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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES-CAREER INFORMATION SUMMARY
WHAT IS BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND WHO IS A BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST?
Biomedical science is a basic research field that focuses on aspects of human health and disease. It is a combination of several analytical sciences that are used in a multidisciplinary fashion to investigate normal life processes, human disease and its progression, and treatment. A biomedical scientist is a qualified and registered practitioner who works in the pathology department of a hospital or clinic. Biomedical scientists conduct scientific and laboratory research to support diagnosis and treatment of human disease.
WHERE DO BIOMEDICAL SCIENTISTS WORK?
Biomedical scientists can work in medical laboratories of both government and private hospitals including privately owned diagnostic laboratories independent of hospitals. Here they apply their knowledge and skills in the science of clinical laboratory diagnosis. They test, analyse and review body fluids and tissue in order to advise medical practitioners.
Biomedical scientists also work in biomedical research institutes which undertake research into the causes and effects of diseases and develop new treatments and therapies for human illnesses, diseases and disabilities. Examples of these in Zambia include the tropical diseases research centre (TDRC), University of Zambia, and NGOs in particular the Centre for infectious disease research in Zambia (CIDRZ). These institutions mainly focus on diseases that pose major health challenges in the country such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. They look into the health problems that communities face and try to devise ways of controlling them.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
In a medical laboratory, tasks usually involve carrying out tests and analyses of clinical specimens as requested by clinicians to aid them in diagnosis and treatment. There are various tests which are conducted in a medical laboratory on a daily basis but most could be classified into the following; haematology (e.g., full blood count), serology (e.g., HIV tests), microbiology (e.g.,
sputum culture) and biochemistry (e.g. fasting blood sugar). Biomedical scientists make use of laboratory equipment such as microscopes, ultracentrifuges, haematology analysers, autoclaves and other apparatus in order to perform such tests.
Working in biomedical research institutes involves conducting careful experimentation, laboratory work, observation, and analysis of biological processes and the causes of disease. Such research may be basic, aimed at furthering our understanding of the biology of disease-causing organisms, or it may be applied, directed at making new discoveries such as the search for an HIV vaccine. Once research is concluded, the findings are published and recommendations are made to the relevant authorities.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST?
The work schedule of a biomedical scientist depends on the place where one works. In a medical laboratory attached to a hospital or health centre, they typically work in shifts (morning, afternoon and night) including weekends. In other hospitals, work may be from 08:00 – 16:00 hours, with one or two staff on-call for night time emergencies. In a diagnostic laboratory independent of a hospital, work may follow the normal 08:00 to 17:00 hours work schedule, Monday to Friday. Working in biomedical research or with NGOs may also follow this schedule.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Upon graduation and attaining their qualification, biomedical scientists are required to be registered and licensed by the health professions council of Zambia (HPCZ). A biomedical scientist can find a job in a medical laboratory of a public or private hospital. The largest employer is the government and so the job market is highly dependent on government recruitment. Employment could be a little tricky to come by but there is a good number of private hospitals and medical laboratories that have been established as well as newly constructed government hospitals, all of which require biomedical scientists. There is thus a reasonable number of employment opportunities.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
To succeed in biomedical sciences, one needs to have an interest in science and technology as well as a good academic background in science-based subjects. The work of a biomedical scientist is very practical and technical in nature, one should be ready to do hands on work, operating high-tech machines, microscopes and specialist laboratory equipment. It is also essential that a biomedical scientist has organizational skills because often the work in a medical laboratory involves carrying out various tests on numerous patients’ samples which are only tagged with patients file numbers and are very easy to mix up. One should be able to work in a methodical and systematic manner so as to avoid errors. Aside from this, a biomedical scientist should also be meticulous, paying particular attention to detail in order to produce highly accurate results even when under pressure.
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WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
When a student enrols into the diploma program, they will first cover subjects such as Applied physics and chemistry, applied mathematics, Cell biology, and biochemistry. In latter years, they will narrow down to more specific biomedical subjects such as Immunology, Microbiology, Haematology, Histology and Parasitology.
Students in the degree program will cover A’ level natural sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology) in their first year of study. In the following years, they move on to cover more specific biomedical courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Haematology and Epidemiology.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
As with most science-based degree programs, entrance is quite competitive. Actual cut-off point depends on the university of choice but typically, a prospective student needs to have scored at least 12 points in the best 6 subjects (mathematics, science and English included) at grade 12. A diploma in biomedical sciences or medical laboratory science can also be considered and will earn some exemptions.
Minimum entry requirements for the diploma program are a credit or better in Mathematics, Biology, Science, English and any other subject. But this may be higher depending on the level of competition at the college of choice.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST?
To work as a biomedical scientist, typically a Zambian biomedical scientist needs to have studied for a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences (degree), while biomedical technologists hold a diploma in biomedical sciences. An alternative qualification that could enable one to work in a medical laboratory is medical laboratory sciences, though with this qualification a holder will not work in the capacity of a biomedical scientist but rather as support staff.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
To advance their qualifications, a biomedical sciences degree holder can pursue a Master’s degree in microbiology, parasitology, haematology, pathology, epidemiology etc. A master’s degree deepens one’s knowledge in a specialist field and also gives them an advantage in the job market especially for research roles.
References
Ali-Dinar, A. B. (Ed.). (n.d.). Tropical Diseases Research Centre - Zambia. Retrieved from University of Pennsylvania - Africa Studies Centre: https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Org_Institutes/tdrc_zm.html#:~:text=Major%20achievements%20of%20the%20TDRC,surveillance%20system%20to%20control%20African
Bachelor of Science Biomedical Sciences. (2018). Retrieved from University of Zambia Website: https://www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science-biomedical-sciences
Training Programme. (2020). Retrieved from Ndola College of Biomedical Sciences Website: http://ncbszambia.org/index.php/training-programme/
Why study biomedical science. (2018). Retrieved from The University of Sheffield Website: https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/blog/categories/study-abroad/why-study-biomedical-science
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 0211 252641
E-mail: dean-medicine@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science-biomedical-sciences
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Evening
Admitting school: School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 / +260 212 290815
Email: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees
LEVY MWANAWASA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree) / 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Admitting school: Institute of Basic and Biomedical Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 974 330519 / +260 953 821693
Email: info@lmmu.ac.zm
Website: www.lmmu.ac.zm/levy-mwanawasa-medical-university-fees-structure
CHIKANKATA COLLEGE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Intakes: July (only)
Location: Mazabuka
Contacts
Tel: +260 974 359507 / +260 965 992027 / +260 0213 235828
Email: ccbsdept@gmail.com / ppilingana@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.salvationarmy.org/chikankata/scheduleoffees
NDOLA COLLEGE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260 0212 612361
Email: info@ncbszambia.org
Website: www.ncbszambia.org
EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Admitting school: School of Health and Applied Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 227752 / +260 211 220208
Email: bloloji@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/academic-fees/
KAFUE INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND RESEARCH
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kafue
Contacts
Email: kafueihs@gmail.com
Tel: +260 971 908366
Website: www.kihser.com