Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration, B.S.

The Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist (Pre-CLS) concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Health and Medical Science prepares students for critical roles in diagnostic healthcare by providing the knowledge and skills required for clinical laboratory practice.

This concentration offers a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory coursework and practical training that emphasizes the accurate analysis of samples and the interpretation of laboratory data-skills essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Taught by experienced faculty and supported by modern lab facilities, the program blends academic rigor with precision laboratory experience. Students are encouraged to complete structured internships in accredited institutions or reference laboratories to further enhance their professional readiness and receive academic credit.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue California or National certification as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Medical Laboratory Scientists) and are qualified for employment in clinical laboratories, public health agencies, biotechnology firms, and research institutions.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major does not include a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course. Students must take a GWAR certified writing intensive course to fulfill the requirement.

Major Academic Plans, Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration, B.S.

Program MAPs represent recommended pathways toward degree completion in four years (or two years for transfer students). Please see an advisor and use the DARS planner to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration, B.S. MAP

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration, B.S. Transfer MAP

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration, B.S. Transfer MAP (Chemistry ADT)

Requirements for the Major (90 Units)

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses. The Upper Division Area 2/5: Mathematics or Sciences General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the Health and Medical Sciences major.

Core (47-49 Units)

The following core courses are required for all Health and Medical Sciences majors.

BIOL 105 - Principles of Biology Units: 4
CHEM 109 - General Chemistry I Units: 5
CHEM 110 - General Chemistry II Units: 5
HED 100 - Introduction to Health and Well-Being Units: 3
HMS 401 - Medical Ethics and Professionalism Units: 1
HMS 402 - Health and Medical Sciences Connections Units: 2
KINS 244 - Medical Terminology Units: 1
PHYX 106 - College Physics: Mechanics and Heat Units: 4
PHYX 107 - College Physics: Electromagnetism and Modern Physics Units: 4
PSYC 104 - Introduction to Psychology Units: 3
ZOOL 110 - Introductory Zoology Units: 4
MATH 102 - Algebra and Elementary Functions Units: 4
or
MATH 105 - Calculus for the Biological Sciences and Natural Resources Units: 3
STAT 109 - Introductory Biostatistics Units: 4 (recommended for Pre-Medical/Doctor of Osteopathy, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Physical Therapy students)
or
CHEM 341 - Quantitative Analysis Units: 5 (required for Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist students)
ZOOL 113 - Human Physiology Units: 4 (recommended for Pre-Physical Therapy students)
or
ZOOL 312 - Human Physiology Units: 4 (recommended for Pre-Medical/Doctor of Osteopathy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Clinical lab Scientist students)

Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Concentration (41 - 42 Units)

BIOL 210 - Medical Microbiology Units: 4
BIOL 340 - Genetics Units: 4
BIOL 350 - Cell Biology Units: 3
BIOL 443 - Hematology Units: 4
BIOL 445 - Immunology Units: 3
BIOL 450 - Cell Biology Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 323 - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Techniques Units: 1
CHEM 324 - Organic Chemistry I Units: 3
CHEM 324L - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 325 - Organic Chemistry II Units: 3
CHEM 325L - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 434 - Biochemistry I Units: 3
CHEM 434L - Biochemistry I Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 435 - Biochemistry II Units: 3

Pre-Clinical Lab Scientist Elective Requirement (2 - 3 Units)

Complete at least 2 -3 units* from the courses below to complete 90 units total, chosen in consultation with an academic advisor. [No more than 2 units of BIOL 482 /HMS 482 may be used to fulfill this requirement.] *Number of units required will depend on courses taken in CORE and the requirement of 90 total units required for the major.

BIOL 440 - Molecular Genetics Lab Units: 2
BIOL 455 - Introduction to Cellular and Gene Therapy Units: 2
BIOL 455L - Cellular and Gene Therapy Laboratory Units: 3
BIOL 499 - Directed Study Units: 1-2
CHEM 440 - Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 495 - Undergraduate Research Units: 1-3
ZOOL 270 - Human Anatomy Units: 4
BIOL 482 - Supervised Internship Units: 1-12
or
HMS 482 - Health and Medical Science Internship Units: 2

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to patient confidentiality, equity, and professionalism contributing to improved health outcomes and well-being in rural and underserved communities and individuals, grounded in bioethics, and knowledge of a variety of healthcare environments. (ILO1, ILO2)
Graduates will be able to critically evaluate, describe and apply foundational knowledge of biological, physical and behavioral sciences that underlie the multidisciplinary professions in health and medical sciences. (ILO3, ILO4)
Graduates will be able to locate, critically evaluate, cite and apply information and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced training in health-related fields, including medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and clinical laboratory sciences. (ILO3, ILO4)
Graduates will be able to express, critically evaluate and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world topics in health and medical sciences through written communication. (ILO4, ILO5)
Graduates will be able to employ effective professional oral communication and interpersonal skills essential for teamwork and patient-centered care, demonstrating the ability to explain complex medical issues. (ILO6)
Graduates will be able to apply quantitative tools, data analysis and physical principles for health and medical science analysis. (ILO 7)