DEPARTMENT OF BASIC AND APPLIED BIOLOGY

The main objective of this Department is to conduct competitive research and produce high-quality graduates and scientists who are fit for industries and research institutions. The Department researches a wide range of topics and targets both fundamental and practical applications of applied biology. Research activities are organized broadly in the following fields: Haematology, Histotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Pathology, Molecular Biology, Genetic Sequencing, Nanotech-Biodiagnostics, Diagnostic Imagery, Public Health, Infectious Disease Control, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases among others.

PROGRAMMES

  1. BSc. Biological Science
  2. BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences
  3. BSc. Nursing

BSc. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

BSc Biological Sciences is a four-year degree programme ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology and can be tailored to match your interests. The programme is structured to train competent Biologists with industry and field-based skills complemented with theory knowledge. The Biological Science program looks at some key areas such as Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, and Ecology.

Our program is not only theory based. Students have the opportunity to go to the lab several hours in a week to practice what they have been taught in the lecture rooms.

Third year students have the opportunity to have in-school attachment where they get the opportunity to work in the industry to have practical knowledge in what happens in the various industries.

Students are exposed to the multiple streams of Biology where they can specialize. In this regard, students are not restricted to be focused on one or two biology areas.

Students have the opportunity to embark on field trips at least once a semester.

Students also have the opportunity to be involved in exchange programs with other universities across the world.

Biological Sciences students go on to work in a range of different fields, within and outside of science. Six major fields are:

  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Industry
  • Research Institutions
  • Academia
  • Microbiology Industry [Clinical Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology]
  • Applied Plant Sciences
  • Regulatory Bodies

Biological Scientists can also further into Medicine, Ecology, Forestry, Dentistry, Forensic Science, Agriculture, Horticulture and Allied Services, Healthcare, Food Processing and Technology, Physical Education, Aerospace and Aviation, Marine Science, Law and any other science related career.

BSc. MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES

BSc. Medical Laboratory Science is a four-year bachelor programme recognized by the Allied Health Professional Council of Ghana. Medical Laboratory Science provides clues that are key in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury. Laboratory professionals are the detectives of the health care world. This field is the center of the health sector. A mistake made in this field affects all other departments in the health sector. An estimated 60 to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests from the clinical laboratory. Laboratory tests performed help monitor the composition of our blood, urine, and other body fluids and tissues for early warning signs of disease.

The field of study comprises of four main divisions namely; Haematology, Microbiology, Chemical Pathology/Clinical Chemistry/Biochemistry and Histotechnology.

Haematology:
  • - specialty responsible for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of benign and malignant disorders of the red and white blood cells, platelets, and the coagulation system in adults and children.
  • - branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
Microbiology:
  • - the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa. This discipline includes fundamental research on the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of microorganisms, including the host response to these agents.
  • - the scientific study of microorganisms, those being unicellular, multicellular, or acellular. Microbiology encompasses numerous sub-disciplines including virology, bacteriology, protistology, mycology, immunology, and parasitology.
Chemical Pathology/Clinical Chemistry or Biochemistry:
  • - Chemical pathology is the study of chemical and biochemical mechanisms of the body concerning disease, mostly through the analysis of body fluids such as blood or urine.
Histotechnology:
  • - Study of science centering on the microscopic detection of tissue abnormalities for disease diagnosis and the treatment of diseases. Utilizing specific reagents, chemicals, and dyes, the Histotechnologist prepares surgical specimens for microscopic screening by the surgical pathologist.

Anyone who goes through this field of study successfully becomes a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), Laboratory Medicine, or Clinical Medicine. With additional training and experience, a Medical Lab Scientist can become a Department Lead or Lab Manager. Others may seek specializations to advance their careers. Academic achievements and technical ability set the level of responsibility one reach in Medical Laboratory Science.

Medical Laboratory Scientists are healthcare professionals highly trained in the art and technology of clinical laboratory medicine. They are the detectives of the medical world and perform diagnostic tests to assist the physician in the treatment of patients. The data found plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Clinical laboratory scientists perform a variety of laboratory tests to ensure the accuracy of the test results, explain the significance of laboratory test results, and evaluate new methods for laboratory tests.

Medical laboratory scientists have a wide variety of responsibilities and duties. Inclusive of these are:

- Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells

- Relaying test results to physicians

- Utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment

- Cross-matching blood for transfusion

- Monitoring patient outcomes

- Performing differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia

- Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results

- Overseeing the work of medical laboratory technicians

 Upon completion of the program, you have a wealth of career options. Potential worksites include:

  • Academia
  • Forensic Laboratories
  • Hospitals
  • Research Laboratories/Institutions
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Biotechnology Companies
  • Blood Banks
  • Public Health Clinics
  • Veterinary Practices and Laboratories
  • Public Health Organizations
  • Armed Forces
  • Volunteer Organizations
  • Equipment and Supply Companies

Clinical laboratory scientists can further study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Forensic Science, Business or Management, Hospital Administration, Computer Science, Education, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, or another Laboratory Science area.

It is expected of every Medical Laboratory Scientist to have a certified license after School. One is expected to write a Licensure exam after national service and be given a certified License by the Allied Health Professional Council of Ghana.

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