Medical Laboratory Science

Study the theoretical foundations for understanding the immune response and immune disorders, as well as the use of immune products as both therapies and laboratory reagents. The innate immune response and both humoral and cellular adaptive responses will be examined, including discussion of the impact of cytokine signaling and inflammation in the immune response. The use of immune products will be investigated as both reagents and analytes in a range of laboratory analyses, and students will apply this knowledge to the analysis of clinical and immunological data. The underlying basis and clinical manifestations of immunological disorders such as immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases will also be examined. Learning is assessed through a range of written assignments and exams.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Utilize a systems approach to study the relationship between structure and function in the human body. Begin with a discussion of cells and tissues as basic structural/functional units followed by histology, integumentary, musculoskeletal, hematological, vascular and lymphatic systems. Applying homeostasis as a theme to regulation and integration of body systems with emphasis placed on the anatomy, physiology and systems relevant to Medical Laboratory Sciences. In the seminars, case studies and other active learning techniques are used to integrate knowledge across body systems and to develop critical thinking skills essential to clinical practice. Evaluation of learning is conducted through weekly seminar quizzes, exams, as well as in-class practice and participation.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Develop effective listening, writing, and speaking skills required for the Medical Laboratory Technology field. Learn practical considerations for effective planning, organizing, and presenting of information, both orally and in writing. Begin to anticipate communication challenges in the workplace and develop analytical skills and strategies for problem solving and handling interpersonal challenges commonly met with in the professional field. Exercises and activities to develop the learner's abilities to work effectively as a team member or team leader also integrated into seminars and assignments. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range exams, written projects, and oral presentations.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Learn a variety of methods, approaches and foundational concepts that are applied across clinical laboratory areas and activities. Identify many of the analytical and operational connections between the different disciplines of the medical laboratory: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Anatomical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Microbiology. Integrate, and hone through practice, the over-arching concepts of safety, basic laboratory practice, specimen handling, methodology and analysis, quality assurance, and critical thinking required as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range of theory based assessments, and practical laboratory and skills demonstrations.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Learners will explore human relationships with microorganisms, prokaryotic (bacterial) cell structure, metabolism and growth, and the principles of antimicrobial action and resistance. In laboratory and seminar, learners will study techniques employed in the clinical microbiology laboratory to identify bacterial isolates and correlate culture growth. Evaluation includes assessment of theoretical knowledge and demonstration of practical skills.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course introduces principles of eukaryotic/prokaryotic molecular and cell biology to provide foundational knowledge & support future program courses. Topics include cell and genome organization, DNA structure and replication, NAT pre-analytical considerations​, and genotype-phenotype correlation. Lecture theory is supported by learning activities. Assessment is based on assignments, quizzes and exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Develop core skills for professional practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, including recognizing signs of individual stress and burnout, conflict and group stress in the workplace. Recognize signs of patient stress and distress, and learn to support special patient cases, such as phobic and anxious patients, and reducing pain perception. Develop skills in coping with stress and de-escalating distress in self and others, conflict resolution, as well as managing the impact of shiftwork. Exercises and activities include discussions, role-play, and a self-reflective approach to examine how one's own interpersonal style influences others. Learning is assessed through a mix of theoretical exams, skills demonstrations and reflections.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 1 MLS courses

This course further examines the human body: cardiac, respiratory, digestive, renal, neurological (incl special senses), endocrine, and reproductive systems. Fluid and pH homeostasis are studied to exemplify regulation and integration of body systems. In the seminars, case studies and other active learning techniques are used to integrate knowledge across body systems and to develop critical thinking skills essential to clinical practice. Evaluation of learning is conducted through weekly seminar quizzes, exams, as well as in-class practice and participation.
Prerequisite(s):

• BSHC 1310 AND All Term 1 courses

Accurate biological specimen procurement and handling, with particular focus on blood specimens is foundational to the work of medical laboratory technologists. Learn to verify relevant data and procure appropriate specimens according to established protocols. Under supervision, practice simulated venous collection techniques. Through laboratory exercises, develop effective client/patient communication strategies and demonstrate professional, ethical behaviour expected in clinical settings. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range theory based written assessments, and practical laboratory and skills demonstrations.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 1 courses

​​​​​​​Introduces the basic concepts of transfusion science. Utilizes terminology needed to understand and communicate about transfusion practice. Illustrates and provides opportunity to practice the basic techniques used in the transfusion service. Learning is assessed through a combination of exams, quizzes, assignments, and laboratory work.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 1 courses.

Learn to identify and evaluate normal and non-malignant blood cells through the preparation, examination, and reporting of peripheral blood films and correlating these findings with patient history and Complete Blood Count (CBC) results. The concepts associated with hematopoiesis and erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte metabolism form the basis for this practice. Routine manual hematology techniques and automated CBC analyzers will be explored in both theory and practice including: test principles, methods, and limitations associated with each test. Quality control practices will be emphasized to ensure that reliable test results are obtained and reporting criteria are followed. Familiarization with interfering substances and corrective actions necessary to limit the effects of these on patient samples will also be explored. Test results will be assessed according to established reference ranges and critical alert values. Procedures required for follow-up when abnormal and/or implausible test results are obtained will also be introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 1 Courses

Continued study of major groups of bacteria based on epidemiology, pathogenesis/disease spectrum, laboratory diagnosis and therapy/prevention. Apply laboratory protocols in the identification of selected bacteria studied in Level 1 and Level 2. Interpret test results to report identifications at an introductory level. Study instrumentation/automation (including MALDI) at an introductory level. Describe concepts of safe practice in theory for RL3 organisms. Apply safe practices in laboratory for RL1 and RL2 organisms. Refine critical thinking, problem solving, and team-based interpersonal skills through collaborative laboratory workshops and assignments that integrate theory and practice. Learning will be assessed with theory examinations, online learning activities and practical labs.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 1 courses and MLSC 1309

MLSC 2314 builds on nucleic acid testing (NAT) fundamentals from MLSC 1314 and applies them to clinical molecular work. This course introduces principles, instrumentation, and quality assurance/quality control practices for nucleic acid testing (NAT) in the clinical laboratory. NAT technologies discussed in detail include singleplex and multiplex amplification by end-point PCR. Lab sessions emphasize development of proper NAT technique through manual preparation of genomic DNA samples, testing for clinically relevant DNA sequences by end-point amplification, and interpreting/reporting PCR results. Assessment is based on assignments/ lab reports, and quizzes /exams.​ ​
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 1 courses and MSLC1314

Become familiar with the clinical significance and analytical methods involved in several different biochemical constituents including the use of manual and automated techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of blood, urine, and stool specimens. Utilize quality control procedures to assess the analytical results and interpret patient results, correlate them with other test results and indicate any follow-up tests. Discover the function and chemical pathology of the various body systems in relation to laboratory analysis. In laboratory settings, demonstrate proper laboratory techniques, competent use of instrumentation and critical problem solving to produce timely, accurate and precise test results. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range of theory based written assessments, and practical laboratory techniques and skills demonstrations.
Prerequisite(s):

• All of Term 1 courses

Builds upon information covered in Transfusion Science 1. Covers the identification of irregular antibodies, complex patient presentations, and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Learning is assessed through a combination of exams, quizzes, assignments, and laboratory work.
Prerequisite(s):

• MLSC 1320
• All Level 2 courses

Apply theory and laboratory practices to correlate knowledge of clinical chemistry to patient test results and determine the validity of testing data based on sample acceptability criteria, quality assurance/ quality control criteria, and the correlation of test results with patient symptoms, diagnosis, and other related analyte concentrations. Gain knowledge and skills in handling priority testing and critical alert values. New concepts, topics and methods of analysis emphasized in the lectures are practiced in the laboratory sessions. Through various simulation activities, both self-directed and cooperative learning will be used to evaluate clinically relevant case studies and laboratory scenarios. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range of theory based written assessments, and practical laboratory and skills demonstrations. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• MLSC 2315 AND All Term 2 courses

This course introduces the histological principles, instrumentation and procedures required in the clinical Anatomical Pathology laboratory. Students will study human microscopic tissue recognition (microanatomy), grossing, fixation, tissue processing, decalcification, paraffin embedding, microtomy, histology safety and histology quality management. Laboratory activities will include microscopic evaluation of digital tissue sections, grossing, embedding, microtomy, and methods for routine morphological assessment, quality control, quality assurance and troubleshooting. Evaluation methods include assessment of knowledge via quizzes and exams and performance of practical skills via skills assessments.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 2 courses

​​The learner will apply theory and laboratory practices previously studied in Level 1 and Level 2 with an emphasis on safe work practices, pre-analytical assessment of specimens, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), automated CBC results and peripheral blood film (PBF) findings. The foundational concepts of hematopoiesis, erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) metabolism, and platelets (PLT's) introduced in Hematology 1 will be studied in greater detail for both whole blood and body fluids. Study will transition into the investigation of pathologies of all 3 cell lines. Stained PBF's will be evaluated to identify important morphologic changes in blood cells and correlate their presence with a variety of hematologic disorders. Detailed case studies on selected major hematologic disorders will be completed, including a PBF evaluation and identification/ interpretation of characteristic laboratory findings. Students will correlate theory with laboratory applications to prepare them appropriately for the competency-based objectives they will be required to meet during their clinical practice rotations of the MLS program.
Prerequisite(s):

• All MLSC Level 2 courses.

This course focuses primarily on antimicrobials and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Learners study drug classes and their generations, modes of action and target sites, usual lethality (bactericidal vs bacteriostatic), spectrum of activity, toxicity and/or hypersensitivity. The history and evolution of AST in modern medicine is introduced. Current AST techniques, conventional and automated methods, as well as the screening and confirmation of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, are taught and practiced in the laboratory sessions. Reporting strategies recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) are introduced. In preparation for the next course, Specimen Processing in the Microbiology Laboratory is introduced. Theory and laboratory practice emphasize safety and quality control. Collaborative laboratory workshops and assignments enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and team-based interpersonal skills. Learning is assessed through online learning activities, unit exams, laboratory practical activities and workshops, along with formal laboratory and theory exams.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 2 courses and MLSC 2309

Develop competence in procuring specimens by venipuncture and capillary puncture. Ensure that appropriate specimens are collected according to established protocols while interacting with clients/ patients in a professional manner, employing effective communication strategies and exercising professional behaviours that support the ethical obligations expected in clinical settings. Through supervised laboratory practice, demonstrate venous and capillary collection techniques, and work towards independent performance with a level of knowledge, skill, and judgement consistent with readiness to proceed to clinical placement. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range of theory based written assessments, and demonstration of laboratory procedures.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 3 courses and MSLC 1304

Apply theory and laboratory practices previously studied in Hematology 1 and 2 with an emphasis on the theoretical principles associated with the evaluation of hemostasis including important foundational concepts, components and mechanisms of hemostasis; this will include the study of automated coagulation analyzers QC practices will be emphasized to ensure that reliable test results are obtained and each laboratory procedure will be studied in detail including: test principles, methods, and limitations of the tests, interfering substances and corrective actions necessary to limit the effects of these on patient samples. Test results will be assessed according to established reference ranges and critical alert values, including follow-up when abnormal and/or implausible test results are obtained. You will continue to apply Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Peripheral Blood Film (PBF) interpretations and reporting practices as taught in Hematology 1 and 2.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 3 courses

​This course builds on nucleic acid testing (NAT) fundamentals from MLSC 1314 & MLSC 2314 and applies them to clinical molecular analysis of human genomic sequences. The goal of this course is to apply molecular diagnostic principles to identify nucleic acid sequences, and assess results, identify sources of interference/error, initiate corrective action and/or follow up testing. NAT technologies discussed in detail include singleplex and multiplex amplification by real-time PCR using dye and probe detection chemistries. Human cellular processes of transcription and translation will be built upon, basic human genetics, and standard nomenclature describing genomic DNA sequence variants will be overviewed. The molecular basis of select disease phenotypes will be discussed, with focus on the advantages and limitations of NAT relative to phenotypic testing. Select other molecular testing methodologies used in the clinical lab to identify DNA polymorphisms and mutations will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 3 courses and MSLC 2314

Real life clinical work environments are simulated in the laboratory sessions which emphasize pre-analytical assessment of specimens, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), priority testing, manual and automated chemistry analysis, correlation of patient test results, and post-analytical requirements. Evaluate protein electrophoresis and body fluid analysis by examining detailed case studies and interpreting characteristic laboratory findings from laboratory instrumentation. Apply theoretical principles of therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical toxicology testing and laboratory methodologies to determine/confirm drug identification and its levels, poisons, heavy metals, trace elements and other chemical agents. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range of theory based written assessments, and practical laboratory and skills demonstrations.
Prerequisite(s):

• MLSC 2325 AND All Term 3 courses

Builds upon information covered in MLSC 1320 -Transfusion Science 1 and MLSC 2320 – Transfusion Science 2. Introduces special transfusion situations, transfusion therapy and complex patient presentations through case studies. Covers perinatal testing and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Learning is assessed through a combination of exams, quizzes, assignments, and laboratory work. complex patient presentations, and hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 2 courses and MLSC 2320

This course expands on the histological principles and instrumentation required for the clinical Anatomical Pathology laboratory mastered in Histology 1. Topics of study include human microscopic tissue recognition of tissue and organ systems (microanatomy), microtomy, stain theory, routine stains, special stains, immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization. In addition to continued grossing, embedding and microtomy, laboratory activities include microscopic evaluation of digital tissue sections, reagent preparation, performing special stains, IHC, special histology procedures, troubleshooting and improving the quality and quantity of microtomy and staining results.
Prerequisite(s):

• MLSC 2330 AND All Term 3 courses

Concepts introduced in previous microbiology courses are integrated and applied. Infections are studied by body system, with companion laboratory exercises designed to simulate the workflow of routine specimens received in clinical microbiology laboratories. Common pathogens are presented in simulated cultures, which students work through following specific protocols, emulating those used in the modern clinical laboratory. Students are guided to recognize pathogens among normal or contaminating microbiome. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) techniques, introduced previously are now applied: AST is performed, interpreted and reported following protocols appropriate to both the pathogen and the specimen site. Students learn to prepare clinically accurate reports, reporting both pathogen identifications and their antibiograms. Theory and laboratory practice emphasize safety and quality control. Collaborative laboratory workshops and assignments enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and team-based interpersonal skills. Learning is assessed through a variety of learning activities, unit specific laboratory activities and workshops, midterm exams, skills assessments as well as formal laboratory and final theory exams.
Prerequisite(s):

• MLSC 3309
• All Term 3 courses.

Develop core skills for effective communication and interpersonal interactions for Medical Laboratory Technologists within the health care team, including concepts such as communication skills, establishing and maintaining a relationship with clients and others, caring, empathy, and courtesy. 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. Respecting and responding sensitively to individuals with cultural or other intersectional diversity is emphasized. Teamwork exercises and learning activities include discussions, role-play, and case study analysis. Learning is assessed through a mix of theoretical exams, skills demonstrations and presentations.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 4 courses and BHSC 1300

This course will present strategic principles and technical practices for the development of effective resume and cover letter writing skills, as well as networking and interviewing skills. Students will participate in a range of activities including self assessment, tactical job search strategies, and simulation exercises, including an interview. This format will provide current theory, guidance, and practical experience through examples and application. Assessment will be based on the successful development and completion of a comprehensive personal career package of relevant skills and abilities.​
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1370 AND All Term 4 courses

Concurrently with the clinical placement, students utilize the online platform to explore the theory and application of quality management systems in the clinical laboratory; critical analysis and ethical practice; and Interprofessional Collaboration. Applying critical thinking and problem solving skills to case studies and clinical placement experiences allow the learner to integrate prior knowledge of pathophysiology and laboratory methodology in identifying normal and abnormal patterns of analytical results. Students will work individually, in groups, and in interprofessional teams on cases and associated project work, which helps to prepare them for the national certification exam. Evaluation of learning is conducted through a range theory based written assessments and quizzes, online discussions, and projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Level 4 courses and MLSC 1218

​An intensive, full-time, 35 week long clinical placement in one or more settings enables the real-world application of theoretical knowledge and laboratory practice gained throughout the program. All competencies required for entry-level practice, and credential examination are developed in live settings. Safety, quality control, and accurate testing and documentation are expected without exception. Professional competencies of collaboration, ethical decision making, problem solving, communication, and scope of practice are expected and evaluated on site. Documentation of clinical activities and performance are evaluated by clinical educators (preceptors) and overseen by institute faculty.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 4 courses.