Diploma and Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine

Course details

Advances in technology and methodologies in the past decade have resulted in the introduction of a multitude of new laboratory diagnostic procedures. The gradual incorporation of these diagnostic methodologies in the working environment has necessitated that all diagnostic laboratory workers acquire the necessary knowledge and the practical competencies and attitudes required to reliably evaluate, perform, and interpret results of these tests. This is particularly relevant as most diagnostic procedures have now become automated and are dependent on commercially available kits, with new technologies replacing old methodologies at an increasing pace.

The Laboratory Medicine program has been established with the aim of offering advanced learning and practical training to:

• Science graduates planning a career in the area of laboratory medicine
• Technicians wishing to upgrade their expertise in specialized areas of laboratory medicine
• Personnel engaged in the practice of laboratory medicine, including physicians, who wish to specialize in laboratory medicine. 

The program focuses on diseases representing a burden in the countries of the Arabian Gulf region and addresses specific issues (genetics diseases, malignancies, infectious agents, and nutritional disorders) which are of current relevant concern. The program seeks to foster interdisciplinary and inter-professional understanding and action.

Program Objectives

• Meet the current needs for higher level technologists considering the rapid increase in knowledge and skills pertaining to modern methods of Laboratory Medicine.
• Train technologists engaged in the practice of laboratory medicine to perform advanced techniques utilizing modern instrumentation, assess methodologies, and critically appraise laboratory results.
• Train candidates to become proactive leaders in their laboratories on cost-benefit analysis of newly introduced techniques in relation to their clinical appropriateness and to identify the elements of total quality assurance in the laboratory.
• Train candidates to plan and carry out a research project relevant to the practical needs of their workplaces including the appraisal of literature relevant to their area of specialization, use of electronic retrieval and indexing, and online access of medical databases.
• Train candidates to respect the bioethical issues inherent in medical research involving humans or animals.
• To develop the communication skills, both oral and written, and to endow students with relevant competencies and attitudes required, including the use of Microsoft® Office, and the utilization of statistical packages for data evaluation.

Admission Requirements

Diploma and Master of Science

• The applicant is a citizen of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries or a citizen of an Arab country and is resident in one of the GCC countries.
• Nomination/ No objection letter from the Ministry of Higher Education of applicant’s country (GCC citizens).
• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in one of the health professions, from a university recognized by AGU with a minimum overall average of “Good” to be considered for Diploma and a minimum overall average of “Very Good” to be considered for Master of Science.
• Two years experience in a health-related profession relevant to the program being applied to (Fresh graduates may be considered, on merit).
• Evidence of adequate proficiency in the English language (Minimum TOEFL Score of 450 or IELTS of 5.0).
• A satisfactory personal interview.

Graduation Requirements

Diploma

• Successfully complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work.
• Obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0.
• Satisfactorily complete a Diploma project assigned by the Academic Committee

Master of Science

• Successfully complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work.
• Obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
• Carry out a laboratory-based research project and successfully defend a written thesis.

Program outline

Diploma

The Diploma program is a program organized as follows:

• The curriculum is organized around two semesters (of 16 weeks duration each). The first semester consists of core courses organized in 6 modules, while the second semester is devoted to specialized courses.
• The first two semesters are spent in formal classroom and laboratory learning. Interactive resource sessions and laboratory activities allow the students to widen their horizons, share experiences and acquire up-to-date laboratory methodology.
• Diploma requirements include 24 credit hours of courses and 4 credit hours for the project (Total =28 credit hours).

Master of Science

The Master of Science program is a program organized as follows:

• The curriculum is organized around four semesters . The first semester consists of core courses organized in 6 modules, while the second semester is devoted to specialized courses.
• The first two semesters are spent in formal classroom and laboratory learning. Interactive resource sessions and laboratory activities allow the students to widen their horizons, share experiences and acquire up-to-date laboratory methodology.
• The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to the research project and thesis writing.

Outline of Courses

Semester 1 Diploma and Master of Science Core Courses

• Module 1 Evidence-based laboratory diagnosis, lab safety and quality management
• Module 2 Preservation and transmission of genetic information and principles of bioethics
• Module 3 Molecular techniques and instrumental analysis
• Module 4 Cell biology
• Module 5 Host-parasite interactions

Semester 2 Specialized courses in Clinical Biochemistry

• Module 1 Carbohydrates
• Module 2 Lipids
• Module 3 Proteins and Body Fluids
• Module 4 Gastrointestinal tract and nutrition
• Module 5 Endocrinology and therapeutic drug monitoring

Semester 2 Specialized courses in Medical Microbiology & Immunology

• Module 1 Vector-borne infections
• Module 2 Gastrointestinal and food-borne infections
• Module 3 Respiratory infections
• Module 4 Central nervous system infections
• Module 5 Sexually transmitted infections

Semester 2 Specialized courses in Pathology 

Sub-specialty: Hematology

• Module 1 Anemia (1): Nutritional deficiency state and other acquired anemias
• Module 2 Anemia (2): Genetic disorders of hemoglobin and other hemolytic anemias
• Module 3 Disorders of myeloid cells
• Module 4 Lymphocytic disorders
• Module 5 Disorders of hemostasis and transfusion medicine Project for Diploma

Semester 3 Specialized seminars and workshops

• Master of Science thesis research protocol

Semester 4 Specialized seminars and workshops

• Master of Science thesis research protocol