The program awards a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MSc-MLS), currently offered in two specialized tracks:
- Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology.
- Hematology.
Plans are underway to expand the program to include additional tracks in the near future, such as Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Management, and Diagnostic Genetics.
Vision
The program aims to provide a research-oriented environment that meets international standards, preparing qualified medical laboratory scientists who can advance scientific research and contribute to the improvement of both local and global health services.
Mission
The mission of the program is to prepare qualified medical laboratory scientists who are capable of advancing the development of medical laboratories, keeping pace with modern scientific advancements, and applying research to address local health challenges. Graduates will also be equipped to utilize and develop databases essential for delivering medical laboratory services that meet international standards.
The Master’s Program in Medical Laboratory Sciences aims to:
1. To enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients in medical laboratories through:
- Training specialized personnel in various fields of medical laboratory sciences.
- Providing a cadre of highly qualified professionals with distinguished scientific competence, capable of advancing the profession of medical laboratory sciences, particularly in areas related to hematological, infectious, immunological, and oncological diseases.
- Emphasizing the importance of community service by focusing on the challenges and deficiencies of medical laboratories in Palestine.
- Promoting a culture of scientific research and development and building a cadre of future scientists by deepening students’ understanding of research methodologies to address the many questions and problems facing medical laboratory sciences and future health challenges.
2. To provide outstanding students with opportunities to achieve their academic aspirations by engaging in scientific research or pursuing doctoral studies in one of the fields of medical laboratory sciences.
- Independently formulate research questions and design advanced experimental and analytical protocols in their field of specialization.
- Apply advanced statistical, bioinformatics, and computational methods for analysis of complex laboratory and clinical data.
- Interpret and integrate molecular, immunological, microbiological, and hematological data to solve complex scientific and clinical problems.
- Contribute to the design and oversight of laboratory quality systems and ensure compliance with international standards.
- Prepare for doctoral-level study and assume senior roles in academic, research, or professional laboratory environments.
Successful applicants should fulfill the following criteria:
1. Applicants must hold a scientific Tawjihi certificate or its equivalent.
2. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a related field, with a minimum grade of “Good,” from an accredited university.
3. Applicants must have successfully completed the following courses during their undergraduate studies:
- Hematology Track: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Hematology, Genetics, and Immunology.
- Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology Track: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Immunology, Basic Microbiology, Bacteriological Diagnostics, and Genetics.
4. Applicants must have maintained continuous practical engagement in the field of specialization since graduation.
5. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both Arabic and English.
6. Applicants must pass the personal interview before the selection committee.
7. Applicants must dedicate themselves to study and research, making it a top priority.
8. Students must submit an application to join the program to the Registration Department according to official announcements, accompanied by the required official documents and two letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors in the relevant field.
Note: The committee evaluates each application individually, and the program committee may require the applicant to enroll in remedial courses if necessary.
Graduates of the MSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences can pursue advanced roles in:
- Clinical Laboratories: Senior specialist or managerial positions in hospital, private, and public laboratories.
- Research and Innovation: Leading laboratory-based research and contributing to scientific advancements.
- Public Health: Roles in disease surveillance, epidemiology, and laboratory-based health programs.
- Advanced Studies: Preparation for doctoral programs and high-level research careers.
Students must successfully complete 36 credit hours to be eligible for the M.Sc. degree in MLS. The courses include required courses common for the two tracks of the program as well as required and elective courses specific for each track.
First: Required courses common for the two tracks
1. Theoretical courses (13 C.H.)
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molecular Biology | 3 | 8026510 |
| 2 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 | 8026513 |
| 3 | Advanced Biostatistics | 2 | 8026511 |
| 4 | Research Methods | 2 | 8026514 |
| 5 | Laboratory Management, Safety, and Quality Assessment | 2 | 8026515 |
| 6 | Seminar in Medical Laboratory Sciences | 1 | 8026521 |
2. Shared research courses (6 credit hours): Students choose either the thesis track or the graduation project track, subject to approval by the Program Council. Each course is completed in two parts over two academic semesters.
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Thesis | 6 | 8026599 |
| B | Graduation Project I | 3 | 8029691 |
| Graduation Project II | 3 | 8029692 |
Second: Specialization Courses: These include compulsory and elective courses specific to each track.
Track 1: Diagnostic Microbiology & Immunology
1. Required courses (10 C.H.)
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Diagnostic Microbiology | 3 | 8026516 |
| 2 | Advanced Clinical Immunology | 3 | 8026517 |
| 3 | Antimicrobial Agents | 2 | 8026523 |
| 4 | Immunity to Microbes | 2 | 8026525 |
2. Elective specialization courses (6 C.H.)
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Special Topics in Medical Virology | 1 | 8026519 |
| 15 | Special Topics in Medical Mycology | 1 | 8026520 |
| 16 | Bioinformatics | 2 | 8026540 |
| 17 | Cytokines | 1 | 8026524 |
| 18 | Special Topics in Medical Parasitology | 1 | 8026518 |
| 19 | Immunity to Microbes | 2 | 8026525 |
| 20 | Industrial Microbiology | 2 | 8026526 |
| 21 | Special Topics in Serology and Tissue Culture | 2 | 8026527 |
| 22 | Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis | 1 | 8026528 |
| 23 | Clinical Epidemiology | 2 | 8026529 |
| 24 | Methods in Medical Laboratory Sciences | 2 | 8026512 |
| 25 | Instrumental Analysis | 2 | 8026522 |
Track 2: Hematology
1. Required specialization courses (10 C.H.)
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Hematology I | 3 | 8026530 |
| 2 | Advanced Hematology II | 3 | 8026531 |
| 3 | Blood Hemostasis and Coagulation | 2 | 8026536 |
| 4 | Malignant Blood Diseases | 2 | 8026533 |
(B) Elective Specialization Courses (7 C.H.)
| # | Course Name | C.H. | Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Advanced Blood Banking | 2 | 8026534 |
| 16 | Morphological Hematology | 2 | 8026535 |
| 17 | Inherited Blood Diseases | 2 | 8026532 |
| 18 | Clinical Epidemiology | 2 | 8026529 |
| 19 | Advanced Clinical Immunology | 3 | 8026517 |
| 20 | Bioinformatics | 2 | 8026540 |
| 21 | Advanced Genetics | 2 | 8026537 |
| 22 | Methods in Medical Laboratory Sciences | 2 | 8026512 |
| 23 | Instrumental Analysis | 2 | 8026522 |
Molecular Biology 8026510 (3 Credit hours)
The course explores the significance of molecular biology and its applications in various applied sciences, focusing on the identification of human genes, their role in disease, and their relevance to understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses.
Advanced Biostatistics 8026511 (2 credit hours)
The course focuses on applied statistics utilizing SPSS computer analysis of data with a revision of essential statistical tests, selection of appropriate statistical tests and output interpretation.
Methods in Medical Laboratory 8026512 (3 credit hours)
The course examines the methods used to conduct research, including the analysis of recent scientific publications and innovative approaches to obtaining results and testing hypotheses. It also covers traditional techniques for cell fusion and cloning. The course includes discussions on improving and optimizing these methods for the detection of cellular components such as proteins, nucleic acids, membrane lipids, and enzymes, as well as techniques for measuring their concentrations and comparing different methodologies.
Advanced Biochemistry 8026513 (3 credit hours)
The course covers the biochemical foundations, including the properties of metabolic products, the structure and function of biomolecules, the logic of anabolic and catabolic metabolic pathways, and enzymatic activities.
Research Methods 8026514 (2 credit hours)
This course aims to develop students’ skills in conducting scientific research, including identifying research questions, selecting appropriate statistical tests, collecting and classifying data, and applying proper sampling methods, while considering ethical aspects of population-based research.
Laboratory Management and Quality Assessment 8026515 (2 credit hours)
This course focuses on training students to operate medical laboratories at the highest levels of safety and efficiency. It emphasizes the administrative aspects of laboratory management, including planning, organization, decision-making, problem-solving, staffing, laboratory design, and procurement procedures. The course also covers the safe handling of hazardous materials such as chemicals, microorganisms, and radioactive substances to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel. In addition, it reinforces the principles and practices of quality control and quality assurance, with an emphasis on their implementation as part of overall laboratory quality management.
Advanced Diagnostic Microbiology 8026516 (3 credit hours)
The course highlights the latest developments and research in the field of infectious microbial disease diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of staying updated and applying these advancements in practice.
Advanced Clinical Immunology 8026517 (3 credit hours)
This course aims to develop students’ understanding of the integration of innate, cellular, molecular, and adaptive immunity concepts and their connection to clinical aspects such as infectious diseases. It also seeks to enhance students’ ability to evaluate immunological disorders and review selected immunodiagnostic methods for monitoring and tracking these conditions.
Special Topics in Parasitology 8026518 (1 credit hour)
This course introduces students to parasites that infect humans, covering the functions of their organs and their biochemical and physiological activities. It also examines the relationship between the parasite and its host, the spread of parasitic diseases, and presents the latest developments and advances in the field of parasitology.
Special Topics in Medical Virology 8026519 (1 credit hour)
This course introduces students to viruses that infect bacteria, plants, and animals, with a focus on those affecting humans. It covers their structure, classification, modes of transmission, replication mechanisms, and interactions with the host. The course also addresses methods for their diagnosis and control.
Special Topics in Mycology 8026520 (1 credit hour)
This course introduces students to fungi, their classification, and genetic activity, as well as their role in causing epidemics and diseases in humans. It also covers immunity against fungi and methods of diagnosis, including culture techniques and DNA-based approaches, addressing superficial, cutaneous, and systemic infections.
Seminar in Medical Laboratory Sciences 8026521 (1 Credit hour)
Students discuss a recently published research article in their specific field of specialization, critically analyzing and evaluating its results.
Instrumental Analysis 8026522 (2 Credit hours)
This course covers the principles of various analytical methods using laboratory instruments in medical analyses, such as spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, and various chromatography techniques.
Antimicrobial Agents 8026523 (2 Credit hours)
This course introduces students to the scientific principles of antibiotic use and stewardship while developing an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of major antibiotics and exploring alternative approaches for treating microbial infections.
Cytokines 8026524 (1 credit hour)
This course focuses on studying cellular hormone activities and discussing the latest research published in this rapidly evolving field. It also provides an overview of the interdisciplinary aspects of cellular hormones by examining their structure and function, associated genes and receptors, and cellular signaling mechanisms, along with relevant clinical applications.
Immunity to Microbes 8026525 (2 credit hours)
This course focuses on the body’s immunity against infectious pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It covers cellular and molecular immune mechanisms, innate defenses, and the roles of phagocytic cells and cellular hormones in responding to pathogens, their products, or other factors such as stress and nutrition. The course also contributes to a deeper understanding of vaccine development and preparation.
Industrial Microbiology 8026526 (2 credit hours)
This course introduces students to bacteria and microbes, their significance, and the scientific principles for studying and storing them. It also covers fermentation processes for the production of primary and secondary metabolites at experimental, exploratory, and industrial levels, including relevant field studies.
Special Topics in Serology and Tissue Culture 8026527 (2 credit hours)
This course explains the principles and applications while providing practical training on methods used in clinical laboratories. It also covers the fundamentals of animal cell and tissue culture, introducing students to sterilization techniques, cell lines, culture media, and the production of hybridoma cells for generating monoclonal antibodies.
Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis 8026528 (1 credit hour)
This course explains the molecular foundations of bacterial cellular functions and biological activities. It also aims to study bacterial cell behavior, including vesicle and spore formation and regrowth, as well as the analysis of bacterial toxins and their mechanisms of action.
Clinical Epidemiology 8026529 (2 credit hours)
This course introduces students to methods for studying the spread of diseases in a specific area, collecting data on changes in incidence rates, documenting them, and identifying the disease source, its causative factors, and control measures.
Advanced Hematology I 8026530 (3 credit hours)
This course covers the principles of blood cell formation, stem cell theory, cell production, and the regulation of stem cell development. It also delves into methods for diagnosing anemia and bone marrow disorders, including anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies and bone marrow problems. Additionally, the course examines blood changes associated with certain chronic diseases.
Advanced Hematology II 8026531 (3 credit hours)
This course builds on the previous one by exploring advanced concepts in hereditary hemolysis, as well as immune and non-immune hemolysis, and hereditary blood disorders resulting from hemoglobin abnormalities, such as abnormal hemoglobin production or thalassemia. The course also examines blood changes associated with different stages of human aging.
Malignant Blood Diseases 8026533 (2 credit hours)
This course covers leukemia and lymphoma of various types, with a focus on proliferative cell disorders.
Advanced Blood Banking 8026534 (2 credit hours)
This course introduces students to advanced concepts in blood collection, preservation, and processing, including classification into different blood types, recent discoveries, and its therapeutic applications.
Morphological Hematology 8026535 (1 theory credit hour and 1 practice credit hour)
This course focuses on microscopic examination of blood cells, emphasizing their identification based on morphological characteristics through the study of stained blood smears using a light microscope. It also covers the properties of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, both normal and abnormal.
Coagulation and Hemostasis 8026536 (2 credit hours)
This course covers advanced and current concepts related to bleeding disorders caused by deficiencies in various clotting factors and platelet-related disorders, as well as coagulation and thrombotic diseases.
Bioinformatics 8026538 (2 credit hours)
This course focuses on using the Internet to access specialized information, including the use of online tools and programs for DNA analysis, gene comparison, and detection. It also covers the use of online resources and software for analyzing proteins, their structures and properties, as well as reading microarray data.
Advanced Genetics 8026537 (2 credit hours)
This course focuses on advanced concepts in genetics, studying the mechanisms of the development of genetic disorders, and reviewing modern methods used for their study and diagnosis.
Graduation Project I 8026591 (3 credit hours)
In this course, students are assigned a theoretical research project within their elective specialization track. Students review various scientific sources related to the chosen topic and prepare a detailed scientific report. The report is presented in a seminar, and the students’ work is discussed and evaluated by a committee appointed upon the recommendation of the program committee.
Graduation Project II 8026592 (3 credit hours)
In this course, students are assigned a new theoretical research project (different from the topic completed in Graduation Project 1) within their elective specialization track. Students review various scientific sources related to the chosen topic and prepare a detailed scientific report. The report is presented in a seminar, and students’ work is discussed and evaluated by a committee appointed based on the recommendation of the program committee.
Master Thesis I 8026599 (3 credit hours)
The practical study in this course involves selecting a scientific problem, designing the necessary experiments to answer specific questions that have not yet been addressed, and then validating the results practically through the execution of the experiments.
Master Thesis II 8026599 (3 credit hours)
This course involves completing the research and experiments conducted in Thesis I, followed by writing the full scientific thesis and defending it before the designated committee.