Course Descriptions

In this course, students will student the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and excretory system.  Students will be able to discuss and explain the medical biochemistry of renal function, the histology of the kidney and glomerulus, and the interpretation of urinalysis tests.   Emphasis of this course is on specimen collection and preservation, laboratory test procedures, clinical microscopy, histology of urine sediment, clinical significance, and interpretation of laboratory results.  The course also covers laboratory procedures and clinical significance of analysis of spinal fluid, seminal fluid and other body fluids commonly examined in the laboratory.  Lectures, text reading assignments, lab exercises and problem-based case studies are used to teach this course.   2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours per day.

This course is a comprehensive study of the hemopoietic and hemostasis systems.  Major concepts of this course are the histology and morphology of normal and abnormal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  Students will study the medical biochemistry of iron deficiency vitamin B12/Folate deficiency anemia and the medical biochemistry of various hemoglobinopathies, determination of blood measurements in anemias, leukemias and other blood diseases, The medical biochemistry of coagulation, fibrinolysis, coagulopathies, and laboratory procedures for coagulation testing will be covered in detail.  Emphasis is on histology and morphology of red and white blood cells, biochemical test principles, analytical procedures, and clinical interpretation of routine and special tests. The course is presented using lectures, lab exercises, and problem-based case studies.   2 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours per day.

This course is designed to give the student a comprehensive and sequential overview to the study of Medical biochemistry and human pathophysiology.  The contents of this course will introduce the student to specimen collection, transport and storage, specimen variable and laboratory mathematics.  This course will also cover the concepts of spectral techniques, immunoassays, quality control and quality assurance.  This course is intended to present the concepts of chemical principles, reference ranges, test method evaluation and clinical significance of the following selected chemical components: carbohydrates, non-protein nitrogen, electrolytes, acid-base physiology, blood gas physiology, proteins, lipids, enzymes, liver function, cardiac markers, tumor markers, endocrinology, vitamins, and calcium-phosphorus metabolism.  The student will also be introduced to the topics of toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring.  2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours per day.

This course is the study of biochemistry and physiology of the immune system to include the study of humeral and cell mediated immunity, complement, hypersensitivity, auto-immunity, immunodeficiency, tumor immunology, transplant immunology, viral hepatitis, and the serology of infectious diseases such as syphilis, Rubella, HIV, and Epstein Bar Virus.  Emphasis is on biochemical principles, laboratory procedures, clinical significance, and interpretation of laboratory results.  Laboratory tests include, antibody quantitation, agglutination tests, immunoelectrophoresis, fluorescent antibody tests, enzyme immunoassay, PCR and Western Blot and molecular techniques.  2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours per day.

This course is the study of medically important parasites of man. Topics includes the introduction to the theory, practical application, technical performance and evaluation of procedures for isolation and identification of medically important parasites of man and other animals. Emphasis is on the identification, of Nematodes, Cestodes, Trematodes, Protozoans and Sporozoans and the study of their life cycles and laboratory techniques. 2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours per day.

Introduction to immunohematology and blood banking. This course covers the biochemistry, genetics and laboratory techniques for the testing of the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems. Emphasis is on ABO grouping, RH typing, direct anti-globulin testing, indirect anti-globulin testing, pre-transfusion (compatibility) testing, antibody identification with panels, component preparation and storage, transfusion therapy, donor requirements for blood donation, fetal-maternal blood banking, pre-natal testing, donor requirements/regulations, adverse transfusion reactions and quality assurance/control in the blood bank.  2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours per day.

This course is a comprehensive study of medically important pathogenic microorganisms.  Course topics include: specimen handling, staining methods, media/culture methods, rapid diagnostic tests, serologic grouping, taxonomy, morphology, metabolism, pathology, and growth requirements and biochemical characteristics, culture techniques, biochemical identification, transmission, and antibiotic susceptibility of medically important organisms.  Fundamentals of virology including structure, classification and pathology and laboratory techniques.  2 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours per day.

Mycology is the study of pathogenic fungi of medically important fungi to man. Topics included are classification, nomenclature, methods of culture and colony morphology and identification, identification of genus and species based on microscopic morphology of selected fungal species, study of fungal diseases and antifungal therapy.  2 Class Hours, 1 Laboratory Hour per day.

This is a student directed study of the principles of managing a clinical laboratory. Emphasis is on leadership theory, human resource management, communications, marketing, budgeting, problem solving, regulatory issues, inventory and laboratory information systems. Educational topics include: learning theories, program development and evaluation, instruction media, domains of learning and test development 15 - 20 Total Class and Project Hours.

This is a student self-directed study designed to develop the student's understanding and evaluation of published research design and practice. The seminar prepares the student to be an informed consumer of research published in the field. The course is designed to develop the student's use of print and electronic resources, evaluation of research, critical thinking skills, and oral presentation skills. The student is responsible for topic selection, literature search, presentation development and poster board presentation. This project is completed with the guidance of the program director.  A professional oral presentation and poster is required for this course. 15 - 20 Total Class and Project Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive survey and experience of the histologic procedures that take place in the preparation of a tissue sample for examination by the pathologists. These procedures include gross dissection, tissue processing, tissue fixation, embedding, microtoming, routine staining and immunochemical staining. The student will apply and demonstrate basic histologic techniques in an authentic clinical setting. 16 Clinical Contact hours.