Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Biomedical Science

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Years

240 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Applied Biomedical Science deals with the study of the underlying anatomy, physiology and pathology of disease and the techniques and procedures involved in the collection and analysis of samples taken from the human body to enable the identification of pathological conditions. Applied Biomedical Science provides the diagnostic tools for medical care within the laboratory.

Applied Biomedical Science is a vast and multidisciplinary area of health care. A sound knowledge of biology is a prerequisite for this programme of studies.

The course is composed of a theoretical component as well as a very strong practical component. Both components cover the 5 major areas of study described below. Practical laboratory sessions are held throughout the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years course, with placements in the pathology labs of Mater Dei Hospital (called Advanced Practicals in the course programme) held during 3rd year and 4th year. You will also engage in a small research project in one of the major areas of study.

The following are the major areas of study in Applied Biomedical Science:

Cellular Pathology
the study and identification of pathological conditions of cells and tissues;
Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics
the study of the levels of biochemical compounds in the body and the study of genetics, genomics and molecular biology to understand the inherited basis of disease;
Haematology
the study of both the cellular and a soluble components of blood;
Medical Microbiology/Virology
the study of microorganisms that cause disease;
Transfusion Medicine
the study of the methodology involved in the collection, preservation, storage, testing and administration of blood and blood products; and
Immunology ֠the study of the diseases and disorders of the immune system.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

Passes at Advanced Level at Grade C or better in Biology and Chemistry and a pass at Intermediate Level in one of the following subjects: Applied Mathematics, Computing, Information Technology, Physics and Pure Mathematics.

The number of students shall be limited to 24 students.

During the first year of the Course, students are also required to undergo an occupational health assessment so as to ascertain that they are fit for the duties related to their proposed studies. Students who do not fulfil this requirement may be barred from progressing with their studies. Failure to disclose information about a physical or mental health problem that could affect patient safety is considered to be a serious breach of the University Suitability to Practise Regulations.

Requires the submission of a Police Certificate of Conduct.

Further information regarding admission.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MLS1001	Introduction to Biomedical Biochemistry and Cell Biology	6 ECTS	(NC)
MLS1020	Basic Practical Techniques 1	8 ECTS	(NC)
MLS1021	Basic Practical Techniques 2	8 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ANA1500	General Anatomy 1	2 ECTS	(NC)
CHE1004	Introduction to Chemistry in the Life Sciences	4 ECTS
MLS1011	Laboratory Safety	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS1012	Introduction to Microbiology	2 ECTS	(NC)
MPH1001	Principles of Medical Device Science	4 ECTS
PHB1101	Body Fluids, Cells, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IHC1016	IT for Health Care Professionals	2 ECTS
MLS1003	Practical Microbiology 1	4 ECTS	(NC)
MLS1005	Medical Microbiology 1	4 ECTS	(NC)
PAT1922	Histology	2 ECTS	(NC)
PHB1102	Renal Physiology and Haematology	4 ECTS	(NC)
SOR0210	Data Treatment and Probability	2 ECTS

Optional Units
During their second semester of their first year of study students are required to register for an optional study-unit to the value of 2 ECTS credits.

Requirement for progression to Year II: 60 ECTS credits


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS2012	Practical Haematology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS2016	Practical Clinical Biochemistry	8 ECTS	(NC)
MLS2001	Clinical Biochemistry	6 ECTS	(NC)
MLS2002	Molecular Biology/Genetics	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MLS2018	Haematopathology	3 ECTS	(NC)
PAT2121	Pathology	4 ECTS	(NC)
PHB2101	Gastrointestinal and the Endocrine System	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS2009	Cellular Pathology 1	4 ECTS	(NC)
ABS2010	Practical Cellular Pathology 1	4 ECTS	(NC)
ABS2014	Medical Microbiology 2	4 ECTS	(NC)
ABS2015	Practical Microbiology 2	4 ECTS	(NC)
MLS2019	Diagnostic Laboratory Haematology	3 ECTS	(NC)
SOR0220	Elementary Statistical Theory	2 ECTS

Optional Units
During their second year of study students are required to register for an optional study-unit to the value of 2 ECTS credits.

Requirement for regular progression to Year III: 60 ECTS credits


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS3025	Practical Transfusion Medicine	4 ECTS	(NC)
MLS3001	Transfusion Medicine	6 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS3008	Cellular Pathology 2	2 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3026	Practical Immunology	4 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3027	Practical Cellular Pathology 2	4 ECTS	(NC)
CPH2301	Introduction to Pharmacology for Applied Biomedical Science Students	2 ECTS
MLS2004	Immunology	4 ECTS	(NC)
MLS3012	Epidemiology	2 ECTS
MLS3013	Research Methods	2 ECTS	(NC)
SOR0233	Statistical Analysis in Practice	2 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS3001*	Advanced Practical: Biochemistry and Genetics	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3002*	Advanced Practical: Cellular Pathology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3003*	Advanced Practical: Haematology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3004*	Advanced Practical: Immunology and Transfusion Medicine	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3005*	Advanced Practical: Microbiology	8 ECTS	(NC)
MLS3004	Laboratory Applications of Pathology	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS3011	Quality Control and Quality Assurance	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS3014	Literature Review	6 ECTS	(NC)

* Students will be directed by the Board which study-units to follow during the third and fourth year of studies respectively.

Optional Units
During their third year of study students are required to register for an optional study-unit to the value of 2 ECTS credits.

Requirement for progression to Year IV: 60 ECTS credits


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ABS3001*	Advanced Practical: Biochemistry and Genetics	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3002*	Advanced Practical: Cellular Pathology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3003*	Advanced Practical: Haematology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3004*	Advanced Practical: Immunology and Transfusion Medicine	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS3005*	Advanced Practical: Microbiology	8 ECTS	(NC)
ABS4001	Advanced Practical: General Requirements	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4001	Laboratory Management 1 and 2 / Ethics	4 ECTS	(NC)
* Students will be directed by the Board which study-units to follow during the third and fourth year of studies respectively.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MLS4002	Applied Microbiology	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4003	Applied Immunohaematology	2 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MLS4006	Applied Clinical Biochemistry	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4007	Applied Cellular Pathology	2 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4103	Theory of Medical Laboratory Science 1	3 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4104	Theory of Medical Laboratory Science 2	3 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4105	Theory of Medical Laboratory Science 3	3 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4106	Theory of Medical Laboratory Science 4	3 ECTS	(NC)
MLS4200	Dissertation	10 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for successful completion of Year IV: 60 ECTS creditsRequirement for award of B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science: 240 ECTS credits

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) - B.Sc. (Hons) - under the auspices of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The degree will provide you with a sound knowledge and understanding of all the practical and theoretical aspects underlying all subjects related to Applied Biomedical Science. In addition, on completion of the degree course in Applied Biomedical Science, you would be able to:

Carry out analytical procedures in all areas of medical laboratory science.
Manage and supervise any laboratory-related work.
Be fully aware of the special needs of the patient and the ethics involved, as dictated by the code of professional conduct for medical laboratory scientists.
Participate in the practical and theoretical training of students registered on course in Applied Biomedical Science.
Participate in both research and continuing education programmes.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a graduate in Applied Biomedical Science, you would be registered with the Councils for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM) and can also apply for a licence to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. As a holder of this licence, you may seek employment as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Hospital Pathology Laboratories at Mater Dei or with a private Hospital.

You may also choose to seek employment in industries such as with pharmaceutical companies based in Malta, or opt to pursue a career in research either locally or abroad.

The B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, UK, since 2001. Employment in hospital pathology laboratories in the UK and other countries are also facilitated.

As a graduate, you may choose to pursue further postgraduate qualifications leading to a Masters degree in areas related to biomedical sciences, or directly to a Ph.D.