Sept 2024 Entry
4 years
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
- Students will be awarded the following award upon successful completion of the graduation requirements:
- BSc (Hons) in Medical Laboratory Science
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory analysis of clinical samples, which aids in disease diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment and the investigation of underlying disease mechanisms.
This programme aims to equip graduates to become medical laboratory scientists who practice competently and with integrity. Graduates of the programme possess the knowledge, skills, reasoning abilities and professional attitudes necessary to provide qualified healthcare services to the public.
Programme Characteristics
This programme is the first full-time government-funded undergraduate programme in medical laboratory science in Hong Kong.
The programme curriculum is comprised of university-based education and medical laboratory science-specific subjects, which are integrated with clinical training in medical laboratories in Hong Kong.
In order to nurture students’ global perspectives, programme also provides students with the opportunities to engage in overseas exchange activities and undertake clinical attachment at overseas hospital laboratories.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration (Part II) with the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) Board of Hong Kong. Registration is legally required for practising as medical laboratory technologist in local medical laboratories.
Graduates are also eligible (i) for Licentiate Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS, UK), and (ii) to sit the Certificate Examination of the American Society for Clinical Pathology International (MT, ASCPi).
Career Prospects
A wide range of career opportunities are open to graduates of this programme, including careers in medical laboratories in both the public and private sectors (e.g., hospitals and clinics), in the medical biotechnology sector, and in the environmental science, agriculture and food testing industries. Graduates can also choose to pursue careers in academic or research areas through further study at the Master or PhD levels.
This is a four-year full-time programme leading to a registrable qualification required to perform diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories in Hong Kong. Graduates are able to work in all four major disciplinary areas of medical laboratory science (cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, haematology and medical microbiology).
The programme has the following major content.
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Year One:
General University Requirement subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and fundamental language subjects. Foundation medical science subjects such as Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Laboratory Techniques & Safety, and Clinical Laboratory Instrumentation. Medical laboratory science subjects such as Exploring Medical Laboratory Science and Introduction to Clinical Chemistry. -
Year Two:
Medical science subjects, such as Immunology, Human Biochemistry, Biostatistics, and Molecular Biology in Medicine. Medical laboratory science subjects such as Introduction to Medical Microbiology, Introduction to Haematology, Clinical Chemistry and Medical Microbiology. -
Year Three:
Pathophysiology, Medical laboratory science subjects, such as Introduction to Cellular Pathology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology, Medical Virology and Introduction to Clinical Research. -
Year Four:
Human Genetics, Molecular Diagnosis of Human Disease, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Bioinformatics for Molecular Diagnostics, and elective subjects. There is also a 9-credit laboratory-based research project in the final year.
Students undertake a 12-week clinical attachment during the programme. The first part takes place during the summer between Years Two and Three (six weeks). The second part takes place during the summer between Years Three and Four (six weeks).
In addition to lectures, tutorials, case studies and seminars, this programme offers a substantial number of laboratory-based practical classes.
Information on the subjects offered can be obtained at here.
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
Programme Leader
Prof Polly Leung
PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS applicants.
Other Information
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Normal colour vision is not one of the admission criteria, but applicants should note that normal colour vision may be required for employment in the medical laboratory profession.
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Applicants attaining good results in science subjects (Biology and Chemistry) are preferred.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel.: 3400 8578; email: hti.dept@polyu.edu.hk).
Have you ever wondered what the numbers mean in your annual health examination report? What are the routine tests and special tests? Why is there a reference range? And most importantly, how is the report generated? Well, we - Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) - are the detectives behind the scene who perform various tests to obtain data that reflect your health status and guide future therapies.
The BScMLS programme equipped me to be a professional MLT, a member of the healthcare profession. The programme's comprehensive syllabus also enabled me to develop the essential skills I need as an MLT.
Moreover, PolyU inspired me to think from different perspectives, and developed my interpersonal and leadership skills. Throughout my four years of study, I had the opportunity to participate in various exchange programmes, which increased my exposure to different cultural groups and helped me to understand social and health issues in different places. By participating in the SOAR Leadership Program, I learned to appreciate cultural differences in different countries and gained more knowledge of eco-friendly solutions. Also, through the overseas placement programme organised by HTI, I visited a medical laboratory in Guangzhou to learn the latest molecular diagnostics technologies, and to understand the differences between public and private healthcare sectors in greater detail. I am truly thankful for the wonderful learning experience at PolyU and HTI, and I recommend this programme to anyone who shares my passion.
Required
To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme, and to test their language and communication skills and understanding of the industry.
About 10-15 minutes
- Suitable applicants may be invited to interviews.
If applicable
Required
