FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply for this program if I am a 3rd year student? 4th year student? Providing you have completed all of the first and second year prerequisites, you can apply to this program from any year level.
How many students apply and how many are accepted? The number of applications varies each year and can be anywhere from 50 to 75. Due to space limitations a maximum of 24 students may be admitted each year.
Where are the classes held? Classes are held in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, located in the UBC Hospital.
How is this program different from a general science degree at UBC? This program focuses on science from a human perspective as opposed to other organisms (i.e. bacteria, plants, animals). The small class size provides more one-on-one instruction, opportunities for group problem-solving sessions and medical case study analysis.
What is the program like? Interesting and challenging medical subject areas are taught and students develop the ability to use technical skills and acquire theoretical knowledge. A variety of teaching formats are used such as lectures, seminars, laboratories, small group problem-based tutorials and site visits to hospital labs.
What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) required? The BMLSc Program does not have minimum grade point average requirement. Applicants are assessed on an individual basis, based on their academic record.
What was the minimum accepted GPA last year? The minimum GPA accepted each year varies based on the applicants' GPAs for that year. The minimum GPA of applicants accepted in the previous year is not an indication of the minimum GPA that may be accepted in the year you apply. Therefore, the minimum GPA of accepted applicants is not published.
How is the admissions average calculated? The admissions average is based on the first and second year prerequisite courses. Failed and repeated courses are included in the calculation. Your overall academic record is also considered.
What is the exam schedule like? The Pathology course exams are scheduled by the department. Every effort is made to produce a reasonable schedule.
When will I know if I've been accepted? The Admissions Committee evaluates applications following submission of your final marks. Applicants will be contacted by e-mail in early-June. Applicants should note that the status of the application to the BMLSc Program is NOT available through the on-line Student Service Centre.
What is a Registered Technologist (RT)? A medical laboratory technologist (Registered Technologist) is a member of the health-care team who performs laboratory investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, including analysis of a variety of specimens such as blood, urine, feces, sputum and tissues. Technologists are the people who take your sample (e.g. blood) at a laboratory when you have medical tests.
How do I get the RT diploma? You must complete a training program at a Technical Institute. In British Columbia, students can contact the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for information on their Medical Laboratory Science Diploma in Technology Program. Upon completion of the BCIT program, students write a certification examination through the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
The BMLSc program does NOT award students the RT (Registered Technologist) diploma nor does it prepare students to write the certification examination of the CSMLS.
If you wish to obtain an RT diploma, either prior to the BMLSc degree or following the BMLSc degree, you must complete an RT training program.
What is the difference between Pathology and Forensics? Pathology is the specialty of medicine concerned with the diagnosis of diseases and injuries; it is the study of the essential nature of diseases, particularly the structural and functional changes produced by them. Forensics deals with the relation and application of medical facts (i.e. pathology) to legal problems. Forensic Pathology is a subspecies of pathology that focuses on the medicolegal investigation of sudden or unexpected death. To become a Pathologist, one must complete medical school (MD degree), followed by 4-5 years of residency in a Pathology Department. There are many other careers in pathology and forensics that do not require completion of medical school. Training programs that may be of interest to you:
The British Columbia Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation
Is it possible to complete some of the BMLSc Pathology courses while I complete the prerequisites? The BMLSc Pathology courses are restricted to students enrolled in the program.
I am missing one or two of the prerequisites; can I still apply? All of the courses listed as entrance requirements for the BMLSc Program must be completed prior to entry. You should not apply if you will not complete all of the prerequisites by April of the application year.
I am missing Chem 211. Can I complete it in year 3 of the program? Scheduling conflicts and credit loads make it impossible to complete this course in year 3. It must be completed prior to entry.
Can I take courses in Summer session? BMLSc Program courses are not available during Summer session. Some prerequisite courses may be offered during summer session. Check the UBC website.
Can I take electives during the program? The degree curriculum is a Standard Timetable and there are no required electives. However, in year 4 students may take additional courses if the timetable permits.