Medical Laboratory Science

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Anatomy and Physiology
ANAT1120

Description:

This course will introduce students to essential human anatomy and physiology, including a brief review of biochemistry, cellular biology, infectious processes, human tissues, and body systems. The primary emphasis will be on the system-by-system overview of the human body's anatomy and physiology. This course provides a foundation for health science students to understand the various medical tests, procedures, and drugs available for diagnosis and treatment. The fundamental concepts covered in this course will form the basis for further studies in allied health sciences

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Professional Practice and Ethics
ETHS1030

Description:

Students will explore the concept of a health professional and examine the roles and expectations of a medical laboratory professional in the Canadian health system. Emphasis on career liabilities, along with an overview of the profession's professional bodies, regulatory and organizational structure, will be reviewed. Students will also evaluate commonly encountered ethical, legal, and professional challenges/opportunities in the workplace. Through course content, lectures, selected readings, and student discussions, ethical and legal theories will be examined, together with what constitutes professional behaviour, values, and practical wisdom

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Laboratory Mathematics and Procedures
MATH1280

Description:

This course will allow students to perform mathematical calculations to ensure accurate patient results. It includes a review of basic mathematical principles; calculations associated with dilutions, solutions, molarity, and normality; calculations specific to clinical laboratory areas; basic statistical calculations associated with quality assurance and quality control; and a review of the application of Westgard principles

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Medical Lab Techniques 1
SCIE1410

Description: This course provides an orientation to medical laboratory science and the profession's common techniques, practices, and equipment. Students will be introduced to the fundamental practice of medical laboratory science in Canada and provided the opportunity to develop basic applied skills suitable for the clinical laboratory setting that will carry through the remainder of the program. Students will be introduced to accepted safety procedures for handling specimens, reagents, and equipment (including WHMIS training). The laboratory sessions will introduce students to selected manual skills that are an integral part of medical laboratory science.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Clinical Microbiology 1
BIOL1100

Description: This course introduces students to the principles and methods of microbiology in the health sciences and provides an overview of level II microbiology laboratory safety aspects. Selected topics include an introduction to the field of microbiology, taxonomy, and nosocomial infection; an introduction to the classification, structure, and cultivation of bacteria; an overview of the significant role microbiology has in the overall health of the public; and an introduction to routine microbiology laboratory methods, including staining, aseptic technique, and select biochemical tests.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANAT1120 AND SCIE1410
CoRequisites:

Clinical Biochemistry 1
CHEM1080

Description: This course will introduce students to biochemistry for medical laboratory science. Students will review chemical nomenclature and organic compounds' structure, followed by a focus on the characteristics—structure, properties, and metabolism—of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and non-protein nitrogen compounds. The importance of acid-base balance, body water/electrolyte balance, and enzymes will also be discussed.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Specimen Procurement A
SCIE1420

Description:

This course will provide students with a complete overview of the pre-analytical aspects of medical laboratory science specimen procurement, including the practice of phlebotomy. In addition, students will explore ethical, legal, and therapeutic elements associated with phlebotomy. Students will also learn to collect, store, and prepare blood and other samples for analysis and evaluate collection and handling methods for any types of body fluids and tissue samples. This course is co-taught with SCIE1420B, which comprises the laboratory section of specimen procurement

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: SCIE1425

Specimen Procurement B
SCIE1425

Description:

This course will provide students with a complete overview of the preanalytical aspects of medical laboratory science specimen procurement, including phlebotomy practice. In addition, students will explore ethical, legal, and therapeutic elements associated with phlebotomy. Students will also learn to collect, store, and prepare blood and other samples for analysis and evaluate collection and handling methods for body fluids and tissue samples. This course is co-taught with SCIE1420A, which comprises the didactic elements of specimen procurement.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: SCIE1420

Medical Lab Techniques 2
SCIE1430

Description: This course is a continuation of Medical Laboratory Techniques 1 and will allow students an opportunity to develop additional technical skills in the laboratory setting, including instrumentation and quality skills relevant to the medical laboratory sciences field. In addition to a review of instrumentation practices relating to common laboratory equipment, quality control, operation principles, and standard operating procedures in the laboratory setting, students will be introduced to CLSI guidelines, overall quality management, and quality system essentials.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1410
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Immunology & Hematology
SCIE1440

Description:

This course introduces the fundamental knowledge associated with routine clinical hematology and immunology. In preparation for advanced study in hematology and immunohematology, topics will include an overview and introduction of routine hematology procedures; a review of basic cellular elements of blood, including red cells, white cells, and platelets; a review of the specific and non-specific mechanisms of immunity; and a review of basic molecules of immunity.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANAT1120 AND SCIE1410
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Clinical Microbiology 2
BIOL2010

Description: This course builds on the general concepts of basic microbiology, including elements of microbial genetics, controlling microbial growth, microbial pharmacology, and a body system analysis of common human pathogens. Students will study clinically relevant bacteria, emphasizing both the organisms' pathogenesis within a body system and the techniques utilized to isolate and identify common pathogens in the laboratory setting. Students will perform various biochemical, cultural, and chemical tests on selected non-fastidious bacteria and report test results using appropriate documentation.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: BIOL1100 AND SCIE1430
CoRequisites:

Clinical Biochemistry 2
CHEM2000

Description:

This course will allow students to advance their knowledge of the principles of biochemical analysis within the clinical laboratory setting. This course will explore concepts and applications in clinical biochemistry for the medical laboratory setting based on fundamental principles learned in Clinical Biochemistry 1. Topics will include the principles of analysis of common analytes, introductory urinalysis, and quality practices for the clinical biochemistry laboratory setting.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: CHEM1080 AND SCIE1430
CoRequisites:

Research Methods and Statistics
RSCH1100

Description:

This course introduces both research reading and writing found in academic research and the basic principles of quantitative statistics commonly encountered in the health care field. The overall intent of this course is to help students retrieve and understand health research literature; perform, and interpret descriptive statistics (at a novice level); and develop beginning confidence in interpreting qualitative and quantitative research findings.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: MATH1280
CoRequisites:

Hematology 1
SCIE2020

Description:

This course will allow students to advance their knowledge of the principles of hematological analysis in a clinical hematology laboratory. This course will emphasize red blood cell analysis principles and the associated pathologies, such as the most frequently encountered anemias, along with introductory coagulation testing. Applied elements will include various manual laboratory procedures, such as preparation, staining, and blood smear evaluation, and analysis of samples to identify and address normal and abnormal values.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1430 AND SCIE1440
CoRequisites:

Histotechnology 1
SCIE2030

Description:

This course will instruct students in the theoretical and practical aspects of histotechnology. The course will concentrate on the grossing, instrumentation, and routine tissue processing techniques associated with a clinical pathology laboratory. With an emphasis on safe work practices - along with a theoretical overview of tissue processing methods and surgical pathology - students will gross, process, embed, and perform microtomy on biological tissues to prepare them for staining and microscopy.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANAT1120 AND SCIE1430
CoRequisites:

Transfusion Medicine 1
SCIE2040

Description:

This course will introduce students to the Canadian blood banking system and provide fundamental knowledge of common human blood products and blood group systems. The implications of the immune system, human genetics, class of antibodies, and antigens will be examined, and common immunohematology testing methodology will be introduced in laboratory sessions.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1430 AND SCIE1440
CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Clinical Microbiology 3
BIOL2020

Description:

This course consists of a systematic study of the pathogenicity, epidemiology, morphology, and laboratory identification of various common microbes associated with infectious disease. Students will perform biochemical, cultural, and chemical tests on selected fastidious and non-fastidious bacteria and report test results using appropriate documentation. Major emphasis will be on bacteria with a brief overview of clinically important yeast-like fungi and other pathogenic organisms.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: BIOL2010
CoRequisites:

Clinical Biochemistry 3
CHEM2010

Description:

This course in clinical biochemistry will introduce students to additional aspects of analysis and instrumentation methods of various analytes. It further explores laboratory operations, quality management procedures, and analytic techniques used in routine clinical biochemistry laboratories. This course requires students to apply pre-requisite knowledge of analytical procedures and clinical correlations for specific analytes, including carbohydrates, lipids, lipoproteins, proteins, and NPNs.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: CHEM2000
CoRequisites:

Hematology 2
SCIE2050

Description: This course will provide students with an additional opportunity to advance their knowledge of the principles of hematological analysis in a clinical hematology laboratory. Focusing on the leukocytic series, including an overview of the most frequently encountered myeloproliferative disorders and further studies on hemostasis, this course will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of hematopathology, including associated cellular characteristics, functions, routine laboratory procedures, and normal and abnormal morphology. An introduction to flow cytometry analysis is also presented.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2020
CoRequisites:

Histotechnology 2
SCIE2070

Description:

This course further instructs the student in the theoretical and practical aspects of histotechnology, concentrating on various stains used for pathological diagnosis. Principles of routine and special staining, as well as tissue identification, will be presented. Students will process, cut, and perform various staining procedures on human and non-human tissues and explore the identification of tissues, as well as artifacts encountered within the clinical pathology laboratory.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2030
CoRequisites:

Transfusion Medicine 2
SCIE2080

Description:

The course will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of transfusion medicine from both the donor and patient perspective. The following will be examined: clinical transfusion practice, compatibility testing, and adverse effects of transfusion. Associated laboratory testing will be introduced in laboratory sessions.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2040
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Clinical Microbiology 4
BIOL3000

Description:

In this course, students continue building knowledge and skills of microbiology techniques exploring some of the organisms and specimens less frequently isolated. Exploring microorganisms' routine set-up and isolation using a body systems approach reinforces the learning completed in the first two years of the program. In addition to a review of microbiology laboratory techniques, practices, standards, and quality control, this course will introduce advanced microbiology techniques, including molecular biology, MALDI-TOF, parasitology, mycology, and virology.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BIOL2020
CoRequisites:

Clinical Biochemistry 4
CHEM3000

Description: This advanced course in clinical biochemistry functions to solidify students understanding of clinical biochemistry principles. The course is designed to help the student develop a deeper knowledge of the relationships between biochemistry results and clinical conditions, most importantly, to recognize possible discrepancies and implausible laboratory values. In addition to a review of common pathologies, this course will evaluate the use of more specialized techniques in the clinical biochemistry setting, including advanced quality management systems, auto-validation, body fluid analysis, and mass spectrometry.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: CHEM2010
CoRequisites:

Quality Management and Case Study
QUAL3080

Description: In this course, students will examine how quality management in a clinical environment is monitored, maintained and continuously improved. An analysis of different quality systems will allow students to compare the systems and determine their usefulness in the laboratory environment.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1430
CoRequisites:

Hematopathology
SCIE3000

Description: This advanced course in hematology functions to solidify students understanding of hematology principles. The course is designed to help the student develop a deeper knowledge of the relationships between hematology results and clinical conditions, most importantly, to recognize possible discrepancies and implausible laboratory values. In addition to a review of common pathologies, this course will evaluate the use of more specialized techniques in the clinical hematology setting, including flow cytometry, factor analysis, and bone marrow assessment.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2050
CoRequisites:

Histotechnology 3
SCIE3010

Description:

This advanced course in histotechnology functions to solidify students' understanding of histotechnology and pathology principles. Including identification of tissues and pigment. Students will further develop competencies related to histotechnology by focusing on the advanced principles and applications of immunohistochemistry, pathology, and specialized staining methods.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2070
CoRequisites:

Transfusion Medicine 3
SCIE3020

Description: This course will further develop student competencies in transfusion medicine. Topics will include transfusion compatibility testing, transfusion reaction investigation, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, use of human and non-human source blood products, as well as autoimmune hemolytic diseases. Associated laboratory testing will be introduced in laboratory sessions.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SCIE2080
CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Clinical Microbiology 5 - Simulation
BIOL3010

Description:

This course involves the isolation, identification, analysis, and reporting of microorganisms from clinical specimens originating from multiple body sites and sources. This course will simulate standard techniques and methodologies to identify common pathogens in a routine clinical microbiology laboratory. Standardization of laboratory techniques, terminology, methods, and reporting will be emphasized. Common and emerging molecular biology methods, including an overview of both MALDI-TOF and molecular diagnostics' clinical application, will be studied. Quality control and quality assurance are incorporated. This course will prepare students to enter the clinical phase of the program at an affiliated hospital.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3000 AND CHEM3000 AND QUAL3080 AND SCIE3000 AND SCIE3010 AND SCIE3020
CoRequisites:

Clinical Biochemistry 5 - Simulation
CHEM3010

Description:

This course requires students to apply their pre-requisite knowledge and skills in a simulated clinical laboratory setting. Using appropriate safety guidelines, students practice the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of the clinical specimens' testing process. Emphasis is on developing technical competence, use of quality assurance principles, and applying critical thinking skills to data interpretation and instrument troubleshooting. This course will prepare students to enter the clinical phase of the program at an affiliated hospital.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3000 AND CHEM3000 AND QUAL3080 AND SCIE3000 AND SCIE3010 AND SCIE3020
CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Hematology 3 - Simulation
SCIE3030

Description:

This course requires students to apply their pre-requisite knowledge of hematology in a simulated clinical laboratory setting. Emphasis is on routine hematology tests and procedures, abnormal blood cell morphology, routine coagulation testing, interpretation, documentation, and laboratory results reporting. Safe work practices and quality control principles are reinforced to prepare students to enter the program's clinical phase at an affiliated hospital.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3000 AND CHEM3000 AND QUAL3080 AND SCIE3000 AND SCIE3010 AND SCIE3020
CoRequisites:

Histotechnology 4 - Simulation
SCIE3040

Description: In a simulated hospital laboratory setting, this course involves the complete preparation of pathology specimens for analysis—including all aspects of grossing, routine processing, embedding, cutting, biological staining, and quality control. Working independently and as part of the laboratory team, the student will critically evaluate the blocks and slides produced and repeat those not of the required diagnostic quality, which will help prepare students to enter the clinical phase of the program at an affiliated hospital.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3000 AND CHEM3000 AND QUAL3080 AND SCIE3000 AND SCIE3010 AND SCIE3020
CoRequisites:

Transfusion Medicine 4 - Simulation
SCIE3050

Description:

Students will perform routine and complex transfusion testing and investigations in a simulated clinical laboratory setting. In addition to routine testing such as groupings, antibody screens, and identifications, students will conduct advanced workups related to prenatal specimens, pre-transfusion specimens, post-natal specimens, post-transfusion specimens, cord specimens, and investigations of atypical human blood group antibodies. Following the completion of this course, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to enter the program's hospital clinical phase.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3000 AND CHEM3000 AND QUAL3080 AND SCIE3000 AND SCIE3010 AND SCIE3020
CoRequisites:

Level 7

Course details

Medical Laboratory Science Practicum
FPLT4000

Description:

This course allows the student to develop technical competence while reviewing theoretical material from previous semesters. Five three-week hospital rotation will emphasize clinical procedures and acquaint the student with hospital operation and administration.

Hours: 490
Credits: 17
Pre-Requisites: BIOL3010 AND CHEM3010 AND SCIE3030 AND SCIE3040 AND SCIE3050
CoRequisites:

Interdisciplinary Practice
SCIE4000

Description:

This course concentrates on integrating the knowledge gained in all courses in the program. Students will challenge five (5) comprehensive examinations over the course of the final weeks of their program. Students will concentrate on analyzing and solving problems involving all competency categories in each discipline. The topic areas included represent the competency categories expected of an entry-level Medical Laboratory Technologist set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). At this point in the program, students will have covered the theory and skills related to all competencies in each category during previous didactic and practicum courses.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Perform clinical laboratory procedures and analytical techniques in conformance with approved safety guidelines, established protocols and existing legislation.
Assess and verify sample data to ensure that appropriate specimens are collected and handled according to established protocols in preparation for laboratory analysis.
Perform complex analytical procedures and assess results on a variety of specimens to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, care, and management of patients’ clinical conditions.
Evaluate pertinent laboratory data in order to interpret, document, and report laboratory results and draw conclusions.
Practice and promote the principles of quality management systems in order to meet established policies, processes, and protocols.
Constructively investigate, and evaluate processes in order to recommend and undertake, corrective measures for identified technical errors and equipment malfunctions causing anomalous results.
Interact with clients, patients, and other health care professionals using effective communication, teamwork skills and inter-professional collaboration to provide quality laboratory analysis service.
Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of professional practice to protect the patient’s right to a reasonable standard of care.