BS Biomedical Sciences (Clinical Laboratory Sciences)

Typical Sequence

Course Description

BMS 201 Laboratory Operations
This course describes the selection and evaluation of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to coordinate and interface departments of Clinical and Anatomical Pathology in the hospital setting. Problems concerning needs analysis, cost, value of the system and communication through computer technology are addressed. The usefulness of computer operations in charting, graphing, database analysis and on-line Internet services is also presented. Students identify criteria to be considered to evaluate the success of LIS systems, quality management and their competency.
Prerequisite: BMS 40. Spring, 1 credit

BMS 202/202L Clinical Chemistry I and Urinalysis
This course introduces students to safety principles, quality control and laboratory math and the analysis, quantitation, physiologic and pathologic assessment of the serum and urine specimen. Emphasis is based on the clinical correlations and analytical procedures commonly performed on serum to determine the quantity of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and non-protein nitrogen substances and to assess cardiac, liver, renal, pancreatic and gastrointestinal function. Analysis of the physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine (urinalysis) is also presented along with the disease processes that hinder kidney function.
Prerequisites: CHM 21 or CHM 25.
Spring, 4 credits

BMS 203 Immunology
This course is an introduction to Immunology and Immunochemistry. The structures, reaction and biological effects among antigens, antibodies and complement in the body (in vivo) and in vitro are discussed. Cells of the immune and inflammatory responses, their structure, functions and inter-relationships in normal individuals and in disease states are also presented.
Prerequisite: BIO 8.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS 204 Clinical Immunology
In addition to reviewing the cells and tissues of the immune system, specific and non-specific mechanisms of the immune response, the major histo-compatibility complex, hypersensitivities and tumor surveillance of the immune system, this course emphasizes immunologic techniques in the serologic identification of antigens and antibodies. Emphasis is made on measurement of the immune product or reaction which can yield significant information in the clinical differential diagnosis or monitoring the progress of a disorder / disease.
Prerequisite: BMS 80.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 205/205L Microbiology in Health Sciences
This course is required for all medical biology majors and health related majors including those students seeking graduate study in the biological sciences and those seeking admission into professional schools. The course introduces the principles of clinical microbiology and characteristics of microorganisms, host-parasite relationships, resistance, immunity, hypersensitivity, public health, epidemiology as well as applied, medical and industrial microbiology; includes clinical diagnostic methods such as culture, control, identification, sterilization, microbiological techniques and concepts; emphasizes those techniques specifically employed in the clinical microbiological laboratory.
Fall and Spring, 4 credits.

BMS 240 Clinical Chemistry II and Instrumentation
This Clinical Chemistry Course is a sequel of BMS 50. It presents topics addressing endocrinology, electrolyte and acid/base balance, porphyrins, vitamins and nutrition status, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology and identification of tumor markers. The clinical correlations, analytical methods commonly performed on serum or urine are discussed with an emphasis on evaluating the patient's health care status. The principles of operating instrumentation used in clinical chemistry laboratories including point of care testing devices are also presented.
Prerequisite: BMS 50.
Fall, 4 credits

BMS 241 Hematology and Body Fluids
The formed elements of the peripheral blood, their precursors, function and structure including basic methodologies for quantitation of cells and cellular components are discussed. Normal and abnormal cellular morphologies, their clinical relevance in both the quantitative and qualitative assessment of disease in blood is also emphasized. Other body fluids are also addressed: cerebrospinal, synovial, pericardial, peritoneal, pleural, amniotic fluids and seminal fluid in terms of normal and abnormal findings, methods of collection and assessment.
Prerequisite: BMS 63.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS 242 Coagulation
The mechanism of Blood Coagulation/Hemostasis is discussed including evaluation of bleeding disorders and thrombosis. Case studies identify the diagnostic evaluation of normal and disease states.
Prerequisite: BMS 63.
Fall, 2 credits

BMS 243 Immunohematology
Theoretical aspects of immunohematology (blood banking) with emphasis on laboratory techniques used in blood banking are presented. Students completing this course perform techniques in actual use in the characterization of blood in hospital blood banks.
Prerequisite: BMS 87.
Fall, 4 credits

BMS 245 Mycology and Parasitology
This course introduces the student to the science of Mycology and Parasitology. It addresses the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and laboratory diagnosis of medically important fungi and parasites. Emphasis is given to the differential characteristics in the identification and clinical diagnosis of mycotic and parasitic diseases. The laboratory component of this course introduces students to various diagnostic techniques used to identify these eukaryotic organisms.
Prerequisite: BMS 90.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 246 Clinical Bacteriology
The study of the bacteria that are medically important to man with emphasis on identification of clinically significant pathogens distinguished from members' of the normal flora are described. Methods of isolation, identification and characterization of bacteria are integral components of this course.
Prerequisites: BMS 90 or its equivalent and BMS 97.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS247 Management, Supervision, Teaching Seminar
This Management, Supervision and Teaching seminar identifies the five components of Management in Laboratory Medicine: duties and responsibilities including problem solving-decision-making processes; concepts of managerial leadership: communication skills; process of personnel administration: evaluation of employee performance; effective laboratory operations and principles of laboratory finance: cost containment. Additionally, information about teaching, professionalism, supervision, regulatory agency requirements, laboratory information systems, and the importance of continuing medical education are discussed. Case study assignments reflect typical laboratory problems encountered. Teaching principles include writing of objectives: Educational Methodology. This course is typically taught off campus at a hospital affiliate.
Spring, 2 credits

BMS 255 Histopathology of Body Systems
The student comprehends the magnitude of changes that occur in diseased cells and tissues of the human body that are diseased. Emphasis is on major changes observed in tissues undergoing pathologic processes such as: Inflammation, degenerations, necrosis, growth disorders; those changes that occur that influence the health and function of normal tissues within various body systems. Examination of pathology slides is an essential course requirement.
Prerequisites: Bio 7 and 8.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS 256 CLS Review
This course is designed to provide senior CLS students with the appropriate experiences in answering ASCP and NCA certification examination questions and in case study analysis. Review questions in the major categories of hematology, chemistry, immunology, immunohematology (blood bank), and microbiology are addressed. The review sessions are team-taught by program faculty. The seminar culminates in a mock exam which contributes to the determination of the final grade for the course. This course extends into the summer session.
Spring, 1 credit

BMS 259 Practicum in Clinical Chemistry
The student works at the laboratory bench in clinical chemistry under the direct supervision of a certified clinical laboratory scientist and receives review of routine and specialized procedures. The assessment of results obtained from clinical specimens and their diagnostic significance regarding the patient/client health status is determined. Maintenance and operation of relevant instrumentation in chemistry is also addressed. (This course is eight hours/day, five days/week for six weeks=240 hrs. total practicum time.)
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 263 Introduction to Hematology
This course is an introduction to the methodologies, instrumentation and OSHA regulations within a clinical hematology lab. Collection and preservation of blood specimens, description of all formed cellular elements, analysis of blood smears and classification of hematological disorders, such as the anemias and leukemias are discussed. The clinical significance of sedimentation rates and reticulocyte counts and proper phlebotomy techniques and theory are also identified. Safety regulations for blood collection, universal precautions and patient preparation ethics, confidentiality and patient rights are addressed. Practice and competency in phlebotomy is required for course completion.
Prerequisite: BIO 8.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 269 Practicum in Hematology and Coagulation
The student works at the laboratory bench in Hematology and Coagulation under the direct supervision of a certified clinical laboratory scientist and receives review of routine and specialized procedures. This course also reviews a routine urinalysis, other body fluid analyses, automated instrumentation in hematology and phlebotomy techniques. (This course is eight hours/day, five days/week for six weeks=240 hrs. total practicum time.)
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 289 Practicum in Immunohematology
The student works at the laboratory bench in Immunohematology (Blood Banking) under the direct supervision of a certified clinical laboratory scientist and receives review of blood banking techniques/ procedures and serologic methods used for clinical diagnosis of principle disorders. This course also reviews routine instrumentation use and its standardization in performing blood banking methods. (This course is eight hours/day, five days/week for six weeks=240 hrs. total practicum time).
Spring, 3 credits


BMS 299 Practicum in Microbiology
The student works at the laboratory bench in Microbiology under the direct supervision of a certified clinical laboratory scientist and receives review of clinical bacteriology, clinical virology, mycology and parasitology techniques/ procedures used for the clinical specimen isolation, cultivation and identification for diagnosis of disease. Utilization of equipment and instrumentation used in Microbiology is also presented. (This course is eight hours/day, five days/week for six weeks=240 hrs. total practicum time.)
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 348 Undergraduate Research Project
This course serves as the culminating experience for students in the Biomedical Technology degree program. Students select a mentor to pursue a hands-on laboratory research project which investigates a Biomedical problem or question. They are then expected to analyze the data obtained and submit to the department and the mentor a written copy of the research project in a format consistent with that of a scientific publication/thesis. Department consent is required to register for this course.
Spring, 4 credits

BMS 399 Independent Study
Junior and seniors can undertake an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member in the area of the student's principles interest. Permission of the Department is required to register for this course.
1 or 2 credits

Degree Requirements

Continued enrollment in the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences: Clinical Laboratory Science is contingent upon:

• Maintaining an overall grade-point average of 2.33
• Maintaining a grade- point average of 2.67 in the Clinical Laboratory Science major
• Grades of C- and below are unacceptable toward continuation in the major and may result in dismissal from the program.
• Acceptance into the clinical rotations is competitive and based on GPA and an interview conducted by the Program Director. Students who are not accepted into the clinical rotations have the option of repeating courses in the major and re-applying the following year.

The technical (non-academic) standards established by the programs in this department are evidence of the “essential functions” that students must be able to accomplish in the program. Essential functions include requirements that students be able to engage during educational and training activities so that they will not endanger other students, the public at large, or patients.

• Vision Standard —The student must be able to read charts and graphs, read instrument scales, discriminate colors, read microscopic materials, and record results.
• Speech and Hearing Standard — The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in order to assess non-verbal communication and be able to adequately transmit information to all members of the health care team.
• Fine Motor Functions Standard —The student must possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures, manipulate tools, instruments and equipment. The student must be able to perform phlebotomy safely and accurately.
• Psychological Stability Standard —The student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of the applicant’s intellectual abilities. The student must be able to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions.

A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your entry into your chosen field of study. Clinical and hospital sites may reject a student, or remove a student from their site if a criminal record is found or if a positive drug test is noted. Inability to gain clinical or field work will result in the inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. Inability to meet objectives and outcomes may result in your failure to complete the program requirements, thus requiring your withdrawal from the program. In addition, the presence of a criminal conviction may also prevent your completion of the required state or federal licensure, certification or registration process.