Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Course Description

BSc (Hon) program in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a five-year programme. Since the inception of the program in 2006, the curriculum has undergone important reviews in 2009, 2014 and 2016. The current reviewed curriculum has been designed to provide graduates with up-to-date laboratory diagnostic interventions and skills in multi-disciplinary approach.  Graduates will be equipped with knowledge and hands-on skills which will include the competencies of utilizing technologies to screen and diagnose diseases; monitor hospital and community-acquired infections, teach and conduct research. The graduate is likely to compete well internationally as the new curriculum has provided modules that are consistent with advanced and emerging technologies. 

Why (study) the programme

Medical laboratory science professionals are essentially healthcare workers who uncover patients’ health problems by providing laboratory-based analysis and interpretation of human specimens.  The Medical laboratory/Biomedical scientists play a key role in disease prevention. They have a more extensive theoretical knowledge base, that apart from performing laboratory procedures they also evaluate/interpret patients results. They play crucial role in conducting biomedical research and development new test methods, vaccine development, clinical trials, and utilization of data to come up with therapeutic agents.

Programme Structure

The programme offers opportunities for a full-time degree programme that runs for five years; the order being: foundation year, or a pre-medical program year, first, second, third and finally fourth year modules are delivered and examined on semester basis with no carry over to the next semester. Year three is a practical attachment year to various hospital and medical research laboratories where practical skill acquisition will be enforced.  The curriculum modules for year three allow for an initial three weeks of classroom teaching of research methods and Pharmacology before students proceed to practicum rotations. In third year, students are required to draft and present a research proposal whose research is conducted in final year.

Entry Requirements

Six credits at MSCE or its equivalent including English and Mathematics plus a minimum of 4 points in Biology, Chemistry or General Science and a third science subject. Candidates will join in foundation year (year zero). A-level candidates must have at least 3 passes with a minimum grade of C in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. Candidates will join in first year.

Candidates are eligible for admission to the KUHeS for the BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences programme if they have obtained any of the following:-

Foundation Year

1. At least six credits at Malawi School Certificate of Examination (MSCE) including English
2. Ordinary level pass with at least a minimum of a “B” in Biology, Chemistry, English, Physical Science and Mathematics.
3. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences/Biomedical Sciences or its equivalent from a recognized institution with at least 2 years of experience in different sections of a well- organized medical laboratory.

            Registered and in good standing with Medical Council of Malawi.

First year

1. A-level passes with a grade of at least C in Chemistry and Biology and third science subject like Physics or Mathematics obtained in the current year or previous 2 years. 

            Note: 

Passes in Chemistry and Biology at A-level are compulsory.

English and Mathematics if not offered at A-level must have been passed at O-level

1. Equivalent qualifications approved by the university.