MS in Pathology Laboratory Sciences

The Master of Science in Pathology Laboratory Sciences program focuses on the basic science and laboratory techniques of pathology and related disciplines. The master’s program was founded in 2003 by Dr. Adrianne Rogers, professor emeritus of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and former associate chair of the department and Chris Andry, MPhil, PhD, the current Vice Chair and program director. Graduates are prepared to work in basic science, biotechnology, clinical pathology, and other biomedical research laboratories designing, performing, and evaluating research. Students learn to prepare and evaluate animal or human cells and tissues for the effects of test compounds, devices, or procedures using morphologic, molecular, and other methods.

Techniques include gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural techniques for examination of cells and tissues, including histochemical staining and immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence, and molecular methods; and certain clinical chemistry, hematological and immunological, methods for examination of blood tissue or other bodily fluids or extracts. Offerings include, but are not limited to, the following specialized techniques in the basic laboratory rotations or in the student’s laboratory research project: laser capture techniques, in situ hybridization including fluorescence detection (FISH), molecular techniques, proteomics, and confocal or electron microscopy, image analysis, and virtual pathology. Students learn and rotate in modern, well-equipped laboratories on the BU Medical Campus and at Boston Medical Center.

Curriculum

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of eight semester courses (32 credit hours) at the graduate level, including an original laboratory-based thesis. The degree program is usually completed within two years. Attendance at Pathology Seminar is required but only for credit in the first year. Students formally present a topic of choice to the department in the second-year spring semester.

Requirements by Topic

Updated curriculum is consistent with the currently approved program alternatives.

Pathology

• GMS PA 700 Introduction to Pathology and Pathophysiology of Disease (4 cr, spring)
• GMS PA 800 A1 Pathology Seminar (2 cr)
• GMS PA 801 Pathology Special Topics (2 cr)
• GMS PA 810/811 The Business of Science (2 cr)
• GMS PA 900 Pathology Laboratory Rotations (2 cr)
• GMS PA 901 Pathology Research (varies, 2–10 cr)
• GMS PA 910 Human Biospecimens for Research (2 cr) (offered every other spring)
• GMS PA 932 Histopathology (4 cr)

Biochemistry

• GMS BI 751 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (6 cr, fall)

Biostatistics

• GMS CI 670 Biostatistics with Computing (4 cr, fall) or GMS MS 700

Electives

GMS offers a selection of electives for your second year of study; to be approved by the program director.

Proposed Course of Study

First-Year Fall Semester

• GMS BI 751 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (6 cr)
• GMS PA 810/811 The Business of Science (2 cr)
• GMS PA 932 Histopathology (4 cr)

Total credits: 12

First-Year Spring Semester

• GMS PA 700 Basic and Experimental Pathology (4 cr)
• GMS PA 801 Pathology Special Topics (2 cr)
• GMS PA 900 Pathology Laboratory Rotations (2 cr)
• GMS PA 910 Human Biospecimens for Research (2 cr) (elective every other year)
• GMS PA 510 Medical Immunology (2 cr)

Total credits: 10–12 or more, depending on the choice of courses

Second-Year Fall Semester

• GMS CI 670 Biostatistics with Computing (4 cr, fall) or GMS MS 700
• GMS PA 800 Pathology Seminar (2 cr)