AMML111 – Normal Microanatomy

The design of this course is primarily for the students in the Medical Laboratory Science Program. The course entails examination of the microscopic characteristics of the different tissues within the body systems. When necessary, discussion of the gross anatomy of the typical specimens received in a Histology lab will be included. The objective of this course is to relate the recognizable tissue components to the principles of anatomy and, to a lesser degree, physiology. The delivery format of the theory portion of this course is 100% online, Synchronous. Expect advance posting of the theory documents on Blackboard to allow the student to read and understand the concepts of microanatomy prior to the scheduled labs. The practical component is a two – hour dry lab online. The students will be examining slides using digital pathology slide viewing sowtwares, called mScope. This is akin to the microscopic examination of glass slides. We expect the student to have 100% digital connectivity during the labs and tests. Arrange to have a reliable home internet for the entire semester. All online lectures are synchronous or in real time.

eNotebook: In this course, we expect you to create your own study eNotebook weekly. We will not be marking them but from experiences, updating your eNotebook regularly will greatly contribute to your success in this course.

You can collect static images from our own Michener slide bank in mScope and from University of Michigan Histology slides, and Histology Guide Virtual Histology Laboratory. We will provide you with an electronic template to complete the weekly eNotebook.

CCML112 – Clinical Chemistry I

This course provides the learner with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for practice in a Clinical Chemistry laboratory. Lectures discuss the function and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, and fluids and electrolytes, and their clinical significance. Laboratory sessions introduce the learner to basic laboratory equipment and techniques.

Some aspects of this course require independent study. The principles and procedures mastered in this course will enable learners to perform, and understand why we perform, more advanced biochemical specimen examinations in the laboratory investigation and diagnosis of disorders of the body systems.

The course consists of theoretical and laboratory sessions. Theoretical material is presented either in instructional modules supported by tutorials or in lectures complemented by specific objectives and lecture outlines. Laboratory exercises are conducted in small groups and reinforce the basic practical skills required in clinical laboratories while emphasizing safe laboratory practice. Each laboratory exercise has defined practical outcomes; a Clinical Chemistry Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual will be provided in labs and is also available on Blackboard for review. All lecture notes, marking schemes for laboratory exercises, and other relevant course material will be posted and available as required on the Blackboard Learning System website.

HEML113 – Introduction to Hematology 

This course provides the learner with an introduction to Hematology, the study of the cellular and non-cellular blood components, and diseases of blood. The learner will practice the basic techniques used in the examination of blood including the preparation, staining, and examination of peripheral blood films using a compound microscope. The Hematologic assessment of the number and morphology of blood cells, the Complete Blood Count (CBC), and the pathophysiology of abnormal CBC results will be discussed. Lab sessions will include the identification of normal white blood cells and platelets and normal and abnormal red blood cell and some manual cell measurements. The procedures introduced in this course will enable learners to perform hematological specimen examinations used in the laboratory investigation and diagnosis of disease. These techniques will be used in all subsequent Hematology courses. 

MIML113 – Introduction to Microbiology 

This is an introductory Microbiology course for entry level students in the Medical Laboratory Science program. This course provides the learner with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for distinguishing between the normal microbial flora, opportunistic microorganisms and pathogenic microorganisms. Laboratory sessions introduce the learner to techniques for isolation and identification of significant microorganisms and for measuring the products of immune response. The learner will also be introduced to aspects of control and prevention of infection.

PPML111 – Physiology and Pathophysiology 

This course introduces the learner to normal physiology and pathophysiology of the body’s cells, tissues, organs and organs systems. The course will progress through the various organ systems, emphasizing the interrelationship of structure and function and how the body systems work together to maintain homeostasis. This knowledge is related to the specific Medical Laboratory Science subjects of Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Histotechnology, Microbiology, and Transfusion Science. This course provides learners with foundational knowledge that they will build upon as they progress through the program. Due to the relationship between the structure and function of organs, the sequence of topics in PPML111 runs in parallel with those in AMML111 wherever possible. This course is presented in an ONLINE delivery format, including online (Blackboard) learning, and scheduled online (Blackboard) assessments.

MDML120 – Molecular Diagnostics

This course provides the learner with an introduction and/or review of foundational knowledge that will be built on as the student progresses through the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. This knowledge is applied later in the MLS program and in clinical practice in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Histotechnology, Microbiology and Transfusion Science. Weekly learning plans are presented on Blackboard to guide your learning. The MDML120 course has two main interrelated subject areas: Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics.

Immunology is the study of host reactions when foreign substances are introduced into the body. This course will review and expand on the basic and advanced concepts of Immunology as it relates to theory and practice in Medical Laboratory Science.

MDML120 Immunology topics include:

• Basic concepts of immunity
• Antigens and antibodies
• Characteristics and functions of granulocytes, mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells and soluble mediators of immunity
• Principles of immunology applied to HLA typing

Molecular Diagnostics are procedures based on the detection and analysis of DNA and RNA. This relatively new field of investigation has multiple applications in Medical Laboratory Science. The testing modalities contribute to the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of disease and health processes.

MDML120 Molecular Diagnostic topics include:

• Structure, function and synthesis of DNA and RNA, and proteins
• Methods for preparation and analysis of nucleic acids
• Methods for detection of mutations in human DNA
• Variations in the human genome used in human identification
• Applications of molecular diagnostics in detection and identification of microorganisms and genetic diseases
• Applications of molecular diagnostics in detection and identification of somatic mutations in cancer
• Molecular diagnostic and serological approaches to analysis of the immune system
• Ethical issues in molecular diagnostics

BAIP125 – Foundations of Interprofessional Collaboration for Medical Laboratory Technology Programs

Interprofessional practice has become a preferred mode of team based practice in health care internationally. This is an online course for Diagnostic Cytology, Genetics Technology and Medical Laboratory Science students to build knowledge of interprofessional practice and collaboration. The first step towards interprofessional practice is a solid foundation of your professional role including expectations with respect to legislation, standards of practice, codes of ethics, consent, confidentiality/privacy etc. These foundational pieces are developed throughout this course with an eye to meeting and exceeding the required provincial and national competencies surrounding professional responsibilities. Building on this foundation, the course will further introduce students to the concepts and support for interprofessional collaboration and education as well as reflective practice, effective communication, teamwork and conflict management. Each of these components is an essential skill in interprofessional practice to support patient care and promote patient safety. Students will engage in self-directed learning activities, participate in interprofessional workshops and initiate their professional portfolio during this course.

HEML120 – Hematology and Hemostasis 

This course provides the learner with an introduction to the basic knowledge and techniques necessary for the study of Hematology and Hemostasis. These include the theory of abnormal red blood cell formation and clot formation and dissolution. Laboratory sessions introduce the learner to the operation of automated cell counters and coagulation equipment as well as providing further opportunities to improve microscopy skills. The procedures introduced in this course will enable the learners to perform hematological and hemostatic examinations used in the laboratory investigation and diagnosis of anemia and bleeding disorders.

HIML111 – Introduction to Histotechnology 

This course provides the learner with an introduction to the basic knowledge and techniques necessary for the study of Histotechnology. The learners will be preparing tissues, step-bystep, for diagnostic purposes.

The topics included in this course are as follows:

• Fixation of tissues
• Grossing and accessioning
• Tissue processing
• Embedding
• Microtomy
• Staining

All lectures are delivered live and all labs sessions are mandatory.

INML120 – Clinical Instrumentation 

Clinical Instrumentation provides learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviour necessary for the performance of specimen examinations using a variety of clinical instruments. The course consists of theoretical sessions and laboratory sessions. The lectures enhance information delivered in Clinical Chemistry I (CCML112), and consist of principles of light measurement, electrochemical measurement, and immunoassay measurement techniques. All lectures are complemented with specific learning objectives, textbook and instructional module readings, PowerPoint presentations, self-assessments and exercises. Additionally, learners will understand and apply quality management and quality control procedures as means of validating patient test results. Laboratory sessions focus on the maintenance and operation clinical instruments and the reporting of chartable patient test results. Learners are divided into small groups to learn the instruments and reinforce the theoretical concepts, emphasize safe laboratory practice and quality management. The learners will eventually be able to demonstrate their ability to maintain and operate the instruments. Each laboratory exercise represents a performance assessment task with linked competencies and learning objectives. The learners will have and use Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals provided in the laboratory. All documents relevant to the learners are posted on Blackboard.

MIML121 – Applied Microbiology 

This second semester microbiology course teaches the necessary procedures and techniques for classifying and identifying microorganisms encountered in clinical specimens using a variety of identification systems. In addition, the learners are introduced to various susceptibility testing methods of bacterial pathogens. Students will also be introduced to the clinical significance of the organisms including associated diseases and pathogenicity. Laboratory sessions are conducted over two days where the learners experience and perform hands-on practice of the various analytical procedures and techniques in microbiology to correctly identify and perform susceptibility testing. Quality control and safe laboratory practices are integral to the laboratory sessions.

VPML121 – Specimen procurement

This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for the performance of specimen collection, handling and processing, and basic troubleshooting of phlebotomy techniques. Theory is presented in lectures that are supported by learning objectives. Practical laboratory exercises provide opportunities for application of theory and demonstration of technical skills with an emphasis on safety and patient care. The practical skill competencies will be performed on simulated patients, peers, faculty, and other staff. This course requires some self-directed learning.

CCML240 – Clinical Chemistry II

This course provides the learner with advanced knowledge of Digestive, Nervous, Endocrine, Musculo-Skeletal and Cardiovascular body systems. The lecture component of this course will examin the normal system functions, pathological features and laboratory methodology and analyses. The laboratory component of this course will focus on technical skills developed in INML120. The learner will use a variety of clinical analytical instruments to perform relevant biochemical testing. Leaners will then correlate the results with primary disorders of each body system.

HEML240 – Hematology I 

This course expands on the theory and methodology introduced in HEML120. The learner will explore the pathophysiology and laboratory assessment of anemia and hemostasis with particular attention to the Hemolytic Anemias, Fibrinolysis and Thrombotic disorders. The learner will operate both automated Hematology Cell Counters and Coagulation Analyzers and will validate results, report, suggest follow up test, and correlate the results of the analyses with the aforementioned disorders. Manual laboratory tests and the evaluation of peripheral blood smears will be discussed in theory and practiced in labs. Diagnosis, lab assessment of severity and treatment of the disorders will also be discussed, including the use of anticoagulants for thrombotic disorders.

MIML240 – Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases I 

Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases I is the first of two courses that will provide the learner with an examination of major infectious diseases and the clinically significant microorganisms associated with these diseases. The materials are presented according to body system/anatomical site. The emphasis of the materials is on the identification and any required susceptibility testing of bacterial and the identification of yeast-like fungi. Viral and parasitic agents affecting the different body systems are also discussed. The learner will acquire the knowledge and critical thinking skill to recognize and differentiate between the pathogenic species from normal flora. Review of immunological techniques and their applications, zoonotic infections are part of the course materials. Principles and practices of quality management, safety and infection control are integral components in all classes.

RMIP231 – Introduction to Research Methods 

This course is designed to introduce you to research methods that can be applied to issues relevant to you and to your discipline.  For example, some students may apply research methods to writing and piloting a new protocol/policy; other students may utilize research to create educational material; and others may have a clinical question that can be answered through the application of research methods.

This course will help improve your practice by: making you more adept at reading and critically analyzing the scientific literature; prepare you for your clinical research and evaluation projects; and advance your skills in evidence-based clinical practice (EBCP). For some students, it may also inspire you to make a contribution to the research in your respective areas of interest.

TSML231 – Transfusion Science 

This course includes lecture and lab instruction and introduces the learner to the practice of transfusion science, expanding on immunology concepts introduced in other courses. The learner will explore the immune response to red blood cells including the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems that can complicate transfusion. Learners will discuss the principles of, and perform, routine and investigative serology techniques used to detect antigens, troubleshoot problems in blood group determination and investigate and identify unexpected antibodies to red cells antigens. The specimens, reagents, and quality control of serological techniques as well as safe and professional practice will be emphasized. The principles of blood donation and processing of donor blood for transfusion are introduced.

CCML250 – Clinical Chemistry III 

This course provides the learner with advanced knowledge of the Reproductive, Urinary, and Respiratory body systems, various procedures for detecting and identifying drugs and an introduction to specialty areas in Clinical Chemistry. The use of lectures and tutorials enhances the information delivered in ANML111, PPML111, CCML112, INML120 and CCML240 specifically focusing on laboratory investigations of the primary disorders of each system or topic. Laboratory sessions focus on technical skills developed in INML120 and CCML240 and the learner uses a variety of clinical instruments to perform relevant biochemical investigations. Learners correlate the results of these investigations with the disorders of each body system. The principles and application of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and Clinical Toxicology are introduced in this course. Investigations of specialty areas in Clinical Chemistry include tumour markers, point-of-care testing (POCT), Clinical Chemistry in the pediatric population and geriatric population, selection of suitability of a candidate method for use in the laboratory, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory and quality management and Quality System Essentials (QSE) in Clinical Chemistry. The course consists of theoretical and laboratory sessions. Theoretical material is presented in instructional modules supported by tutorials or lectures (in-class or online) and complemented by specific objectives and lecture outlines. Laboratory exercises are conducted in small groups, reinforce theoretical concepts, and emphasize safe laboratory practice. Each laboratory exercise has defined practical outcomes and a Clinical Chemistry Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual is provided. All lecture notes, marking schemes for laboratory exercises, and other relevant course material will be posted and available as required on the Blackboard Learning System website.

HEML250 – Hematology II

This course introduces the learner to the pathophysiology and diagnosis of infection, leukemia and other abnormal leukocyte disorders and stresses the abnormal leukocyte morphology characteristically seen in certain conditions. The use of lectures and laboratory sessions enhances and expands on the theory and practical techniques learned in the previous three Hematology courses and the concepts of Quality Assurance and Safety are reinforced. Laboratory techniques are either taught in theory or performed in the laboratory and include peripheral blood and bone marrow assessment, body fluid analysis, cytochemical staining, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular diagnostic techniques.

The course consists of classroom and laboratory sessions over a 13 week period. The course is 50% classroom theory-based and 50% laboratory technology-based. The course is 65 hours in length over a 13 week period. There is one 2-hour lecture per week and one 3-hour laboratory per week. Classroom time will be used for quizzes and the mid-term exam.

Teaching Methods:

Theory Component

Theoretical material is presented in lecture format, group work or other activities and is based on competencies, learning objectives and the required textbook.

Laboratory Component

There will be one 3-hour laboratory session per week. Each laboratory exercise has defined practical outcomes and expectations which serve to reinforce the theoretical concepts and develope an understanding of how the hematology laboratory inpacts patient care. The concepts of safe laboratory practice, quality assurance and patient safety are emphasized.

Whenever possible, case studies will be used to reinforce the clinical relevance of laboratory testing in the resolution of unusual results. There are double-headed microscopes available for one-on-one slide viewing with instructions and a teaching microscope with a digital camera for class instructions.

HIML251 – Histotechnology & Special Stains

This course provides the learner with a continuation and expansion of Histological techniques and staining theory introduced in HIML111. Laboratory sessions will introduce the learner to a variety of special stain techniques used for identifying various tissue constituents and components, both normal and abnormal, as learned in AMML111, the microanatomy course. The procedures introduced in this course will enable the learners to perform histological techniques used in the laboratory investigation and diagnosis of disorders of the body systems.

The course consists of classroom and laboratory sessions over a 13 week period. The course is 50% classroom theory-based and 50% laboratory technology-based. The course is 65 hours in length over a 13 week period. There is one online 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour virtual labs biweekly, and one 3-hour laboratory biweekly (on opposite weeks of online classes).

All lectures are delivered live and all lab sessions are mandatory. 

MIML250 – Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases II

MIML250 is the second of two microbiology courses that provide the learners with a survey of clinically significant microorganisms and the major infectious diseases these microorganisms cause in the Urinary, Reproductive, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Cardiovascular systems. Materials are presented according to body system. Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents are discussed, and the emphasis is on identification and susceptibility testing of clinically significant bacteria, and yeast-like fungi. Students will enhance their knowledge of identifying multi-resistant microorganisms. Laboratory exercises are conducted in smaller groups where theoretical concepts are reinforced, and safe laboratory practices are highlighted.

The learners experience and perform hands-on practice of analytical techniques in microbiology to correctly identify and perform susceptibility testing on the clinically significant microorganisms isolated from given simulated specimens. The laboratory sessions consist of unmarked and marked laboratory exercises, where the primary goal of the unmarked laboratory exercises is to introduce the clinically significant microorganisms and normal flora that can be isolated from the specific body systems. In addition, students are introduced to molecular diagnostic techniques and its application to microbiology. This course includes a review of topics studied in prerequisite courses. 

TSML243 – Transfusion Practices

This course provides the learner with a continuation and expansion of the theory of transfusion science that begun in TSML231. While the previous course concentrated on the testing to determine blood types and antibody status, this course will apply that knowledge and those techniques to compatibility testing, assessing Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn and Fetus, adverse effects of transfusion and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The concepts of transfusion and the appropriate use of all blood products will be discussed in detail. Students will use current web pages of the Canadian Blood Services as well as the required text to investigate the most up-to-date information on the production, management and indications for use of all components produced from blood donation. Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to select the appropriate blood component for the conditions, find compatible blood and appreciate the complex issues surrounding blood transfusion in Canada.

CLML252 – Clinical Education l

This course provides the students with an experience in a simulated laboratory environment prior to their Clinical Education II (CLML361) course. The students will be assessed on specific laboratory competencies in the five Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) disciplines as well as their overall readiness to attend the clinical semester. The simulated laboratory is meant to more closely resemble the typical clinical laboratory than the laboratory sessions given throughout the previous semester of the program with regards to work volume, work flow and requirement for multi-tasking. Students will be assessed on laboratory techniques as well as communication, professionalism and team work as it applies to Medical Laboratory Science.

IPML250 – Interprofessional Simulated Clinical Preparation

This course is designed to enhance the learners’ interpersonal and interprofessional competencies introduced in the Foundations of Interprofessional Collaboration for MLT Programs – BAIP125 in their first year. The course runs concurrently with the laboratory simulation course, CLML252, where learners rotate through the five disciplines in the Medical Laboratory Program. Learning activities and cases are taken from each of the discipline’s laboratory rotations. Subsequently, debriefing of these activities and cases will happen at the IPML250 workshops that are scheduled during weeks 4, 7 and 9. In week 11, the completion of the course will culminate in a series of presentations of key learning experiences.

The themes of this course include Communication and Feedback, Quality and Safety, Conflict Resolution, Reflection and Ethical Patient Care. The course includes small group activities incorporating case-based learning, interactions with each other using different scenarios and interaction with simulated participants. Learners practice and learn from mistakes in a safe environment where there is no risk of harming real patients. Inclusion of reflective practices will enrich the learners and facilitates their goal of being effective healthcare practitioners. At the end of this course, the learners are ready to begin clinical placement with strategies and tools to model ethical, quality and professional practice towards patient-centered care.

CLML361 Clinical Education II

Clinical Education II provides the students with 20 weeks clinical experience in the clinical laboratory environment. The learning and assessment opportunities given to the students fullfill the expectations of the 2019 Competency Profile and Michener’s Core Abilities as it applies to Medical Laboratory Sciences. The students are assessed on specific laboratory competencies in the five Medical Laboratory Science disciplines as well as their overall readiness to enter practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. The expectation for each of the students are to use their prior knowledge and to apply best practices. Students will experience more typical laboratory work volumes, workflows and multi-tasking than was provided by the summer simulation laboratory sessions referred to as Clinical Education I. The order that students will complete each discipline will depend on the schedule of rotation provided by the clinical sites. Each student will be required to pass each discipline’s competencies to pass the course. The CLML361 Blackboard course website will support communication and student learning. CompTracker® is the platform used by the student to submit completed competencies and complete any required forms and additionally, used by the Clinical Educators and Clinical Coordinators to sign off the submissions. The Clinical Liaison Officers will use CompTracker® to track students’ progress. Representative from Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology, The Michener Institute of Education at UHN, Mohawk College and Andrea Tjahja, Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program and Ontario Tech University collaborated to remap all competency-based objectives for clinical education to the current CLMLS competency profile.