B.S. Medical Laboratory Science

The primary mission of the MLS program is to educate and equip students with the knowledge, critical-thinking, scientific literacy, problem-solving, and practical skills that are essential for a professional clinical laboratory scientist. The program aims to train highly-competent and socially-responsible professionals who contribute to the improvement of public health and well-being, as well as the development of research and the medical sciences practice in Iraq and the MENA region. In addition to preparing students to perform and interpret laboratory results in various physical, chemical, and biological specialties, the AUIS MLS program emphasizes the principles of ethical and pluralistic practices in the medical field.

The MLS program’s vision is to become a local and regional model in medical laboratory education and research. To accomplish this, AUIS has developed and implemented a curriculum of international standards, established modern state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, and congregated faculty experts from around the world. The program adheres to national and international health and safety standards, seeks international accreditation, and addresses public health problems of high relevance to Iraq and the wider region.

After successful completion of the AUIS MLS Program, graduates will be able to:

• Collect, prepare, store and transport human samples for analysis using appropriate preservation and handling methods.
• Follow prescribed procedures, and with adequate orientation, perform routine testing in chemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, hematology, hemostasis, and molecular diagnostics.
• Operate and calibrate clinical laboratory instruments or equipment after proper orientation.
• Recognize and correct basic instrument malfunctions. Refer serious instrument problems to a senior laboratorian or a supervisor when necessary.
• Prepare reagents or media from a prescribed procedure, including calculating necessary computations, using an analytical balance, and adjusting the pH if necessary.
• Evaluate media, reagents, and standards according to established criteria.
• Conduct established quality control procedures on analytical tests, equipment, reagents, media, and products; evaluate results of quality control and implement corrective action when indicated.
• Establish basic quality control procedures, confidence limits, and normal ranges for new procedures or methods.
• Perform comparison studies on new or existing procedures and report results according to conventional scientific formats.
• Assess the reliability of laboratory results through correlation of data with common physiological conditions.
• In prescribed instances, indicate the need for additional laboratory tests for definitive diagnostic information.
• Provide clinical orientation and supervision for students and new or less skilled laboratory personnel. Lecture or provide class demonstrations.
• Practice established safety measures.
• Inform superiors of activities including unusual patient data or results.
• Recognize and act on the need for continuing education to maintain and grow in professional competencies.
• Present effective in-service continuing education sessions when asked.
• Apply managerial/supervisory skills for completion of projects as assigned.
• Comply with applicable regulatory statutes.
• Practice quality assurance and performance improvement techniques for optimum laboratory analysis.
• Manage laboratory operations and human resources to ensure cost-effective, high-quality laboratory services.
• Communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team, external relations, and patients.
• Evaluate research and published studies to remain informed of new techniques and procedures.
• Utilize information management systems to provide timely and accurate reporting of laboratory data.
• Behave in a professional and ethical manner.
• Maintain focus on the patient to provide quality laboratory services.

Core Courses

Major Courses

DEGREE TOTALS