Biology - Medical Laboratory Science, Joint-Degree Programs, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science joint-degree program in Medical Laboratory Science with Rutgers University School of Health Professions qualifies students for certification examination leading to professional licensure. Medical Laboratory Scientists provide vital data to physicians and other practitioners to assist in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease and maintenance of health. Medical Laboratory Scientists employ complex instrumentation and procedures to perform their duties. Major areas included in their work are: Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Banking), Urinalysis and Serology. Students interested in this field should have a strong interest in science, have the capacity to learn technical skills, work accurately and reliably when under pressure, and effectively communicate with others. The program operates on a cohort basis, beginning in late May of each year. The application period opens on November 1 of the prior year, with an application deadline of March 1. Applicants are recommended to apply as early as possible due to the program’s competitiveness. Acceptance to the joint-degree program in Medical Laboratory Science requires a minimum CGPA of 2.85.

Required Biology Courses:
BIOL 130Principles Biology I4
BIOL 131Principles Biology II4
BIOL 230Cell Biology4
BIOL 236Anatomy & Physiology I4
BIOL 237Anatomy & Physiology II4
BIOL 303Microbiology4
BIOL 304Genetics4
BIOL 404Immunology3
Required Chemistry Courses:
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture3
CHEM 1105General Chemistry I Recitation/Laboratory2
CHEM 106General Chemistry II Lecture3
CHEM 1106General Chemistry II Recitation/Laboratory2
CHEM 207Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 2207Organic Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHEM 307Biochemistry I4
Required Math and Computer Science Courses:
MATH 175Enhanced Precalculus4
INTD 180Computer Tools For Science and Mathematics3
MATH 140Statistics I3
or PSYC 230 Statistics for Social Sciences
Total Credits of 120 Minimum:59
  1. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 in BIOL 130 and BIOL 131 must be attained in order to enroll in advanced courses. Both BIOL 236 and BIOL 237 must be successfully completed in order to earn credit toward Biology Department requirements.
  2. CHEM 105/CHEM 1105 and CHEM 106/CHEM 1106 are prerequisites for all 300- and 400-level Biology courses.
  3. This course sequence is suggested to meet General Education Program requirements that are specific for this program and to facilitate the timely completion of all required courses at NJCU prior to beginning the clinical program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
  4. Some courses are part of the General Education Program and may be used to simultaneously satisfy a General Education Mode of Inquiry requirement.
  5. A minimum grade of ""C"" must be earned in each Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics course to satisfy Biology degree requirements.
  6. Application for admission to the Rutgers program should be filed by January 15 of the year in which the clinical training will begin. Acceptance to the Rutgers program requires a minimum 2.85 GPA.
  7. Students applying for transfer into the B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences program are advised that NJCU has a seven-year statute of limitation for course acceptance.
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Semester 1Credits
BIOL 130 Principles Biology I 4
ENGL 101
English Composition I
or English Composition I for English as a Second Language Students
4
MATH 175 Enhanced Precalculus 4
General Education Tier I Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
BIOL 131 Principles Biology II 4
ENGL 102
English Composition II
or English Composition 2 ESL
4
General Education Tier II Course 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits14
Second Year
Semester 1
BIOL 230 Cell Biology 4
BIOL 236 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I Lecture 3
CHEM 1105 General Chemistry I Recitation/Laboratory 2
General Education Tier II 2 3
 Credits16
Semester 2
BIOL 303 Microbiology 4
BIOL 237 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II Lecture 3
CHEM 1106 General Chemistry II Recitation/Laboratory 2
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits16
Third Year
Semester 1
BIOL 404 Immunology 3
CHEM 207 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 2207 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 1
INTD 180 Computer Tools For Science and Mathematics 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits13
Semester 2
BIOL 304 Genetics 4
CHEM 307 Biochemistry I 4
PHYS 101 Basic Concepts of Physics 3
General Education Capstone Tier III 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits88

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Biology Medical Laboratory Science program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the factual and theoretical basis of biology including mechanisms on the molecular, cellular, organismal, and systems levels.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of scientific inquiry and explain how scientific knowledge is discovered and validated.
  3. Apply quantitative knowledge and reasoning to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of chemistry and their application to understanding living systems.
  5. Demonstrate preparedness to enter the Professional work force.