Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Programme Programme description

The Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a three-year programme of professional study (180 credits). Students who complete the programme are awarded the degree of Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Sciences, which forms the basis for authorisation as a medical laboratory technician in accordance with the Act relating to Health Personnel etc. Section 48.

The programme was established under the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the National Curriculum for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Programme and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at HiOA.

The Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences qualifies students for work in all types of medical laboratories, in the medical industry, environmental health care, infection control and medical research. Most medical laboratory technicians work in hospital medical laboratories and in the primary health service, and responsibilities range from routine tasks to advanced and complicated assignments. This includes examining blood and other body fluids, and cells and tissues from patients to obtain reliable test results that can help to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases. The technicians study microorganisms, perform cell counts, measure medicines and chemical and biological components, prepare samples and look for cell and tissue changes. They also perform necessary laboratory investigations in connection with blood transfusions and transplantations.

Medical laboratory technicians are responsible for providing the right answers to laboratory tests at the right time. They have knowledge of sample material, laboratory techniques, methods and analytical and biological processes that are necessary to assess the quality and medical significance of test results. Precision and honesty in laboratory work are basic conditions for the profession.

The work of a medical laboratory technician combines knowledge of methodology and medicine, and technological competence. Using advanced laboratory equipment is an important aspect of the work. 

The profession is rooted in both natural sciences and health sciences. Medical laboratory technicians perform their profession on the basis of values that apply to all health professionals. An overarching goal for the programme is to educate reflected professionals who, through interdisciplinary cooperation, put the patient in focus.

A large proportion of the programme comprises practical laboratory assignments that take place in the university's laboratories. The students also take practical training at different hospitals and research laboratories in the region. OsloMet's location in Oslo makes it simple to access competence in the relevant subject areas.

The Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences qualifies students for admission to several master's degree programmes. Master's programmes in health sciences and biomedicine are particularly relevant.

The target group is everyone who wants to take a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences in order to practise as a medical laboratory technician, or as the starting point for further studies.

The admission requirements are, in accordance with the Regulations for Admission to Higher Education, the Higher Education Entrance Qualification or an assessment of prior learning and work experience. In addition, the upper secondary school mathematics courses R1 or S1+S2 and either Physics 1, Biology 1 or Chemistry 1 are required.

The use of clothing that covers the face is not compatible with taking the programme.

The purpose of the Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences is to qualify students for independent work as medical laboratory technicians and for participation in professional, interdisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation. After completing the programme, the candidate will be qualified to fill the present and future need for medical laboratory services.

The overall learning outcomes are defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge about

• quantitative and qualitative methods, laboratory techniques and analysis processes
• advanced analysis instruments and laboratory equipment
• control methods and quality assurance of own work
• the limitations of and sources of error in laboratory methods
• the reliability of analysis results and their statistical and medical probabilities
• the application of analyses and the importance of test results both in relation to the body's normal functions and disease
• biological samples and quality, safety and ethical issues relating to the use, examination and storage of such material
• the distinct nature, history and development of medical laboratory sciences
• the place of laboratory medicine in the health service

Skills

The candidate

• masters analysis techniques and knows how to use methods, laboratory equipment and analysis instruments used in medical laboratories
• is capable of considering pre-analytical issues and treating biological material in the proper manner
• is capable of assessing the possibilities, limitations and sources of error associated with laboratory methods
• is capable of taking blood samples from patients and taking blood from blood donors
• masters professional forms of communication and is capable of communicating relevant subject matter orally and in writing

General competence

The candidate

• is capable of working in a systematic and accurate manner and complying with the applicable procedures, laws and regulations
• is capable of evidence-based work and of reflecting on his/her professional practice
• is capable of complying with professional ethical guidelines
• is capable of interdisciplinary work and cooperation with other professions
• respects individual and cultural differences
• masters general infection control procedures
• is capable of using simple tools used in innovation and entrepreneurship

The Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences covers subjects in the fields of medical laboratory sciences, natural and social sciences and the humanities. The programme is built around three main areas:

• health and disease

• biomedical analysis

• professional role

The topics are closely intertwined in the teaching and form the basis for the skills that are necessary to practise the profession. Students will develop knowledge, skills and general competence that enable them to follow up and influence development of the discipline and what society requires of medical laboratory services.First year of study:Basis for biomedical analysis and laboratory medicine The emphasis in the first year of the programme is on basic knowledge in the field of laboratory technology and natural sciences. There is also a common course with students of other health science programmes that covers philosophy of science, ethics and communication. Students take practical training at an outpatient clinic.

Second year of study:Biomedical analysis, methodology and diagnosis The emphasis in this year of the programme is biomedical analysis as a basis for diagnosis. This includes knowledge of methods, analysis, quality assurance and assessment of test results within the laboratory subjects. The students take practical training at a laboratory for medical biochemistry.

Third year of study:Medical laboratory sciences and professional knowledge in practice The last year of the programme emphasises biomedical analysis and professional knowledge in practice. Main topics are quality assurance, quality development, evidence-based practice and ethical reflection in relation to practising the profession and the practitioner's professional role. The students will take practical training at a medical special laboratory and a blood bank. The programme concludes with a bachelor's assignment in medical laboratory sciences. The programme is organised as 14 compulsory and two voluntary courses. The courses are build on each other to ensure progress, with increasing requirements for knowledge and understanding of medical laboratory sciences. The programme comprises both practical and theoretical tuition internally at OsloMet and externally on practical training placements. Each year of the programme has a scope of 60 credits. All courses conclude in a final assessment.  

The academic year is 40 weeks and the expected workload is 40 hours per week. This includes scheduled activities, students' own activity and exams.

Study progress

It is a precondition that students have passed the preceding year of the programme to continue to the second and third year, respectively.

Teaching activities should stimulate active learning and engagement. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students' own efforts. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and practical skills training. Normal study progress requires students to be make great personal efforts in the form of study groups and individual work.

The work and teaching methods will facilitate the integration of knowledge, skills and general competence and have the greatest possible transfer value to professional practice. Health and natural sciences theory is placed in the context of medical laboratory science and is related to the profession right from the start of the programme.

A major part of the programme covers problem-based assignments relevant to the profession which require problem-solving, activity, reflection and cooperation.

An overview and description of the work and teaching methods used in the programme are provided below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs.

Practical training

Practical training is described below.

Self-study and student cooperation/group work Learning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchanging ideas, presentations, discussions, writing assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Written assignments Assignments are written individually and in groups. Students work on different forms of written assignments throughout the programme. Through these, the students learn to see connections, develop more in-depth knowledge and understanding, and develop their terminology. It is expected that students supplement subject matter from teaching activities and the syllabus with research and scholarly articles, reference works and online resources.

Laboratory reports A laboratory report is documentation of laboratory work performed. Each student will be followed up by supervision and feedback on the reports they submit. Students will also be given feedback from fellow students on some of the assignments.

Logs A log is written individually in connection with laboratory work. It is intended to help the student to focus on everything that has to be done during this work. Students are given feedback on the logs they submit.

Portfolio A portfolio is a systematic collection of the students' own work. They are used to structure the students' learning and are helpful to acquire knowledge in a specific course, and to see the relationship between different parts of the programme.

Project work Project work provides experience of some of the challenges inherent in scientific work methods. Students will develop skills in the systematic use of methods, including theoretical basis, data collection, analysis, discussion, written formulation and verbal communication. Students develop research questions and work both independently and in groups.

Reflection notes Reflection notes are written to help the students to develop the ability to critically assess and reflect on their own learning.

Lectures Lectures are used to provide an overview, go through difficult subject matter, point out connections, discuss relevant issues and as an introduction to skills training.

Seminars In seminars, students are able to engage in relevant topics to deepen their knowledge and practise their skills in academic formulation and reflection. This is done through academic contributions, solving assignments and discussion.

A distinction is made in the programme between skills training in the university college's labs and practical training at medical laboratories, outpatient clinics and blood banks.

Skills training

The laboratory is the medical laboratory technician's most important arena for professional practice. Supervised skills training is therefore a key part of the programme. In the laboratory work, students use relevant laboratory equipment and develop skills in technical laboratory work. Teaching activities place emphasis on the students understanding concepts and procedures, working systematically, and combining theory and practice to ensure the quality of test results and investigations. The basic skills training takes place in the university college's laboratories, while more extensive professional learning takes place in the various institutions where the students take practical training.

Practical training

The professional field is an important learning arena in the programme. Students are on placements in different medical laboratories throughout the programme. They will learn in situations that are authentic for the profession under the supervision of professionals with relevant experience. The learning in practical training is evidence-based and related to relevant work situations and problems, providing the students with experience of the duties and responsibilities that apply to the medical laboratory technician's work. Through their practical training, students gain insight into the function of medical laboratories in the health service. They will at the same time receive training in cooperation with colleagues, patients and other professions.

It is emphasised that the students will become familiar with the profession early on and that they will take practical training in all three years of the programme.

Practical training takes place at cooperating institutions in the Oslo region and some other hospital laboratories in Norway.

The practical training is worth a total of 27 credits:

First year, 1.5 credits:

• observation practice at laboratories

• practice at an outpatient clinic, including taking blood samples

Second year, 12 credits:

• practice at a medical biochemistry laboratory, including taking blood samples

Third year, 13.5 credits:

• practice at a blood bank, including taking blood from donors and producing components

• practice at a special laboratory

OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University has established cooperation with universities and university colleges in and outside Europe, and is a member of different academic networks. Students can apply to take parts of the programme abroad, preferably at institutions that OsloMet cooperates with.

The Bachelor's Programme in Medical Laboratory Sciences facilitates students to take at least three months of the programme abroad. This is in connection with the bachelor's assignment (BIO3900). The assignment must be written in English if the exchange is in a country outside Scandinavia.

Foreign students can take practical training and/or write their bachelor's assignment under the programme.

Reference is made to OsloMet's framework that applies to student exchanges and the information about stays abroad.

The language of instruction in the elective courses BIO3000 International Public Health (IPH) and STKD6610 Technology and Society II is English, and the syllabus is also in English. Students can take the exam in English or in Norwegian. These courses are taught jointly with other programmes at OsloMet.

Coursework requirements are all types of work, tests and compulsory attendance that are requirements for being permitted to take the exam or complete practical training. Coursework requirements are assessed as approved/not approved. The coursework requirements for each course are described in the relevant course description.

The primary purpose of coursework requirements is to promote students' progress and academic development and to encourage students to acquire new knowledge. The programme has coursework requirements in the form of compulsory attendance and written assignments.Compulsory attendance There is a compulsory attendance requirement for several parts of the programme to ensure that the students have the necessary basis to achieve the learning outcomes.

A minimum of 90% attendance is required in skills training in the university college's laboratories and in practical training at medical laboratories, outpatient clinics and blood banks. There is a minimum attendance requirement of 80% for scheduled group work, project work and some seminars. Other activities may also be subject to compulsory attendance requirements. Detailed provisions on compulsory attendance are included in the course descriptions.

If a student exceeds the maximum limit for absence, the lecturer will consider whether it is possible to compensate for absence by meeting alternative requirements, for example individual written assignments. If it is not possible to compensate for absence, the student must move down a year. Whether or not it is possible to compensate for absence depends on the extent of the student's absence and which activities they have missed.

Written assignments

Several courses have written assignments, logs or reports as part of their coursework requirements. Written work that is not approved must be improved before re-submission. If the work is not approved on re-submission, the student cannot take the ordinary exam/assessment.

Students are entitled to a third attempt before the resit/rescheduled exam. If an assignment is not approved the third time it is submitted, the student must re-take the course with the next class. More detailed requirements for written work, deadlines etc. are set out in the teaching plan for the course in question. 

The student will encounter different forms of assessment during the programme. The forms of assessment are intended to ensure a continuous process towards a two-sided objective: promote learning and document the student's qualifications as sufficient in relation to the applicable learning outcomes. By giving the student qualified and frequent feedback both in relation to processes and products, the information about the competence achieved can motivate the student's further efforts and identify whether the forms of learning should be adjusted.

The assessments are carried out in accordance with the applicable rules set out in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations Relating to Studies and Examinations at HiOA, and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at HiOA.

The programme has an external programme supervisor who contributes to quality assurance. The external programme supervisor is charged with evaluating the programme's structure and coherence, including the relationship between the learning outcomes as described in the programme description, the work and teaching methods and assessment arrangements. The external programme supervisor should normally supervise all the courses in the programme over the course of a three-year period and provide feedback and advice that the academic environment can use in its further work on the quality of education.

Practical training Practice periods are assessed as pass/fail, in accordance with set criteria. Practical training in the courses BIOPRA1 and BIOPRA2 must be passed before the student can take the exam.

Exams Each course is concluded with an exam, cf. the overview of the exams in the programme in the figure on the next page. The assessment is based on the learning outcomes for the course, and on whether the student has achieved the stipulated learning outcomes. The grades pass/fail or letter grades from A to F are used.

Most courses have coursework requirements that must be approved before the student can take the exam. See the course descriptions for more detailed provisions. 

Resit and rescheduled exams are carried out in the same manner as the ordinary exam unless otherwise specified in the course description.

For courses where a percentage of the exam papers are randomly selected for assessment by an external examiner, the external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students. In such cases, one external and one internal examiner will first grade the selected papers. The internal examiner then continues grading the rest of the papers together with another internal examiner. The assessments from the first part are summarised to serve as guidelines for the assessments carried out by the two internal examiners.

The grade given for a written exam can be appealed, cf. Section 5-3 of the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and Section 7-3 (2) of the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at HiOA. It is not possible to appeal the grades awarded for oral and practical exams. In a group exam, the result of an appeal will only have consequences for the candidates who submitted the appeal. This means that all members of the group do not have to participate in the appeal.