Are you looking for a different kind of science degree? Maybe you see yourself in the field of healthcare, research, biotechnology, or running a lab after you graduate?
UBC’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is a gateway to those options and more.
Medical Laboratory Science is the study of the scientific principles and techniques practised in hospital and medical research laboratories. In this specialized degree you’ll develop your understanding of a wide range of disciplines related to human health and disease, and be taught by award-winning faculty.
What will I learn in Medical Laboratory Science?
After entering the BMLSc degree in your third year at UBC, you’ll be part of an intimate cohort of 24 students. Because of the smaller class size, you’ll be able to gain hands-on lab experience and master a diverse set of technical laboratory skills.
Through your coursework, you’ll learn the theoretical and practical laboratory techniques needed to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze the results. You’ll also learn about human health and disease through a broad range of health science and laboratory disciplines, including clinical chemistry, genetics, toxicology, pathology, hematology, histology, and medical microbiology.
If you’re passionate about research, you could complete a directed studies research project with faculty, or apply for the Summer Student Fellowship Program, which will provide you with research experiences in pathology and laboratory medicine. These opportunities will sharpen your transferrable skills, develop your thinking across different fields, and help steer you toward a unique career.
What can I do with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree?
BMLSc graduates have a variety of exciting and rewarding careers to choose from. Many of our former students have moved into roles as research assistants or technicians in academic, clinical, or industry laboratories.
You could also take further studies to become a health professional in fields such as dentistry, medicine, optometry, medical laboratory technology, and more. Our graduates have high acceptance rates into medical, dental, and graduate schools, specialty technologist training programs, and public health and health administration programs.
Student Scoop
Meet Lily, who built a breadth of career-related skills during the degree and presented her own undergraduate research at the University of California, San Francisco.
How do I apply to Medical Laboratory Science?
To be eligible for admission you must meet the general admission requirements of UBC and complete all the prerequisite courses – which can be taken in the first and second year of a UBC Bachelor of Science. Medical Laboratory Technology diploma holders who have completed the specific chemistry prerequisites noted on our website are also eligible.
Learn more about how to apply to Medical Laboratory Science.