Clinical Laboratory Science Course Descriptions
Professor Nohlgren, advisor; Laboratory Coordinator Duckett, staff coordinator; Associate Professor Porter, chair of the department of biology; Associate Professor Dunn; Assistant Professor Kuppinger; Adjunct Instructor Gaither
Salem offers a cooperative (three years/one year) program in clinical laboratory science (CLS) through a continuing affiliation with the Program in Medical Technology of the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center or by temporary contractual affiliations with other approved schools of CLS. The student applies to enroll in the approved CLS program in the fall of the junior year. Required admission tests should also be taken during this fall term. Students are advised that admission to the fourth-year program is not automatic, as admissions are based upon competitive application. Approved programs in CLS must be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The student must complete the three-year prescribed program at Salem College, followed immediately by 12 months in the CLS program. Salem College confers the bachelor of science degree when the 12-month program is completed. The graduate is eligible to take a national certifying examination, such as that given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Clinical Laboratory Science Major (B.S.)
The student who seeks the bachelor of science degree with a major in clinical laboratory science must complete the following courses for the major:
BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology One course
BIOL 101. Biodiversity One course
BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I One course
BIOL 235. Microbiology One course
CHEM 110. General Chemistry One course
CHEM 120. General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis One course
CHEM 201. Organic Chemistry I One course
CHEM 202. Organic Chemistry II One course
SCIE 210. Clinical Laboratory Science One-half course
PHYS 210. General Physics I One course
PHYS 220. General Physics II One course
MATH 100. Calculus I or higher One course
BIOL 205. Biometry or an equivalent course in statistics One course
BIOL 230. Genetics or
CHEM 305. Biochemistry One course
Additionally, the student must complete one course from the following:
BIOL 200. Independent Study in Biology or
BIOL 290. Honors Independent Study in Biology (upon approval)
BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 220. Special Topics in Biology (upon approval)
BIOL 225. Parasitology
BIOL 230. Genetics
BIOL 240. Research Methods
CHEM 200. Independent Study in Chemistry or
CHEM 290. Honors Independent Study in Chemistry (upon approval)
CHEM 207. Solutions
CHEM 220. Special Topics in Chemistry (upon approval)
CHEM 305. Biochemistry
Both CHEM 309. Physical Methods Laboratory I (one-half course) and
CHEM 310. Physical Methods Laboratory II (one-half course)
During the senior year, the student enrolls in courses at an accredited and approved school of clinical laboratory science or medical technology, where her studies will include the equivalent of nine courses, typically in clinical microscopy (including hematology, urinalysis, etc.), microbiology (including bacteriology, mycology, serology and parasitology), clinical chemistry
or biochemistry and blood banking. Clinical laboratory science majors are exempted from the requirement that eight of the last ten courses toward the degree be taken in residence at Salem. However, students must complete at least eight of the last ten courses at Salem in the year prior to enrolling in the approved clinical laboratory science or medical technology program. At least four of the courses taken at Salem must be 1) from the list of required science courses at or above the 200 level, or 2) from the list of required mathematics courses at or above the 100 level or 3) completed with the permission of the chairs of the biology and chemistry departments.
A student intending to be a clinical laboratory science major should meet with her advisor and the CLS coordinator early and regularly to discuss a suggested program of study in order to remain on track for graduation within four years.
Course Descriptions
Biology
100. Cell and Molecular Biology One course
The structure and function of cells. An examination of the cell’s microscopic and ultrastructural features, physiological capabilities, and biochemical properties, including such topics as membrane and organelle formation, DNA replication, transcription, translation, cellular metabolism, cell division, cell differentiation and cell communication. This is the required introductory course for majors in biology and clinical laboratory science and is a prerequisite for all other biology courses. Three lectures, one three hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Placement above MATH 020. Fall.
101. Biodiversity One course
Evolution and structure of organisms in all biological kingdoms (monerans, protists, plants, fungi, and animals) with emphasis on the basic principles of observation and experimental problems. Three lectures, one three hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 100. Spring.
200. Independent Study One-quarter to two courses
Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Open to students with a 2.0 cumulative average and permission of the chair of department. Independent study may take the form of readings, research, conference, project, and/or field experience. Ordinarily it may not be used to substitute for a regular course in the curriculum. Independent study may be taken for a maximum of two courses, the maximum in any one term being two course credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 and MATH 025 or higher, or permission of the instructor. Fall and spring.
205. Biometry One course
Introduction to the theory and application of descriptive and inferential statistical methods used in the life sciences. Includes training in computer assisted analysis. Three lectures and one two hour laboratory/discussion session per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or equivalent and MATH 025 or higher or the permission of the instructor. Fall.
218. Anatomy and Physiology I One course
The first of a two-course sequence in basic human anatomy and physiology. Beginning with a review of biochemistry, cytology and cellular metabolism, this first course then emphasizes the structure and function at the gross, histologic and ultrastructural levels of the integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular and nervous systems. Anatomy by dissection and experimental concepts of physiology are studied in the laboratory. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or permission of the instructor. Fall.
219. Anatomy and Physiology II One course
The continuation of a two-course sequence in basic human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis on the structure and function of the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. Anatomy by dissection and experimental concepts ofphysiology are studied in the laboratory. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 218. Spring.
220. Special Topics in Biology One course
An investigation of a topic of importance in contemporary biology. The specific course content and methods of study will vary in response to recent developments in the life sciences and current needs of students majoring in biology; the topic will be announced prior to registration for the course. Three lecture/discussions, one three-hour laboratory or field experience.
Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or permission of the instructor.
230. Genetics One course
Principles of genetics, including an examination of gene chemistry and function, transmission genetics and cytogenetics, mutation, developmental and population genetics. The laboratory consists of experiments in classical genetics and molecular biology. Three lectures, one three hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and MATH 070 or higher; junior standing as science or math major; or permission of instructor. Spring.
235. Microbiology One course
A systematic study of the more important groups of microorganisms: the bacteria, yeasts, molds, cyanobacteria, rickettsiae, viruses and protozoa. Emphasis is given to morphology, taxonomy and activities of selected members of each group, including topics on control of microorganisms, disease relationships and applied microbiology. Three lectures, two two-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BIOL 210 and CHEM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor. Fall.
225. Parasitology One course
The biology of parasites and parasitism, including a comparative and systematic study of the major parasitic groups: protozoa, helminths and arthropods. The concepts and principles of morphology, physiology, life histories and host-parasite relationships of representative members of these phyla will be discussed in lecture and explored in the laboratory and the field. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or permission of the instructor. Offered as needed
230. Genetics One course
Principles of genetics, including an examination of gene chemistry and function, transmission genetics and cytogenetics, mutation, developmental and population genetics. The laboratory consists of experiments in classical genetics and molecular biology. Three lectures, one three hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and MATH 070 or higher; junior standing as science or math major; or permission of instructor. Spring.
235. Microbiology One course
A systematic study of the more important groups of microorganisms: the bacteria, yeasts, molds, cyanobacteria, rickettsiae, viruses and protozoa. Emphasis is given to morphology, taxonomy and activities of selected members of each group, including topics on control of microorganisms, disease relationships and applied microbiology. Three lectures, two two-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BIOL 210 and CHEM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor. Fall.
240. Research Methods One course
This course prepares
students for conducting undergraduate research by emphasizing the
process of asking scientific questions, critical analysis and designing
undergraduate research projects. Students will analyze classic biologic
literature, attend off campus graduate seminars, participate in peer
reviews and design a research proposal based loosely on a National
Science Foundation proposal for graduate fellowships. Two lectures and
one three hour laboratory/discussion session per week. Prerequisite:
BIOL 101 or permission of the instructor. Offered as needed.
270. Internship in Biology One course
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills the student has learned in coursework to solve problems in a real work setting; the apprenticeship aspect of the internship implies that the student has some base of knowledge and will increase her knowledge and skills by direct contact with an experienced, knowledgeable mentor. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 cumulative average; maximum credit per term is one course; admission by application only. Fall and Spring.
290. Honors Independent Study in Biology One to two courses
Advanced independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Normally open to junior and senior biology majors with a 3.5 or greater average in biology, subject to the approval of the department chair. Prerequisite: MATH 070 or higher. Honors work may be taken for a maximum of two courses per term. Fall and Spring.
Chemistry
110. General Chemistry One course
Introduction to stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the gas laws, atomic structure and ionic bonding. Four hours of lecture, one laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 020 equivalent or placement in a higher level math course. Fall.
120. General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis One course
A continuation of CHEM 110 with emphasis on chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, oxidation and reduction and an introduction to chemical kinetics and electrochemistry. The laboratory emphasizes the techniques associated with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Four hours of lecture, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 110. Spring.
200. Independent Study One-quarter to one course
Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor with permission from the department chair. Open to students with a 2.0 cumulative average. Independent study may take the form of readings, research, a conference, project and/or field experience. Ordinarily it may not be used to substitute for a regular course in the curriculum. Independent study may be taken for a total of four courses, no more than two in any term. Prerequisite: previous study in chemistry or permission of the department. Fall and Spring.
201. Organic Chemistry I One course
The chemistry of carbon compounds with an emphasis on structural theory, reactions and energetics. The laboratory stresses synthesis separation and identification techniques typical for organic compounds, including chromatography, spectrometry and molecular modeling. Four hours of lecture, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 120. Fall.
202. Organic Chemistry II One course
The continuation of CHEM 201 with emphasis on the reactions and reaction mechanisms characteristic of various functional groups. The laboratory stresses synthesis, separation and identification techniques (chromatography and spectrometric) and kinetic measurements. Four hours of lecture, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 201. Spring.
207. Solutions One course
The course introduces the student to the computational techniques used in quantitative analysis. This includes an introduction to the statistical methods used in evaluating the reliability of experimental and calculated data and the use of Excel in the manipulation of this data. The course specifically treats data obtained through gravimetric and titrimetric analyses and the chemical equilibria associated with these analytical methods. Four lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM
120 and MATH 025 or equivalent. Spring.
220. Special Topics in Chemistry One course
A study of an area, topic, application or issue related to chemistry that will offer the student a broader, deeper, more practical or alternative view of the field. To be offered as needed. The topic will be announced in the semester prior to the semester in which it will be offered.
270. Internship in Chemistry One course
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills the student has learned in coursework to solve problems in a an applied laboratory setting; the apprenticeship aspect of the internship implies that the student has some base of knowledge and will increase her knowledge and skills by direct contact with an experienced, knowledgeable mentor. Open to juniors and seniors with a 2.0 cumulative average; maximum credit per term is one course; admission by application only.
290. Honors Independent Study in Chemistry One to two courses
Advanced independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Normally open to juniors and seniors with a 3.5 average in chemistry. Subject to approval of the chair of the department. Honors work may be taken for a maximum of two courses per term.
305. Biochemistry One course
Modern biochemistry with emphasis on the structure, chemical properties and metabolism of biologically important molecules. Three lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 and BIOL 100, or permission of the instructor. Fall.
309. Physical Methods Laboratory I One-half course
Methods of chemical analysis based on spectroscopy and laboratory computers. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 and PHYS 220. Fall.
310. Physical Methods Laboratory II One-half course
A continuation of CHEM 309 with emphasis on chromatography and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 309 and PHYS 220. Spring.
Science
210. Clinical Laboratory Science One-half course
This course prepares students for research in Clinical Laboratory Science, introduces students to ethical and safety issues in the clinical labs, reinforces essential laboratory skills and will serve as the capstone course for the CLS major. Prerequisites: BIOL 100, CHEM 120, MATH 025.





