FOIHEMS

REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON

Peace-Work-Fatherland

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

FOIHEMS INSTITUTE

HND IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

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INTRODUCTION:

Medical Laboratory Science is the application of biological and chemical sciences to the disciplines
practiced in medical diagnostic and research laboratory. Medical Laboratory Science provides
results essential for use by Medical staff in the detection and confirmation of diseases.
Consequently, the HND programmes covers both the scientific concepts and the application of
technical skills involve in disciplines of Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology, Immunology,
Heamatology, Blood Transfusion science, Molecular Biology, Histopathology and Cytology, etc.
Following the laid down guidelines by the ministry of higher education on HND in Medical
Laboratory Science, the programme will run for three (3) years. It is programmed to have six (6)
semesters and graduates should meet the intended purposes.
In consonance with the MINESUP guidelines on HND, this programme will be run by private
higher institutions approved by the honourable minister of Higher Education. Instruction will
consist of Lectures, Practicals, Clinical Presentations and group discussions.
OBJECTIVES OF HND PROGRAMME:
This programme is aimed at producing highly skilled Senior Medical Laboratory Technicians in
response to national needs and in consonance with global standards. The programme is polyvalent
and at the end of it, the graduate should be:
a) To be able to perform laboratory diagnoses using current techniques.
b) Should be able to meet up with new scientific and technological changes within the field of
Medical Laboratory Sciences.
c) Capable of working within a health team with a view of developing information, education,
and communication activities and providing basic health care to any individual or
community.
d) Capable of impacting knowledge on junior laboratory personnels.
e) Should be able to acquire basic entrepreneurial and managerial skills in med lab. sciences

Admission Requirements:
1) Five (5) General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level passes including English language
and Mathematics.
2) Two G.C.E Advanced level passes in Biology and any other science paper.

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Duration
Three (3) years for HND: five (5) semesters of formal full time training and internships and one
semester of appropriate experimental learning in a referral hospital and writing of National
examinations). 50% of each semester should be devoted to course work (lectures and practical in
school and 50% for internships in hospital/clinics/health centers
Examinations:
For each semester, there shall be continuous assessments and end of semester examinations. These
scores will be put together to give the final mark of the student for each course. The performance of
each student will be evaluated by an examinations and laboratory practical exercises throughout the
period of study. After validation of all courses, students will then be qualified to sit for and
expected to be successful in both the final HND Laboratory Practicals and written examinations
organized by the ministry of Higher Education (BTS equivalence).
Graduation Requirements:
Only students who have successfully passed both the final Medical Laboratory practicals and
written HND examinations, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) are
eligible for graduation.
For a successful completion of the HND in Medical Laboratory Science, the student is expected to
pass in all courses and an HND examination.
Credit value at clinical site
One credit value for taught courses is equal to 15 hours of lecture. So a six credit course runs for 90
hrs, 4 credits for 60hours, etc.
For clinical placement, 1 credit is equal to 60 hours of practice at the clinical site; this should be
equal to one week of clinical placement. So for six (6) weeks of clinical placement in a
hospital/clinic/health center, a student earns six (6) credits. For eight weeks at the clinical site, the
student earns eight credits
SECTION 3: COURSE OUTLETS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Upon completion, graduate of HND in Medical Lab. Science could proceed to do a one year top up
bacherlor degree program that can permit them to specialize in sub-disciplines like; Chemical
Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Heamatology, Transfusion science, Histopathology,
Parasitology and Cytology.
The HND is designed primarily to lead up to employment in hospital and community-based medical
Labs. Other areas of employment include pharmaceutical and food science industries, veterinary
labs, the Laboratoy Supply businesses, biomedical research, Water treatment plants, and others.

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STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME FOR HND IN MEDICAL LABORATORY

SCIENCES

DESCIPLINE: MLS SPECIALTY: MLS

FUNDAMENTAL UNITS OF TEACHING (25.7%)
Course Course Title NUMBER OF HOURS Credit
Code L T P SPW TOTAL Value
HRS
MLS 111 Medical Cytology 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 112 Human Anatomy and 60 20 10 75% 90 6
Physiology I
MLS 114 Basic Chemistry 40 10 10 75% 60 4

MLS 115 Professional Ethics and 50 10 00 75% 60 4

Legislation
MLS 116 Mathematics and Statistics 40 20 00 75% 60 4

MLS 121 Human Anatomy and 60 20 10 75% 90 6

Physiology II
MLS 122 Clinical Pharmacology 70 20 00 75% 90 6
MLS 123 Medical Biochemistry 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 124 Basic Physics 40 10 10 75% 60 4
TOTAL 9 COURSES 480 130 80 690 46

NOTE:
C = Compulsory
L = Lecture Hours
P = Practical Hours

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DESCIPLINE: MLS SPECIALTY: MLS

PROFESSIONAL UNITS OF TEACHING (51.4%)
Course Course Title NUMBER OF HOURS Credit
Code L T P SPW TOTAL Value

MLS 211 Medical 60 10 20 75% 90 6

Parasitology/entomology I
MLS 212 Chemical Pathology I 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 213 Haematology I 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 214 General Microbiology 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 215 Laboratory Management and 40 20 00 75% 60 4
Quality Assurance
MLS 216 Primary Health care / 40 20 00 75% 60 4
Epidemiology
MLS 221 Medical Bacteriology 50 10 30 75% 90 6
MLS 222 Medical 60 10 20 75% 90 6
Parasitology/entomology II
MLS 223 Chemical Pathology II 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 224 Haematology/blood transfusion 60 10 20 75% 90 6
II
MLS 225 Immunology 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 311 Histopathology 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 312 Medical Mycology and Virology 60 10 20 75% 90 6
MLS 313 Molecular Biology / Diagnostic 60 10 20 75% 90 6
Techniques
MLS 314 Integrated Laboratory Practice 30 30 30 75% 90 6
and Case Studies
MLS 322 Medical Microbiology 6 C 00 00 90 6
Internships
MLS 323 Chemical Pathology Internships 6 C 00 00 90 6
MLS 324 Haematology and Blood 6 C 00 00 90 6
Transfusion Science Internships
TOTAL 18 COURSES 838 190 280 1560 104

NOTE:
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C = Compulsory L = Lecture Hours P = Practical Hours

DESCIPLINE: MLS SPECIALTY: MLS
TRANSVERSAL UNITS OF TEACHING (22.8%)
Course Course Title NUMBER OF HOURS Credit
Code L T P SPW TOTAL Value
MLS 113 Medical Sociology and Anthropology 50 10 00 75% 60 4
MLS 117 Use of English 40 20 00 75% 60 4
MLS 125 ICT 30 10 20 75% 60 4
MLS 126 French 40 20 00 75% 60 4
MLS 127 Sports 10 10 10 75% 30 2
MLS 226 Research Methodology and Biometry 60 30 00 75% 90 6
MLS 227 Basic skills in Nursing and First aid 20 00 10 75% 30 2
MLS 315 Entrepreneurship 40 20 00 75% 60 4
TOTAL 8 COURSES 290 120 40 450 30

NOTE: C = Compulsory L = Lecture Hours P = Practical Hours

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STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME FOR HND IN MEDICAL LABORATORY

SCIENCES

YEAR: ONE
Course Course Title Credit Status L T P Total
Code Value HRS/WK
FIRST SEMESTER
MLS 111 Medical Cytology 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 112 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 6 C 60 20 10 6
MLS 113 Medical Sociology and Anthropology 4 C 50 10 00 4
MLS114 Basic Chemistry 4 C 40 10 10 4
MLS 115 Professional Ethics and Legislation 4 C 50 10 00 4
MLS 116 Mathematics and Statistics 4 C 40 20 00 4
MLS 117 Use of English 4 C 40 20 00 4
MLS118 Clinical Placement 1 6 C 40 20 360 6
TOTAL 38 380 120 400 38

SECOND SEMESTER
MLS 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 6 C 60 20 10 6
MLS 122 Clinical Pharmacology 6 C 70 20 00 6
MLS123 Medical Biochemistry 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 124 Basic Physics 4 C 40 10 10 4
MLS 125 ICT 4 C 30 10 20 4
MLS126 FRENCH 4 C 40 20 00 4
MLS 127 Sports 2 C 10 10 10 2
Clinical placement II 6 C 00 00 360 6
TOTAL 38 310 100 430 38
NOTE: C = Compulsory
L = Lecture Hours
P = Practical Hours

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YEAR: TWO
Course Course Title Credit Status L T P Total
Code Value HRS/WK

FIRST SEMESTER
MLS 211 Medical Parasitology I 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 212 Chemical Pathology I 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 213 Haematology I 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 214 General Microbiology 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 215 Laboratory Management and 4 C 40 20 00 4
Quality Assurance
MLS 216 Primary Health care/Epidermiology 4 C 40 20 00 4

Clinical placement III 6 C 00 00 360 6

TOTAL 38 320 80 440 38

SECOND SEMESTER
MLS 221 Medical Bacteriology 6 C 50 10 30 6
MLS 222 Medical Parasitology II 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 223 Chemical Pathology II 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 224 Haematology II 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 225 Immunology 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 226 Research methodology and 6 C 60 30 00 6
Biometry
MLS 227 Basic skills in nursing and first aid 2 C 20 00 10 2
Clinical placement IV 6 C 00 00 360 6
TOTAL 42 370 80 480 44

NOTE:
C = Compulsory
L = Lecture Hours
P = Practical Hour

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YEAR: THREE

Course Course Title Credit Status L T P Total

Code Value HRS/WK
FIRST SEMESTER
MLS 311 Histopathology 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 312 Medical Mycology and virology 6 C 60 10 20 6
MLS 313 Molecular Biology / Diagnostic 6 C 60 10 20 6
Techniques
MLS 314 Integrated Laboratory practice and 6 C 30 30 30 6
case studies
MLS 315 Entrepreneurship 4 C 40 20 00 4
Clinical placement V 6 C 00 00 360 6
TOTAL 28 250 80 450 34
SECOND SEMESTER
MLS 321 Research Project 6 C 00 00 90 6
MLS 322 Medical Microbiology Internships 6 C 00 00 90 6
MLS 323 Chemical Pathology Internships 6 C 00 00 90 6
MLS 324 Haematology and Blood 6 C 00 00 90 6
Transfusion Science Internships
TOTAL 24 00 00 360 24

NOTE:
C = Compulsory
L = Lecture Hours
P = Practical Hours

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COURSE TITLE AND CONTENT

MLS 111: Medical Cytology (6 Credit 60-20-10)

OUTCOME
At the end of this course the students should be able to recognize and identify the different kind of
cells.
OBJECTIVE:
To familiarize students with the basic structure and functions of living cells, and extrapolate these
to humans
Section A: Medical cytology (cell theory, cell organelles (details) structure and function of
organelles, different types of tissues ie epithelial, connective, skeletal, blood, neurous,
muscular)
a) General study of the cell
 Methods of cell study
 Classification of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells)
 Origin and evolution of cell
b) Cellular organization
 The plasma membrane
 Cell organs and organelles Movements through cell membranes: osmosis,
filtration, diffusion, active transport, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis
 Processes of mitosis and meiosis Life cycle of a cell: mitosis, meiosis
 Different organism,differentiation of cells or organelles e.g paramecium, lydra,
entanuoeba, cysts, parasites, bacteria etc.
c) Genetic material and protein synthesis
 The Genetic material
 Cell protein synthesis
 Introductory Genetics
d) Microscopy: Theory and principles of microscopy-light, phase contrast, dark field
ground and election microscopy.
e) Type, shape and arrangement of different cells
 Human cell types: definition

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 Different human tissues: epithelial, connective tissues, muscle and nervous

tissues, bone and cartilage blood.
f) Chemical reactions and constituents of cells:
Enzymes:
 Nature of enzymes
 Mechanism of enzyme action
 Cell differentiation, control of cell reproduction, cancer, hyperplasia, anaplasia
and metastasis
g) Role of cytology in Medical care and Diagnosis - cancer
MLS 112: Anatomy & physiology I (6 credits 60-20-10)
OUTCOME
At the end of the course, students should be able to differentiate and know the relationship between
tissues, organs and systems. Also be able to identify, describe and discuss all the systems of the
human body.
OBJECTIVES
Content: Structures, types, characteristics, functions, Membranes, mucous, sources and synocial
fluids, glands, body cavities and their contents; systems ie circulatory hepatic,
Details of the course
A. Structure of Body Tissues
 Types of tissues and their origin, cell functions, epithelia tissues, general features of
epithelia tissues, epithelia cell shapes, muscle tissues, skeletal tissues, smooth muscle
tissue and cardiac tissues
 Connective tissues and general features, connective tissue cells, adipose tissues, bone,
cartilage and nervous tissues
 Biopsy, pathology and Martan syndrome
 Membranes and glands
B. Structure of Body Systems
 Life processes: responsiveness, growth, differentiation
 Major systems of the body (part I): integumentary, Cardio-vascular/lymphatic
system, musculo-skeletal system
Workload: 6 hours per week x 2 semesters
Evaluation: Test and end of semester examination.
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MLS113: Medical Sociology and Anthropology (4 credit 40 – 20 - 00 )

Objective: At the end of the course, the student should be able to recognize and identify behaviour,
society and relate the importance of the social structure and source to the health profession.
Content: social institution, social behaviour, hospitalized rich and poor, the hospitalized, culture
and society, man, culture and society. etc.
A. Sociology Specific Content

 Introduction to Sociology
 Notion of anthropology and ethnology
 Evolution of man and life: biological, psychological and social dimension
 Social institutions
 Social Behaviours
 Determinants of Behaviour
 The in-born and acquired myths and beliefs
 Norms, Values, Beliefs and Belief Patterns In Relation to Heath
 Culture and cultural phenomena
 Cultural altitudes towards health, illness and death
 Present and alternative past medical practices and traditional medicine
 Sociology and social psychology
 Notions of groups: social groups, ( families, working groups, institutions); restricted group
dynamics; conflict dynamics; leaders; communication and communication networks
 Social Problems, their Importance to Public Health and their Implication for the Nurse
B. Anthropology Specific Content
 Definition and basics in anthropology (norms, beliefs and values)
 Cultures (nature, diversity and uniformity)
 Influence of culture on health and diseases
 Introduction to traditional medicine
 Folk beliefs and its impact on health
Workload: 2 hours per week for 2 semesters
Evaluation: Test and end of semester examination.

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MLS 114 BASIC CHEMISTRY (4 credit 40 – 10 – 10 )

Objectives:
At the end of this course, the students should be able to understand the chemical basis of life, basic
chemical processes related to life and health, and how defects in these chemical reactions can alter
normal functions in the body.
Contents:
Discovery processes in chemistry, measurements, acid bases and salts (P H of solution) and their
applications, solutes, solvents, mixtures mass and volume relationships in science, osmolarity
(hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic etc), Dilutions and concentrations, standard solutions and titrations
(calculating the concentrations of unknown solutions using standard solutions), Basics of organic
chemistry and some important organic compounds (e.g aspirin, phenols,), radioactivity
Work Load: 2 hours per week, 40 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations
MLS 115 Professional Ethics and Legislation (4 credit 50 – 10 – 10)
Objective: At the end of the course, the student should be able to know those values and
obligations which practice in the profession.
Content: Nurse, Patient, nurse/patient relationship, obligations of the nurse, rights of the patient,
rights and responsibilities of the nurse, deontology, ethics, etiquettes, patient reception in hospital,
nurse/patient-relative relationship. Medical jurisprudence, lab practice and the law, forensic
nursing, malpractice,malpractice, civic duties, organization of Government, Common law, labour
law, Criminal Law,etc.
Detailed Content:

Ethics for laboratory students

 Morality and Ethics: Norms, Deviances, Religion, Values, Beliefs, Cultures

 Bioethics
 MLS Ethics
 Moral Development
 Ethical Principles: Autonomy, Freedom, Privacy, Confidentiality, Beneficence, Fidelity,
Motivation, Justice, Veracity and Responsibility.
 Code of Ethics health workers.
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 Application of Ethics to MLS Practice: Respect For Life And Death, The Concept Of
Dignity, Euthanasia, Human Rights, Rights of The Child, Rights of The Elderly, Patients
Rights
 Ethical Decision Making Frameworks and their Application in diagnosis
 Context And Conflicts With Bioethical Standards
 Health Employee/employer contract law for health practitioners
 MLS and the law
C Introduction to Law and Fundamental Rights

Law

 Sources of law
 Law and enabling Acts (text of application)
 The concept of legal personality
 Civil responsibility (contract, TORT)
 Criminal responsibility
 The court and their jurisdictions
 Labor law: formation and execution of labor contract, remuneration, condition of work,
obligation of the employer and employee, termination of labor contracts
Fundamental Rights

 The concepts of human rights

 Sources of human right
 Major international conventions of human rights
 International conventions relating to women
 Children and the rights of the minorities
 The role of the judiciary and the legislative in the protection of human rights
 The Cameroon national commission of human rights and liberties
 The civil society NGO’s and the protection of human rights
Law for Medical laboratory personnel

 Definition of Law, public law, private law

 The client’s and MLS personnel’s’ constitutional right
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Administrative law related to licensing and regulation of health practice

Workload: 4 hours per week for one semester
Evaluation: Test and end of semester exanimation.

MLS 116 Mathematics AND STATISTICS (4 credit 40 -20 -00)

OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course the student should be able to perform basic mathematical problems related
to laboratory practice
COURSE CONTENT
 Measuration
 Set theory
 Basic algebra
 Proportions
 Ratios
 Coordinate geometry
 Probability
 Basic statistics
MLS 117 Use of ENGLISH (4 credit 40 – 20 – 20)
Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the students should efficiently communicate with his/her colleagues
and the patient in English. Grammar, Conjugation, curriculum Vitae, Lettre writing, reading
Comprehension, Listening comprehension. Tenses. Also, besides grammar, a special emphasis
should be placed on common vocabulary in the medical work.
Contents:
 History and socio-cultural background of English in Cameroon
 Brief introduction to the structure of English
 Phoneme
 Morpheme
 Word
 Phrase
 Sentence
 Discourse
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 Basic grammatic functionist

 Subject
 Object
 Grammatic categories: gender, personal number, count and non count nouns
 Spelling and punctuation
 Word formation
 Collocations
 Prepositions
 Some confusable works
 Synonyms, autonyms
 Figure of speech
 Idiomatic expressions
 Reported speech
 Difference between British and American English (pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary)
 Sound of English: in isolation and in connected speech
 Sentence stress and intonation

 Types of discourse: expository, descriptive, narrative

 Note taking ( in lectures, in meetings)
 Turn taking conversational English
 Basic techniques of reading
 Basic techniques of writing
 Formal and informal letters
 Application for a job
 Administrative letters
 Invitations
 Writing CV
 Writing minutes of meetings
 General characteristics of the language in accordance with the area of specialization
 Technical writing
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 Writing technical report

 Writing projects
 Writing technical instructions
 Summarizing documents
 Techniques in public speaking
 Techniques of negotiation

Work Load: 2 hours per week, 40 hours per semester

Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations
MLS118 Clinical placement 1 (6 credit 40 – 20 – 360)

MLS 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (6 credit 60 – 20 – 10)

Objectives:
This continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and at the end of the course, the student
should be able to know the anatomy and normal functions of the various systems of the human
body.
Contents:
Gross anatomy of the reproductive, the nervous, endocrine systems and the sense organs.
Physiology: physiology of excitable tissues; autonomic nervous system, endocrine glands and the
sense organs, respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive, nervous system: special senses

Principles of Homeostasis
 Fluid, electrolyte, and acid base homeostasis
 Fluid compartment and fluid balance
 Intracellular and extracellular fluids
 Electrolytes in body fluids: sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium,
bicarbonate, calcium, phosphate
 Acid-base balance, buffer systems, exhalation of carbondioxide, kidney
excretion of hydrogen ions, acidosis, alkalosis, regulation of fluid loss,
enemas and fluid balance, body water
Work Load: 4 hours per week, 60 hours per semester.

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Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations.

MLS 122 Clinical Pharmacology (6 credit 70 – 20 – 00)
Objectives:
The student should be able to identify, classify various drug classes and the application of this drugs
in susceptibility testing.
Contents:
Drugs: origin, forms, the routes of administration, classification, modes of action and side effects of
drugs. Synergism, antagonism and toxicity. Absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs.
Analgesics-minor antipyretics, anti malaria, antihelminthics, Anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-biotic
antidiarrhoea drugs, antihaemorrhage, serums and vaccines, disinfectants and antiseptic products,
cough medicines,anticoagulants, Hormones and Vitamins. Drugs of the nervous system. National
drug policy in health units and the effects of drugs on laboratory tests.
.
Work Load: 4 hours per week, 60 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations
MLS123 Medical Biochemistry (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20)
Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to know the chemical and molecular basis of
life and the various chemical processes taking place in the body described in terms of both normal
and abnormal metabolism.
Contents:
The structure and properties of: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Enzymes, nucleic acid.
Digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones.
Body fluids: Urine and the blood
MLS124 Basic Physics (4 credit 40 – 10 – 20)
Objectives: to provide practical skills and fundamental concepts of measurement, units,
dimensions, vectors, scalars and forces

Content

 Mechanics and dynamics. Fundamental concepts of measurements, units and dimensions,

vectors and scalars, rectilinear motion and Newton’s laws of motion.

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 Concepts of circular motion and simple harmonic motion and applications in the centrifuge
and tachometer.
 Forces in equilibrium, moments and couples and its application in the beam balance, density
and specific gravity concepts.

 waves and optics,

 Refraction at plane surfaces and through prism and application in microscopes. A general
knowledge of the principle, use and maintenance of autoclaves, hot air ovens, inspissations,
Kock’s streamers, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, microscopes, common types of
paraffin sections, centrifuges and stills.

 Applications of the following concepts in health

 Elecricity and magnetism: electromagnetic spectrum; medical imaging,
 Thermometry and design of thermometers
 Heat and its applications to the autoclave and hot air ovens
 Radioactivity
MLS125 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (4 credit 30 – 10 – 20 )
Outcomes:
 At the end of the course, students should be able to know computer related concepts

Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
- Know related computing concepts;
- Have practical hands on using computers.

 Content:
 - Introduction: historical background;
 - Types of computers and application areas;
 - Impact of computers on society;
 - Current notion: e.g. information society and globalisation;
 - Outline computer organisation (block structure of computers);
 - Explanatory definitions and examples of basic hardware, software and networking;
 - Basic concepts on programming languages and Algorithms;
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 - Basic concepts on PC file systems and management;

 - Explanatory definitions and procedures in using Computer systems (e.g. business and data
processing);
 - Internet working: Internet access; of Internet facilities (e.g. E-mail, WEB page
access/download, file transfer). Information Services: e. commerce; mention assorted
internet related protocols and standards: e.g. http, ftp, html;
 - Office automation: Introductory use of word processor, graphics and spread sheet
packages, database assess;
 - Conceptual (abstract) view/layout of problem handled be given packages, optional,
packages: presentation graphics and graphing packages.
MLS126 FRENCH (4 credit 40 -20 – 00)
A. Course Title: Functional French
Course Aim: Ce cours de “French” a pour but de former des locateurs compétents pour pouvoir
faire face à des situations courantes de communication en maîtrisant les différents parametres de
l’échange tels que le lieu, le temps, les interlocateurs, les statuts de locateurs, les affectivités etc. Il
vise également à amener les apprenants à être capable de comprendre et de produire à l’oral comme
à l’écrit, des énoncés en langue française sur des sujets variés touchant leur domaine de
prédilection, dont la medicine.

Indicative Content:

A. Introduction générale: apprendre ou ne pas apprendre le français? Pourquoi? Avantages et

ouverture.

 Saluer; se présenter quelqu’un

 Demander une information; demander quelque chose, les sons [ i ], [ j ], [ y ], [ w ];

Demander une information, Proposer / acepter ou refuser une proposition; Demander
une information; [ m ], [n ], [ ] , Donner son opinion

 Exprimer ses préférences; les sons [ p ], [ b ]

 Préciser son identité; les sons [ i ], [ y ]

 S’excuser et se justifier; le son [ r ], [ ], Dire l’heure

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 Parler de soi; les sons [ u ], [ i ], [ y ]; les sons [ ], [ a ]

B. Caractériser les lieux (ce qu’un voit)

C. Caractériser des personnes (ce que l’on voit) Identifier et caratériser des personnes

D. Savoir téléphoner; communiquer, les sons [ e ], [ ε ], [ ə ], [ ø ]

E. Exprimer ses besoins et ses goûts , ses préférences et les justifier les sons [ 9 ], [ k ], [ ∫ ], [ З

F. La négation; donner des orders; répondre à des orders.

G. L’interrogation; proposer, accepter / refuser une idée les sons [ ѕ ], [ z ], [ t ], [ d ],

H. Medical French (medical terminologies in French)

Work Load: 2 hours per week, 40 hours per semester

Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations

MLS 127 Sports (2 credit 10 – 10 – 10)

Objectives
At the end of the exercise, students should be able to use skills acquired in body mechanisms. They
should be able to assist recovering patients in body exercises.
Contents:
Head and neck exercises, chest, abdomen and limb exercises. All types of games.
Work Load: Two hours per week, 10 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment, field exercises and end of semester examination.

MLS 211 Medical Parasitology and Entomology I (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should have adequate knowledge of the epidemiology,
laboratory diagnosis and control of parasitic infections. The course should also provide the student
with adequate knowledge of the clinical manifestations, host-parasite relationships pathogenesis,
management, laboratory diagnosis, vectors associated with parasitic infections and control of
parasites affecting humans.

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Contents:
Basic concepts in parasitology.
Biology, morphology and basic taxonomy or classification of parasite associated with human.
 Sarcomastigophora: Amoeba: Entamoeba histolytica, Naegleria species,
 Flagellates: Giardia lamblia, Trichomnas vaginalis
 Haemoflagellates: Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosome gambiense and T. rhodesiense and
Leishmania
 Ciliophora-Ciliates: Balantidium coli
 Coccida: sporozoa-plasmodium, Isopora belli, cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondi.

MLS 212 Chemical Pathology I (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:
An understanding of renal function and the mechanisms by which the human body maintains
homeostasis for body water, electrolytes, glucose, proteins, and acid base balances.
Upon completion of the course, the student would have:
a) Acquired skills to perform biochemical tests useful in the diagnosis of renal disorders,
disorders of water, sodium and potassium balance, abnormal proteins and disorders of
carbohydrate metabolism.
b) Appreciated the diagnosis of laboratory testing and biological variation, as well as the
principles of quality control and quality assurance in the clinical chemistry laboratory.
Contents:
 Introduction clinical chemistry
 Sample collections, processing and preservation for investigation.
 Concepts of reference values and quality control.
 Traditional S. I units
 Diagnostic techniques (instrumentation e.g Spectrophotometry, chromatography etc )
 Acid-Base balance, investigation of acid base disturbances
 Disturbances of water, sodium and potassium balance
 Renal function tests
 Urinalysis and body fluid analysis
 Investigation of plasma protein disorders

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 Plasma glucose homeostasis

 Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism
MLS 213 Haematology I (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )
Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student is expected:
 To have a basic knowledge of haematopoiesis
 To be able to collect and preserve clinical samples
 To gain knowledge and understanding of major theoretical principles of haematology.
 To perform basic manual hematological techniques with precision and accuracy.
 To have a basic knowledge of blood group serology and blood transfusion techniques.
Contents:
 Haematopoiesis
 Composition and function of blood and the various formed elements.
 Collection and handling of blood specimens
 Quality assurance in haematology
 Anticoagulant commonly used in haematology.
 Instrumentation in haematology
Routine Haematology Procedures:
 Full blood counts
 Visual counting of total erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelet and reticulocytes.
 Chemical and physical properties, metabolism of haemoglobin and methods of estimation of
haemoglobin.
 Haematocrit.
 Calculation of red cell indices
 Principles of staining and preparation of stains and solution.
 Preparation and staining of thin and thick blood films/calculation of absolute values
 Identification of normal and abnormal blood cells
 Automation
 Determination of ESR
 Blood group serology:-
 Antigen/Antibody reactions
 Demonstration of antigen/antibody reactions.

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 The inheritance of blood groups

 The ABO blood group system
 ABO grouping methods-selection and preparation of ABO grouping sera.
 The Rhesus blood group system-selection and preparation of Rhesus grouping sera.
 Haemolytic disease newborn

MLS 214 General Microbiology (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:
This course is expected to cover the microbial morphology, growth and nutrition, classification,
pathogenesis and genetics. Upon completion the student is expected to be familial with principles
and isolation of microorganisms from clinical specimen.
Contents:
 History of micro-organism
 Classification of micro-organisms
 Control of micro-organism in the various system
 Sterilization and disinfection
 Preparation of culture media
 Bacterial structure and arrangement
 Microorganism metabolism and genetics
 Pathogenesis of microbial infections affecting humans
 Exotoxins and endotoxins, phages, pathogenicity
 laboratory diagnosis and epidemiology
 Normal flora in the human system
 Applications in general microbiology

MLS 215 Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance (4 credit 40 – 20 – 00)

Objectives:
At the end of the course the student should have acquired basic knowledge in the design, practice
and management of a clinical laboratory through primary and tertiary health care levels.
Contents:

 General introduction to a laboratory.

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 The concepts and relevance of management in medical laboratory practice.

 Supervisory skills and management functions; staff welfare.
 Planning and structural designing of laboratories: Fixtures and equipment in conformity
with health and safety standards.
 Personnel
 Instrumentation.
 Laboratory safety(first aid)
 laboratory symbols
 Units of measurements
 Laboratory animal husbandry.
 Special norms: preparation, instrument balance, cold chain etc
 Purchasing of laboratory materials, sources of funds and different methods of purchasing.
 Preparation of purchasing materials.
 Receipt, storage and issuing of laboratory materials.
 Stock control management: record keeping.
 Affiliation and registration into professional bodies.
 Equipment and registration of laboratory personnel.
 Job description for various laboratory personnel.
 Internal and external quality control, assurances errors, importance, use of manuals, policy,
standard operating procedure.
 International organization of a lab
 Customer services
 Laboratory information system(LIS)

MLS 216 Primary Health care/Epidermiology (4 credit 40 – 20 – 00)

Objectives
At the end of the course the student should be able to;
 Understand primary health care system and to be able to carry out basic epidemiological
techniques in solving community health problems
Contents:
PHC:

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 Introduction to health and public health in Cameroon, history and evolution of PHC in
Cameroon.
 New stakes of health sector strategy in Cameroon
 Synthesis on preventive, curative, educative and promotive health.
 Health coverage, community health care financing; levels of health care: central
intermediate and the peripheral levels.
 The district; an integrated health center; minimum package of activities in an integrated
health center and a district hospital; principles of care in integrated Health center; cost
recovery.
Epidemiology:
 Epidemiological triangle.
 Definition of terms: incidences, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, sexuality, contagiousness,
attack rate, level of alertness, primary and secondary alertness, herd immunity.
 Introduction to demography: Birth rate, natural growth rate.
 Epidemiological concepts: Endemic, Epidemics, Endemo-Epidemics.
Prophylaxis
 Definition
 Prophylactic
 Obligatory declaration
 Early screening
 Isolation
 Quarantine
School and occupational health care
MLS 221 Medical Bacteriology (6 credit 50 – 10 – 30 )
Objectives:
This is intended to cover the design of a Bacteriology Laboratory, handling, collection and
transportation of clinical specimens, culture of specimens from food, water, blood, urine, stool,
sputum, CSF and other body fluids, principles of antimicrobial sensibility testing, serodiagnosis,
bioassay, control of hospital infections and interpretation of results
This is designed to enable the students:
1. Know how to design a bacteriology laboratory

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2. To be familiar with the morphology, isolation, identification of bacteria from clinical

specimens.
3. Know how to properly collect bacteriological specimens
4. Study more detailly some fastidious bacteria.
Contents:
Systematic study of some bacteria and some anaerobes
Bacilli, Spirochaetes and spirrilla
Enterobacteriacease: E coli, Klebsiella, shigella, proteus, pseudomonas, vibrio, yersinia.
Campylobacter, serratia, Bacillus species. Spirochetes, Listeia-Morphology .
Pyogenic cocci and cocco-bacilli:
Staphylococci, streptococci, bordetella, haemophilus pasteurella, brucella and neisseria. The
morphology, metabolism, cellular antigens and extra-cellular products including toxins, enzymes,
group typing, pathogenicity, laboratory diagnosis and epidemiology.
Anaerobic Bacteriology
Anaerobiosis: Gram-positive and gram negative forming anaerobic bacilli, gram positive, and gram
negative anaerobic cocci, Gram positive spore-forming anaerobic bacilli, capsules, general
morphology, toxins, pathogenicity, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, chemotherapy and clinical
significance of anaerobic infections. History of microbial agents, properties of important
chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. Structure, activity, relationship e.t.c.
Mycobacteriology: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycobacterium leprae and typical mycobacteria.
Their morphology, cultivation, antimicrobial sensitivity testing and chemotherapy of mycobacteria,
immune response, laboratory diagnosis and epidemiology.
Mycoplasmatology and Chlamydiology: Laboratory isolation, identification and epidemiology of
mycoplasma and shlamydia. The serological diagnosis of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS,
spirochetes, and streptococci.
Work Load: 4 hours per week, 90 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations.

MLS 222 Medical Parasitology /Entomology II (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:

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This is a continuation of Clinical Parasitology I. At the end of the course, the student is expected to
have adequate knowledge on the epidemiology, host parasite relationship, management, laboratory
diagnosis, associated vectors and control of helminthic infections.
Contents:
The Biology, morphology, basic taxonomy, of helminthes associated with human diseases and their
intermediate hosts and vectors. A more detail knowledge of the following associated with disease in
man:
Medical Helminthology:
 Nematoda: (Oxyuroudea, Ascaridoidea, Trichinelloidea,Srrogoidea, Filaridea)
 Cestoda (Pserdphyllidea, Cylophyllidea)
 Trematoda (Schestosomatoidea, Fascioloidea, Opisthochiodea, Troglotrematoide
Parasitological Techniques:
 Concentration methods of parasites in biological specimens
 Counting methods in research program
 Culture techniques (Baermans apparatus)
 Hatching tests for viability of ova
 Routine serodiagnostic procedures of helminthic infections
 Details of techniques used in the laboratory control of treatment and not the epidemiology.
Work Load: 4 hours per week, 60 hours per semester.
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations
MLS 223 Chemical Pathology II (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )
Objectives:
This is a continuation of chemical pathology I. At the end of the course, the student would have
acquire a good understanding of the biochemistry and pathophysiology associated with many tests
routinely performed in a clinical chemistry laboratory in diagnosing lipid, liver and endocrine
disorders.
Contents:
 Disorders of lipid metabolism
 Enzyme tests in chemical diagnosis
 Clinical vitaminology
 Liver function tests
 Cardiac function tests

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 Tests for gastric intestinal function

 Investigation of physical disorders
 Toxicology/therapeutic drug monitoring
 Disorders of calcium and magnesium metabolism
 Automation in clinical chemistry
 Biochemistry of tumours markers
 Inborn errors of metabolism
 Basic endocrinology
Work Load: 6 hours per week, 90 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations.

MLS 224 Haematology II (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to recognize both normal and abnormal blood
cells, carry out basic hemoglobin estimations and investigate hematological disorders including
anemic leukemia and haemostatic disorders. The students should also be able to learn the main
blood transfusion techniques and blood banking procedures and the Cameroon Government’s
Policy on blood transfusion.
Contents:
 Haemoglobin metabolism, haemoglobinopathies and lab diagnosis
 Disorders of erythrocytes: anaemias, polycythaemia and laboratory
 Disorders of leucocytes: leukaemias, malignant lymphomas, hodgkin’s and non-hodgkin’s
lymphoma, multiple myeloma, infectious mononucleosis, and other non-malignant
leukocyte disorder
 Special techniques: Bone marrow examination
 Elementary theory of blood coagulation
 Coagulation screening theories and procedures
 Platelet disorders and coagulation factor disorders
 Quality assurance in blood bank
Blood group systems
 Compatibility tests
 Coomb’s test

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 Investigation of transfusion reaction

 Automation in blood group serology
 Blood bank procedures
 Blood bank organization
 The blood donor
 Storage of blood
 Blood products
 The Cameroon National Blood transfusion

MLS 225 Immunology (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objective:
By the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Basics concepts of immunology and their application in the diagnosis of diseases.
Content:
Introduction first, second, third line defenses, specific and non-specific, Definitions, general
structure of the immune system, Various arms, lymphatic system and other cell, innate immune
system, Cytokines, adaptive immune system (immunoglobulins memory, etc), Evading the immune
system, immunogenicity, imuno-tolerance and auto-immunity, immunologic disorders, harmful
immune response eg graft rejection and auth immunity, antigen-antibody reactions, applications eg.
Immunodiagnostic techniques, etc.

MLS 226 Research methodology and Biometry (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20)

Objectives:
By the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Understand the various components of a research process
 Write a research proposal, seminar and project
 Apply basic statistical skills in research.
Content:
Definition, types of research, Writing research proposals and seminars, research methods, projects,
research papers, articles etc.
Introduction, sample and population, statistical frame of mind, re-organisation of data, calculators
and computers in statistics, distribution, basic concepts in probability, estimation of hypothesis,

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confidence interval significant levels, type l and type ll errors, student T-test, Sqi-square analysis,
parametric and non-parametric test,

MLS 227 Basic skills in nursing and first aid (2 credit 20 – 00 – 10 )

Objectives:
By the end of this course the student should be able to:
 Carry out basic nursing process and administration of first aid
Content:
Notions of admissions of patients
Hospital structure
Patient reception
Admission of patients
Vital signs
Types of beds
Bed making
First aid

MLS 311 Histopathology (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

Objectives:
The students should be able to identify abnormal cells/tissues in diseased organs encountered in
routine biopsy/post-mortem analysis.
Contents:
 Normal History of cells, tissues and organs, tumours
 Instrumentation in a histopathology unit
 Specimen collection, fixation, decalcification, mcroscopic staining with haematoxyline and
Eosin.
 Choice of appropriate fixatives.
 Basic microtomy
 Removal of formalin and other pigments from sections prior to staining.
 Application of special staining procedures
 Specialized techniques and museum techniques

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 Cytology of Exudates (exfoliative cytology)

 Seminal fluid analysis (spermogramme).
 Basics of embalming and autopsy

MLS 312 Medical Mycology and virology (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )

On completion of the course, the students should be able to:-
 Situate fungi in the microbial World
 Know the harmful and beneficial effects of fungi
 Know the various types of mycoses
 Have basic knowledge and diseases of viruses
Contents:
 Introduction to mycology
 Importance of fungi
 Fungi of medical importance in tropical Countries
 Superficial mycoses
 Subcutaneous mycoses
 Systemic mycoses and opportunistic mycoses and laboratory diagnosis.
VIROLOGY
 Definition, structure, physiology, multiplication and classification of viruses. Collection of
specimens, staining techniques, tissue culture, Electron microscopy. Serological tests in
diagnostic virology. Instrumentation in the virology laboratory. Studies of systematic
virology (HIV/AIDS, Measles e.t.c)

Work Load: 4 hours per week, 60 hours per semester

MLS 313 Molecular Biology / Diagnostic Techniques (6 credit 60 – 10 – 20 )
Objectives
This course will introduce students to the principles of molecular biological techniques, especially
in the diagnoses of diseases. These diseases will range from genetic to infectious.
Contents:
 General introduction and definitions of genetic terms

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 Mendel laws: sex chromosomes and sex linkage and chromosome mapping. The role of
genes in development.
 DNA replication and transcription
 The genetic codes, mutation, mutagenesis and repair
 Protein synthesis (bacteria and eukaryotes)
 Gene cloning: restriction endonucleus
 Cloning vectors and gene expression system
 Construction of genomic and DNA libraries
 Characterization of closed DNA
 Hybridization, Northern and Southern and western blotting blots
 Gene amplification-PCR, ELISA, DNA electrophoresis
 DNA sequencing techniques
 Chromosomal and other genetic disorders.
Work Load: 4 hours per week, 60 hours per semester
Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations
MLS 314 Integrated Laboratory practice and case studies (6 credit 30 – 30 – 30 )
Objectives:
This course is designed to expose students to routine medical laboratory diagnostic practice and
during this period, the students should perfect their practice in all areas of laboratory sciences
(Microbiology/Parasitology, chemical pathology including Urinalysis, haematology/Blood Banking
and Histopathology)
Contents:
Sample collection, transportation, reception, documentation, processing and preservation.
Bench rotation: Microbiology and parasitology-Urine microscopy and culture, CSF and blood
culture, general culture and sensitivity, stool microscopy and culture. Haematology and blood
Transfusion-complete blood counts and ESR. Preparation, staining and examination of blood films
for blood disorders; blood grouping and cross matching, osmotic fragility test, Emmel test and HB
electrophoresis.
Chemical pathology-Liver function tests, electrolytes and urea, kidney function tests, clinical
enzymology-tissue processing vaginal cytological studies wherever the equipment may be
available.
Work Load: 6 hours per week 80 hours per semester

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Evaluation: Continuous assessment and end of semester examinations

MLS 315: ENTREPRENEURSHIP (Credit Value: 4 – 40 -20 – 00)
OBJECTIVES;
At the end of this course the graduate should be able to have acquired basic entrepreneurials skills
to be able to create and manage enterprise.
CONTENTS:
PART I: THE IDEA AND THE BUSINESS PROMOTER:
 Introduction/evolution of entrepreneurship
 The entrepreneurial mind set.
 General pattern of business development (the idea, validation of the idea, developing
a business project, launching operation and starting activities)
 Most common causes of failure of businesses i.e. causes attributable to the business
promoter, strategy-related causes, management-related causes and environment-
related causes.
 How to maximize your chances of success i.e. knowing oneself (self study),
knowing the market well (market study), knowing and appraising one’s needs well
(fund raising), choosing the status of the enterprise well (legal study) and having
minimum knowledge in management on issues like; studies on organization,
management statutory instruments, etc.
 The entrepreneur; Objective: bringing the entrepreneur to know him/herself better
(The Robert Papin’s quote), how, main qualities found in business promoters,
practical hints to business promoters.
 Where to shop for ideas
 How to validate an idea; the idea of a product/service, define the nature of the
product, determine the types of customers that may be interested in it, be informed
about the key factors that will ensure success, and decide to go in to business.
PART II; FROM THE IDEA TO THE PROJECT (detail plans to reduce the risk of
failure).
 Designing a detail project. A) Basic information for business plan design:
profitability and growth objective of the manager, precise nature of proposed goods
and services, market trends, business location and competition. B) Detail project:

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market studies, necessary sales equipment and stock, staff policy, financial
resources on the basis of data collected, and designing the business plan.
 Market study: assessing demand, knowing competitors, defining distribution and
sales strategies, and assessing necessary resources for the business plan. Practical
advice.
 Financial study: initial fund plan, profit and loss account one year-cash flow plan,
fixing the profitability threshold (break-even point), and fund plan. Practical advice.
 Legal study ; choice of legal form ( information on: the uniform act relating to
general commercial law, uniform act relating to commercial companies and
economic interest groups, the civil code, and law No. 90/31 of 10 August 1990
governing commercial activities in Cameroon), general partnership, disadvantages,
limited partnership; advantages and disadvantages, private limited company:
advantages and disadvantages, public limited partnership advantages and
disadvantages and, other administrative formalities relating to the creation of
industrial and commercial companies.
 Business plan: use of the business plan, what contents of the business plan, and
presentation of the business plan.
PART III: STARTING OPERATIONS:
 Launching operations and list of requirements
 Basic management concepts: book keeping, balanced sheet, accounting principles,
management principles, financial skills/principles, taxation, customers behaviour,
social security; CNPS, etc.
MLS 321 Research Project (6 credit 90- 00 - 00)
Objectives:
The course is designed to offer the students with the opportunity to gain experience in the research
process by planning and conducting a technical project.
Also to develop the ability to use critical thinking in analyzing data and in formulating conclusions
based on empirical evidence under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
Contents:
Independent research project
Evaluation: Bounded research booklet and defense to be assessed by a jury.

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MLS 322 Medical Microbiology Internships (6 credits 00 – 00 – 90)

Objectives:
This course will expose students to medical laboratory diagnostic techniques in Medical
Microbiology and Parasitology
Evaluation: Assess bench report and interview
MLS 323 Chemical Pathology Internships (6 credits 00 – 00 -90 )
Objective:
This course will expose students to medical laboratory diagnostic techniques in clinical chemistry
Evaluation: Assess bench report and interview

MLS 324 Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Internships (6 credits 00 – 00 – 90 )

Objectives:
This course will expose students to medical laboratory diagnostic techniques in haematology and
blood transfusion science.
Evaluation: Assess bench report and interview

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