BHSC 1116 provides a foundation for subsequent courses in microanatomy, histology, molecular diagnostics, transfusion, hematology, and clinical chemistry. The course follows a systems approach to study the relationship between structure and function in the human body. It begins with a discussion of cells and tissues as basic structural/functional units then introduces regulation and integration of body systems and the role of control systems in homeostasis. Every body system is covered with emphasis placed on the anatomy, physiology and systems relevant to Medical Laboratory Science. Case studies and other active learning techniques are used to integrate knowledge across body systems and to develop critical thinking skills essential to the practice of medical laboratory technology.

This course focuses on the role of the immune system in health and disease. The roles of immune cells and non-cellular soluble components; namely, antibodies, cytokines, complements and mediators of inflammation will be discussed. Basic concepts on immunology, including innate and acquired immunity to pathogens, foregin grafts and other immunogens, are presented with special emphasis on their clincal application in the following areas that are relevant to Medical Laboratory Science Technology: hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, transplantation and transfusion, as well as basic bacterial and viral serology. A special detailed discussion of the chemistry and reaction conditions underlying antigen-antibody interactions in vitroand the relevance of immunological techniques to the measurement of analytes in the medical laboratory are also included to prepare students for more in-depth discussion of immuno-based techniques in the discipline-specific program courses.

Discusses the importance of communication within the healthcare team. Uses an experiential and self- reflective approach to develop self- awareness, an increased understanding of self, and how one's own interpersonal style affects others. Provides critical elements for healthcare professionals including concepts such as communication skills, establishing and maintaining a relationship with clients and others, caring, empathy and courtesy. Emphasizes respecting and responding sensitively to individuals with cultural diversity. Includes other skills for success such as conflict resolution and stress management.

This introductory communication course is designed to teach effective listening, writing, and speaking skills required for the Medical Laboratory Technology field. The course covers the planning, organizing, and presenting of information, both orally and in writing. This course also aims to improve the learners' ability to analyse and evaluate various kinds of arguments and scenarios commonly met with in their professional field. Exercises and activities to develop the learner's abilities to work effectively as a team member or team leader will also be integrated into seminars and assignments.

This course introduces clinical microbiology concepts and theory. Students study basic cell structure, physiology, metabolism, and genetics. Antimicrobial agents and mechanisms of activity are discussed. Students are introduced to the topic of antimicrobial resistance with specific examples of established and emerging resistance to antimicrobial therapy. The pathogenicity, culture, identification and treatment of clinically relevant organisms is introduced with specific reference to staphylococci. This group of organisms is studied in seminar and then identified in lab. Through laboratory sessions, students develop the basic skills to isolate bacteria, stain smears, record colonial morphology and perform required identification techniques. Students are instructed in Microbiology laboratory practices that support lab safety, organization and efficiency. Cooperative learning is used to facilitate the development of interpersonal skills and enhance student learning as team members teach and support each other.

This two-week block spent in a clinical laboratory develops skills in phlebotomy and accessioning of laboratory specimens. Also provides opportunity to demonstrate the concepts of safety, legal requirements, patient empathy, professionalism, and communication. Prerequisites: COMM 1170 and BHSC 1115 and BHSC 1148 and 60% in MLSC 1100 and 60% in MLSC 1104 and 60% in MLSC 1105 and 60% in MLSC 1106 and 60% in MLSC 1107 and 60% in MLSC 1108

This course assists the student in meeting the theory and practical requirements for the CSMLS Category 2, 10 and 11 Competencies Expected of an Entry Level Technologist. Students will be instructed in biological specimen procurement and handling, with particular focus on blood specimens. The medical laboratory technologist student learns to verify relevant data and ensure that appropriate specimens are procured according to established protocols while interacting with Clients/ Patients in a professional and competent manner, employing effective communication strategies and exercising professional behaviours that support the ethical obligations of the medical laboratory technologist. Students are provided with laboratory exercises to reinforce lecture material, and with supervised practice of venous and capillary collection techniques, followed by supervised assessments. Each student agreed to be a patient subject in this course through signing an acknowledgement form, when applying to the MLSC Program at BCIT. Once the student has proven capability within this course, he/she is deemed ready for Clinical 1. Students who are not successful in this course are not permitted to continue to Clinical 1.

This introductory course to the medical laboratory sciences introduces students to the various disciplines that comprise the medical laboratory and stresses the importance of approaching diagnostic testing in an interdisciplinary manner. Students learn many of the analytical and operational connections between the different disciplines of the medical laboratory: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Anatomical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, and Clinical Microbiology. Study of the over-arching concepts of safety, basic laboratory practice, specimen handling, methodology and analysis, quality assurance, and critical thinking with direction to problem solving is intended to form the basis for study in the discipline-specific level 2 and 3 Medical Laboratory Science Program courses.

This introductory course in molecular diagnostic techniques will focus on the molecular principles, instrumentation, and assay controls used to perform basic PCR and restriction digest analysis. The general role and application of molecular testing in the clinical lab will be discussed as will essential distinctions between phenotypic and molecular testing. The structure and chemistry of nucleic acids will be covered, as will the cellular organization and function of nucleic acids from DNA replication through protein translation. Distinctions between viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic genomes will be highlighted. Applied theory for quality control, hybridization and melting, use of analytical enzymes, polymerase chain reaction, and nucleic acid extraction, isolation and purification from clinical specimens will form the basis for the student labs. The labs will include restriction digests, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation and quantification, hot-start, end-point PCR.

Introduces human microanatomical structure, function, and histochemistry. Describes and discusses all of the basic tissue types and organ systems in relation to laboratory analysis of patient specimens. Includes microscopic evaluation of prepared tissue sections.

Introduces the basic concepts of transfusion science, including the application of genetics and immunology to transfusion practice. Utilizes terminology needed to understand and communicate about transfusion practice. Presents an understanding of major blood group systems, and component therapy and explains the significance these have in transfusion science. Illustrates and provides opportunity to practice the basic techniques used in transfusion service. Provides practice in pretransfusion testing, including ABO typing, Rh typing and antibody screening. Describes blood products (components and fractions) and considers donor issues and special treatment of blood products. Prerequisite: All Level 1 courses.

Building on basic concepts introduced in level 1, this course will provide fundamental theory and laboratory practice in isolating and identifying micro-organisms. These include: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseria, Haemophilus, gram positive and non-fermenting bacilli and routine anaerobic organisms. Fundamental theory of antimicrobial agents is introduced, focusing on microbial interactions with antimicrobial agents and the development of resistant strains. Laboratory sessions will enable students to develop the skills to isolate and identify bacteria. Basic Microbiology laboratory safety, quality control, infection control and instrumentation will be reinforced as students monitor instruments, reagents, media and testing material used in the working laboratory. Cooperative learning continues to be an important component to support learning and interpersonal skills. Prerequisite: All Level 1 courses.

This course introduces the study of peripheral blood cells, their development, identification and functions in health and disease. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood films and the correlating of findings with clinical conditions are major laboratory activities. Automated blood sample analyses are introduced as well as non-automated tests, such as the manual platelet count. Prerequisite: All Level 1 courses.

This course will introduce the practice of clinical chemistry by providing the clinical significance and analytical methods involved for several different biochemical constituents. It will involve the use of manual and automated techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of blood, urine, and stool specimens. Students will utilize quality control procedures to assess the analytical results and be able to interpret patient results, correlate them with other test results and indicate any follow-up tests. Prerequisites: MLSC 1218

This laboratory based course consists of processing surgical and autopsy specimens through to stained slide preparations. Includes activities such as tissue fixation, paraffin processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Also includes biological staining procedures such as methods for routine morphological assessment, connective tissues, carbohydrates, microbiological specimens, pigments, leukocyte enzymes, silver impregnation, and immunohistochemical markers. Prerequisites: MLSC 1105

This course builds on the molecular fundamentals from MLSC 1014 and applies them to clinical molecular analysis of human genomic sequence variations and result interpretation. Human cellular processes of transcription and translation will be overviewed, as will basic human and cancer genetics, and standard nomenclature describing genomic DNA sequence variations. The molecular basis of selected disease phenotypes will be discussed, with focus on the advantages and limitations of molecular testing relative to phenotypic testing. The relationship between genomic DNA sequence variations and personalised medicine will be investigated, and the concept of evidence-based laboratory medicine as it applies to molecular testing will be introduced. PCR assay development and optimisation will be covered, and principles of selected hybridisation and PCR/non-PCR amplification molecular testing platforms used in the clinical environment will be discussed. Prerequisites: MLSC 1014

This course builds upon information covered in Transfusion Science 1. Covers the identification of irregular antibodies, complex patient presentations, hemolytic disease of the newborn and adverse reactions to transfusion. Introduces special transfusion situations, based on case study presentation. Prerequisites: MLSC 1223

This course continues to build knowledge and competencies in the area of clinical Microbiology. Clinically relevant bacteria are covered with emphasis on the ability to isolate and identify common pathogens from clinical specimens. Body systems will be analysed individually in order to determine the clinically relevant bacteria and pathogenic processes in each site. Theory and laboratory practice will also include antibiotics susceptibility testing including multi-drug resistant bacteria. Students will be offered an introduction to clinically significant fungi, parasites and anaerobic bacteria. Performance and assessment of quality control procedures will continue to be emphasized. Self-directed and cooperative learning is used to provide an opportunity to develop a full understanding of the learning goals. Cooperative learning continues to be emphasized to meet academic goals and prepare students for the workplace. Prerequisites: MLSC 2008

The first part of this course introduces the leukemias, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma and lipid storage diseases. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood and bone marrow films are the major laboratory activities. The second part of the course introduces the coagulation, fibrinolytic, kinin, and complement systems within the context of hemostasis. Platelet disorders, thrombosis and anticoagulant therapy are also introduced. Performing prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, mixing studies and factor assays are the major laboratory activities. Prerequisites: MLSC 2114

This course will build upon clinical chemistry from the previous term. Students will learn more about Clinical Chemistry Assessment in the diagnosis of pathological conditions encountered in the clinical laboratory and their significance for patient outcomes. The topics covered include Lab Math, Acid/Base & Water Balance; Stat Testing; Enzymology; Endocrinology; Disorders of Mineral Metabolism; Disorders of Lipid Metabolism; Serum Protein Electrophoresis; Chromatography; Atomic Absorption; Mass Spectrometry; Tumour Markers; Hemoglobin synthesis and Biochemical Markers; Hemoglobin, Drug and Chemical Toxicology; Therapeutic Drug Monitoring; Body Fluid Analysis including Urinalysis; Statistical Applications to Test Predictability, Sensitivity and Specificity; Method Evaluation and Reference Intervals; and Point of Care Testing. Prerequisites: MLSC 2116

This practicum block is spent in a clinical laboratory to develop skills in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histology, and transfusion science. It provides opportunities to demonstrate and build on safe practice professionalism, patient relationships, and communication. Prerequisite: All MLSC Level 3 courses.

This primary delivery method for this course will employ distance learning tools via the web, such as D2L and/or Elluminate (i.e., web conferencing). This course consists of two main components. The first component directs the learner in the exploration of the theory and application of critical thinking and ethical judgement to medical laboratory practice. In this component, students will also have an opportunity to explore professional responsibilities of medical laboratory technologists, including issues of accountability, clinical judgement, and commitment to carrying out the tenets of the CSMLS code of conduct in all aspects of practice. The second component involves examination of the tools and relevant contexts for problem solving and research in a clinical laboratory context. Learners will be required to regularly participate in online discussion forums (i.e., blogs) and associated learning activities.

This practicum block is spent in a clinical laboratory to develop skills in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histology, and transfusion science. It provides opportunities to demonstrate and build safe practice professionalism, patient relationships, and communication. Prerequisite: All MLSC Level 4 courses.

As a continuation of MLSC 2218, this course explores strategies and issues arising in laboratory operations including quality systems, fiscal management, human resources, professional development, laboratory process improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. This course will also provide support to the learner in preparing for the CSMLS certification exam through the exploration of case studies. These case studies will emphasize the use of critical thinking and problem solving skills allowing the learner to integrate prior knowledge of pathophysiology and laboratory methodology in identifying normal and abnormal patterns of analytical results. Most of the content in this course will be delivered via the web using D2L and Elluminate. Students will work in groups on a poster to be presented during national medical laboratory week (NMLW). As with MLSC 2218, the learner will also be encouraged to participate in monthly BCSLS TeleHealth sessions or any inservices provided at their clinical sites. Prerequisites: MLSC 2218