Department of Applied Biomedical Science

About us

About us

The Department of Applied Biomedical Science, within the Faculty of Health Sciences, is responsible for undergraduate teaching leading to a B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science (previously Medical Laboratory Science). Since 2001, the degree has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), UK.

Applied Biomedical Science combines professionally taught modules with an extensive practical component. The degree course provides a broad base foundation and a multidisciplinary approach encompassing the major areas of medical laboratory science, namely: 

  • Haematology
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Medical Microbiology and Virology
  • Cellular Pathology/Cytology
  • Genetics and Clinical Chemistry.

The specific aim of the degree programme is to produce high quality graduates with expertise in all the experimental and routine aspects of a pathology laboratory and with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the study and interpretation of pathological processes.
Students on this degree programme are trained to work in clinical diagnostic laboratories, in scientific research and in industry in diverse fields. Graduates may also find employment as laboratory officers.

Through its active research programmes, the Department prepares students for a career in research. Presently there are four Ph.D. students attached to the Department. Research areas include: 

  • The Maltese Acute Myocardial Infarction (MAMI) study
  • Genetics and Genomics of Osteoporosis
  • Genetics and Genomics of Hypermobility disorders
  • Transcriptional Regulation and Control of Globin Gene Expression
  • Genetics and Genomics of Rare and Common Diseases (the Malta NGS project)
  • The Immunological Synapse
  • Transcriptional Regulation of Innate Immune Genes

There is a high degree of collaboration with the healthcare professionals in the local hospital pathology laboratories and also collaboration with other University Departments, especially Departments within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. 


https://www.um.edu.mt/healthsciences/applied-bio-science/aboutus/