of normal and abnormal human cells);
• Histopathology (the study of normal and abnormal human tissues);
• Immunohaematology (blood transfusion).

Students are required to complete a National Board Exam in their area of specialisation before they graduate and each student is required by law to register with the Health
Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a student Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Duration: The qualification shall be offered over a period of four years of full-time study.

Curriculum

FIRST YEAR
Core modules:
Health Chemistry (Module 1)
Health Chemistry (Module 2)
Health Chemistry (Module 3)
Health Physics
Computer Skills*

Human Anatomy, Physiology and Disease (Module 1)

Human Anatomy, Physiology and Disease (Module 2)

Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences

Cell Biology l

Immunology l

Introduction to Pathology

SECOND YEAR
Core modules:

Haematology l

Medical Microbiology l

Clinical Chemistry l

Cytology l

Histology I

Haematology ll

Medical Microbiology ll

Clinical Chemistry ll

Cytology ll

Histology II

Immuno-haematology II

THIRD YEAR
Core modules:

Clinical Chemistry lll

Haematology lll

Medical Microbiology lll

Cytology lll

Biostatistics

Integrated Medical Laboratory Sciences –Theory

Integrated Medical Laboratory Sciences – Clinical Practice

Research Methods

FOURTH YEAR
Core modules:

Laboratory Management IV

Integrated Pathology IV (module 1)

Integrated Pathology IV (module 2)

Research Project lV (mini-thesis in field of specialisation)

Electives* (select area of specialization from ONE of the following):

Clinical Pathology IV (module 1) 

Clinical Chemistry IV 

Haematology IV

Microbiology IV

Immuno-haematology IV 

Cytology IV 

Histology IV

Immunology IV

Virology IV

Pharmacology IV

Forensic Sciences IV 

Cytogenetics IV