BMLS Medical Laboratory Science

Colleges and Faculties > Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences (OACHS) > Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS) > Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology > BMLS Medical Laboratory Science

Our Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) course trains students to become skilled, innovative, and ethical medical laboratory scientists capable of performing critical diagnostic, analytical, and research roles in the health sector. This programme combines in-depth scientific knowledge with hands-on technical competence to prepare students to provide reliable laboratory results that guide the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Through rigorous training and supervised clinical postings, you will develop expertise in six key areas of laboratory medicine—clinical chemistry, haematology, histopathology, medical microbiology, immunology, and blood group serology. By graduation, you will be fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to patient care, public health, and biomedical research, both nationally and globally.

Course Overview

The programme is a five-year degree for UTME candidates and a four-year degree for Direct Entry students. It provides academic, technical, and professional education in laboratory medicine through a structured blend of lectures, laboratory practicals, field experiences, and research.

The early years of study introduce students to foundational sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and biostatistics, alongside general studies in communication, ethics, and computer applications. In later years, the focus shifts to professional courses in diagnostic science and laboratory management. Students acquire practical competence in clinical investigations, including blood analysis, tissue examination, microbiological culture techniques, and immunological assays.

Throughout the programme, clinical experience forms a critical component. Students rotate through accredited hospitals, diagnostic centres, and research laboratories for hands-on exposure to real-life clinical diagnostics under supervision. The curriculum also includes entrepreneurship and innovation modules to prepare students for leadership, self-employment, and professional growth in health technology sectors.

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the professional qualifying examination of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to be licensed as registered Medical Laboratory Scientists.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the NUC CCMAS structure, comprising 70% national core content and 30% institutional additions to reflect emerging trends in medical diagnostics, molecular biology, and laboratory technology. It combines theory, practical sessions, and supervised clinical experience.

At this level, students build the scientific and intellectual base required for later professional training. Courses include:

  1. Communication in English
  2. Use of Library, Study Skills, and ICT
  3. General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  4. Mathematics and Statistics for Health Sciences
  5. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  6. Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science
  7. Anatomy and Physiology of Body Systems

This stage introduces the structure and function of the human body, scientific reasoning, and laboratory safety principles.

Students begin to engage with pre-clinical and applied biomedical sciences. Core courses include:

  1. Basic Biochemistry
  2. General and Medical Microbiology
  3. Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  4. Pathophysiology of Disease
  5. Immunology and Serology
  6. Laboratory Instrumentation and Techniques
  7. Principles of Haematology and Blood Grouping
  8. Entrepreneurship and Peace Studies

This stage develops students’ understanding of disease mechanisms, sample collection, and basic laboratory testing techniques.

Training intensifies with a shift to specialised diagnostic courses and hands-on laboratory practice:

  1. Clinical Chemistry I
  2. Haematology I
  3. Histopathology I
  4. Parasitology and Mycology
  5. Blood Transfusion Science
  6. Molecular Biology and Genetics
  7. Biostatistics and Research Methods
  8. Computer Applications in Laboratory Medicine

Students undertake laboratory demonstrations and short-term clinical postings to reinforce learning.

This level focuses on advanced application of laboratory techniques in clinical and public health settings. Courses include:

  1. Clinical Chemistry II
  2. Haematology II
  3. Histopathology II
  4. Immunology and Virology
  5. Medical Microbiology II
  6. Laboratory Management and Quality Control
  7. Research Design and Data Analysis
  8. Public Health and Epidemiology

Students participate in extended clinical postings within teaching hospitals and diagnostic centres to gain practical experience in real laboratory environments.

In the final year, students consolidate their learning through research and quasi-specialisation in one of the major disciplines of laboratory science:

  1. Advanced Clinical Chemistry / Haematology / Microbiology / Histopathology / Immunology
  2. Laboratory Instrumentation and Maintenance
  3. Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Laboratory Practice
  4. Research Project and Seminar Presentation
  5. Internship Preparation and Review

The research project allows students to investigate a contemporary issue in medical diagnostics or laboratory technology. On completion, graduates proceed to a one-year compulsory internship and national licensing examination administered by the MLSCN.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the programme is through either the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) route. Both pathways are designed to admit candidates with a strong background in science and an aptitude for medical investigation and diagnostics.

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

To qualify for admission through UTME, you must have:

  1. Five (5) credit passes at not more than two sittings in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or equivalent.
  2. A satisfactory score in the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with the subject combination:
    English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  3. Successful completion of the University’s Post-UTME screening and any additional selection procedures.

This route admits students into the 100 Level of the programme and spans five academic sessions.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

To qualify for Direct Entry admission, you must:

  1. Possess the same O’Level subject requirements as UTME candidates.
  2. Hold passes at Advanced Level (A-Level) or equivalent in at least two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  3. Alternatively, hold a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution with at least an Upper Credit.
  4. Candidates with a first degree (minimum of Second Class Lower Division) in a related biological or chemical science discipline may also be considered.

Successful Direct Entry candidates are admitted into the 200 Level of the programme and complete four academic sessions before graduation.

Why study at OOU?

Our course offers a unique combination of rigorous scientific education, technical laboratory training, and professional development that prepares graduates for meaningful careers in health and biomedical sciences.

  1. Academic Excellence and Accreditation: The programme is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). This ensures that your degree meets both national and international professional standards for laboratory practice.
  2. Practical and Clinical Focus: From the second year, you will gain early exposure to laboratory operations through structured practical sessions and supervised clinical rotations in teaching hospitals, diagnostic centres, and public health laboratories. These experiences develop your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills in real-world healthcare environments.
  3. Expert Faculty and Research Mentorship: You will learn from experienced lecturers, scientists, and technologists who are leaders in their fields. Our academic staff are actively engaged in research across areas such as molecular diagnostics, infectious diseases, immunology, and clinical chemistry, offering you first-hand mentorship and guidance.
  4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The programme integrates courses in entrepreneurship and laboratory management, preparing you not just for employment but also for leadership and innovation in the biomedical and health industries.
  5. Global and Professional Relevance: Our curriculum is benchmarked against international standards, positioning you to pursue advanced studies, work with global health organisations, or engage in cross-border biomedical research.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to apply scientific principles to real-world laboratory and health problems. This project is a major requirement for graduation and serves as a bridge between theoretical learning and independent scientific inquiry.

Research Focus Areas

Projects typically cover:

  1. Diagnostic innovations and technology in laboratory science
  2. Infectious disease detection and epidemiology
  3. Clinical chemistry and metabolic studies
  4. Blood transfusion science and haematological disorders
  5. Environmental and public health microbiology
  6. Molecular diagnostics and immunopathology

Project Process

Students are required to:

  1. Select a research topic in consultation with an assigned supervisor.
  2. Develop a proposal, conduct literature reviews, and collect relevant data.
  3. Perform laboratory-based experimentation, analysis, and interpretation of results.
  4. Present and defend the project before an academic panel.

Through this experience, you will develop the critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills essential for advanced research, clinical innovation, and postgraduate study. 

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with the BMLS degree, a student must meet all academic, professional, and ethical requirements as prescribed by the University and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, you must:

  1. Complete a minimum of five academic sessions (for UTME candidates) or four academic sessions (for Direct Entry candidates).
  2. Earn the prescribed minimum credit units, including all compulsory and elective courses, general studies, and laboratory practicals.
  3. Successfully complete all clinical postings, practical demonstrations, and laboratory exercises across the six core areas of medical laboratory science — Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Blood Group Serology.
  4. Undertake and defend an approved final-year research project.
  5. Complete a one-year compulsory internship after graduation, supervised by the MLSCN, to gain practical professional experience in a registered medical laboratory or hospital setting.

Grading and Classification

Students’ overall performance is determined through continuous assessment, laboratory competence evaluation, and end-of-semester examinations. The final degree classification is based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system:

Upon successful completion of academic and professional requirements, graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Basic Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) degree and become eligible for professional licensing by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

Career Opportunities

A degree in medical laboratory science opens multiple career paths across healthcare, research, industry, and academia. As a trained laboratory scientist, you will play an essential role in disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment through the generation and interpretation of accurate laboratory data.

Professional Opportunities

Graduates of this programme can work as:

  1. Medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and public health laboratories.
  2. Biomedical researchers in universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes.
  3. Public health scientists in disease control and surveillance agencies.
  4. Forensic scientists apply laboratory methods to criminal investigations.
  5. Industrial or food scientists ensure quality control in manufacturing and the food industry.
  6. Laboratory managers or consultants in healthcare administration and private laboratory enterprises.

Advanced and International Pathways

The degree also provides a strong foundation for:

  1. Postgraduate studies (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, or related health disciplines.
  2. Global career mobility, as the programme is benchmarked against international standards.
  3. Leadership roles in laboratory management, quality assurance, health policy, and medical education.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal.
  2. Choose Medical Laboratory Science as your preferred course of study and select the university as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the subject combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  4. Apply for and pass the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
  5. Upon admission, complete all registration and health clearance requirements as directed by the university.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal, choosing Medical Laboratory Science as your course of study.
  2. Upload all required academic credentials — including A-Level, ND, HND, or first degree certificates in relevant science disciplines.
  3. Participate in the university’s screening and verification process.
  4. Successful candidates are admitted into the 200 level of the programme after satisfying the O-Level subject requirements.

All candidates are required to meet the minimum entry qualifications as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

Course Coordinator

The programme is administered by the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science. The department is committed to producing highly competent laboratory professionals through innovative teaching, hands-on clinical training, and applied research in biomedical sciences.

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 5 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)
  6. Department = Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, OACHS, Sagamu Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities