Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics Program
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Before you can log on to your course, you must activate your MSUnet ID and choose a password. For directions on activating your account use this link: http://netid.msu.edu You must also activate your MSU email account at: http://mail.msu.edu
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Program Description
The Michigan State University (MSU) Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program (formerly Medical Technology) is pleased to offer a Certificate Program in Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics. Upon successful completion of this three-course program, participants will receive a certificate of completion; however, individual course enrollment is possible with appropriate prerequisites. The two didactic courses are taught via computer on the World Wide Web using ANGEL, a nationally known learning management system which is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms. The laboratory component is typically taught over one week on the University's East Lansing campus. Participants can also arrange to complete this segment at a remote site, such as in their home community, provided proper equipment and instrumentation is available and the lab agrees with the University to allow you to practice at their site.
Who should take these courses?
This program is designed for working medical laboratory professionals in need of updating their skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern molecular biology applications. Individuals working in veterinary, forensic, industrial, and pharmaceutical laboratories will also find the content pertinent. Individuals seeking certification in molecular biology from the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) will find the courses to provide solid preparation for national credentialing examinations. However, these courses are not a prerequisite or a requirement for the certifying exams. To determine your eligibility contact the agency of your choice by clicking on the links above. The courses will also be applicable to recertification by NCA for individuals holding any NCA credential. The program also provides valuable preparation for work in modern medical and biological laboratories for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in the biological sciences.
The Courses
The two on-line courses are organized into modules. There are approximately 15 modules in each course. The instructor expects that you will complete one module per week. This may vary, depending on your schedule. The time spent with each on-line module and assigned readings (see link at top of page to order your books) should take approximately 4-5 hours per week. There are also specified times for on-line chat rooms with faculty and other course participants. If you are unable to attend the scheduled online chats, there is a bulletin board where you could post threaded discussions or questions you may have regarding the course material. The grading for the on-line courses is based on an “open book” midterm and final exam. We recommend that you join us in taking the third course in the series on the campus of Michigan State University. This is currently offered during the summer semester. The BLD program has created many relationships with local hotels and dormatories so that you will be able to stay at reasonably priced on-campus, or near campus, housing. The course is offered as a one-week intensive format (e.g. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). To make special arrangements with the instructor to complete the laboratory requirements in a laboratory in your local area, you will need to contact Dr. John Gerlach and read through the following document.
BLD 830 - Concepts in Molecular Biology (2 cr) is an introduction to the practice of molecular biology and its applications in the clinical laboratory. Prerequisites include undergraduate courses in both biochemistry and biology. The topics include genetics, DNA chemistry, nucleic acid extraction and modification, electrophoresis, Southern blotting, hybridization, amplification, sequencing, laboratory practice, laboratory design, business, marketing, and regulatory standards. Currently this course is being offered both Fall and Spring semesters. To find out the beginning and end dates please visit the academic calendar section of the Registrar's webpage. The URL is http://reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Calendar/Academic.asp.
BLD 831 - Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology (2 cr) focuses on the specific applications of molecular techniques within a variety of disciplines. Prerequisites include BLD 830 or documented molecular diagnostics experience. The disciplines covered include cytogenetics, hemostasis, hematology, immunology, infectious diseases, forensic science, oncology, paternity, and transplantation immunology. Participants will develop a focal problem related to their area of interest. Currently this course is being offered both Spring and Summer semesters. It can be taken along with BLD832 during the Summer semester. To find out the beginning and end dates please visit the academic calendar section of the Registrar's webpage. The URL is http://reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Calendar/Academic.asp. Registration arrangements for this course must be made through the BLD Curriculum Assistant. You may contact Mark Bitman at (517) 353-9225 or via e-mail bitman@cns.msu.edu.
BLD 832 - Molecular Pathology Laboratory (2 cr) allows learners to perform the techniques described in BLD 830 and BLD 831. Prerequisites include BLD 830 and BLD 831 (or you can take BLD 831 concurrently with the lab) or documented molecular diagnostics experience. The laboratory is an intensive one-week course. Activities include operation of equipment, DNA extraction and measurement, Southern blotting, hybridization, amplification, detection, and sequencing. As mentioned previously this course may be taken concurrently with BLD 831 during the Summer Session. The Registration process for this is handled online. There are typically 3 or 4 sessions each summer. Each session will hold a maximum of 40 students. The registration will open on April 15 at 11 a.m. EST. The process will include a form that you will complete on line and then you will be notified shortly after submitting the form of confirmation of your class week. You will be able to make a selection on housing at that time.
Here are the Summer 2010 dates for BLD 832. Please remember that this program starts on Monday at 9 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. est on Monday-Thursday. On Friday of each week the class ends with a luncheon from 12-1:30. We suggest that people come in on Sunday and get settled. Some our international students prefer to come in on Saturday to allow for jet lag and to get a chance to walk around the campus. Since class is dismissed at 1:30 on Friday, most can catch a flight out; however, some might stay until Saturday. There will be a hyperlink to register available on March 15, 2010 on this site and embedded in current courses.
Due to the high demand of this course there will be 40 student seats available in each section. Seating is based on a first come first served choice. If there is an overwhelming response another section could open up (but a 15 student minimum is required).
Actual Class Dates
May 24 - May 28
June 7- June 11
June 21 - June 25
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| Color Atlas of Genetics Author: Eberhard Passarge Publisher: Thieme, Inc. ISBN: 1588903362 |
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| Human Molecular Genetics 3 Author: Tom Strachan A. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 0815341822 |
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There are several ways you can purchase these books. You may do a search for them online or you can place an order at the MSU Spartan Bookstore. The shipping price from Spartan Bookstore is figured for United States only. Course packets and books being sent out of the country will require additional shipping costs.
To contact MSU Spartan Bookstore you can call them at 877-267-4700.
Another source for this book is The Student Bookstore. You can call them at 800-968-1111.
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The Faculty
Course director and primary faculty member:
John A. Gerlach, PhD, MT(ASCP), dip ABHI
Professor and Director, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics
Director, Histocompatibility Laboratory
Michigan State University
Recognition of completion
Students who apply to this program typically take this program with the status of "Lifelong Student". It is not uncommon for students who take program as a "Lifelong" guest student to later apply these credits to our Masters degree provided approval by their committee. Program Participants will earn two semester credit hours from Michigan State University for each course successfully completed. Individuals completing the 3-course sequence also will be awarded a certificate of completion in Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics from the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program of Michigan State University.
To apply for admission as a LIFELONG student please click this hyperlink to take you to the application page. CLICK HERE!
Program cost
Participants beginning the program in the 2009-2010 academic year as in and out-of-state lifelong education students will pay a cost of $1,207 for each 2 credit course; in-state degree seeking students will pay a cost of $1,079 and out-state degree seeking students will pay $1,207 for each 2 credit course. Lifelong education students may withdraw from a course before one-quarter of the course is complete to receive a full refund. International students living in the United States must also pay a $25 international student fee. International students living in the United States will also automatically be charged a fee for health insurance, UNLESS they provide proof of health insurance by filling out a Health Waiver Form by clicking on this link (Note, you will have to use your newly established MSU Net ID to login to the waiver form).
Registration and Admissions Process
Participants can apply directly on-line as a "lifelong education" student (either domestic or international). For Lifelong Education students there is no fee attached to this application process; so if you encounter an application fee, you have selected the wrong application. You will need to know the course number (either BLD 830, BLD 831 or BLD 832). When you click on the link below a new page will open for you to apply to the University. There are two "drop down" boxes - one that says I am a "Domestic" student and then it says "Freshman". You need to select the correct information in the drop down boxes. If you are a US citizen you are a "domestic" student; otherwise choose "international". For the box that says "Freshman" drop it down and and choose "Lifelong". That way you will not have to pay an application fee or provide transcripts. The other information you need to fill out the application is biographical in nature (e.g. name, address, high school and other schools attended, etc.) It is not necessary to submit any transcripts, since you will not be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Once you fill out the on-line application, you will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with a Personal Identification Number (PID) and a Personal Access Number (PAN) - and a link to go to a designated website where you will establish your own MSU Net ID and your own MSU email address within two business days. All future communication from MSU will come to your MSU email account - including any bills for the course. You can forward email from your MSU account to another email account (e.g. g-mail, hotmail, or aol, etc.) - or you can leave your MSU email separate. It is important to set these up as your bill for the course will come via email and the payment options will be on line (e.g. use a credit card, have it paid directly from your bank account) or you can send a check to pay your bill. If you do not pay your bill, you will be dropped from the course. Late fees may be assessed if you are dropped from the course. All fees are subject to change without further notice.
To register for the course and fill out the online application CLICK HERE.
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Computer Needs
The ANGEL learning management system works with Macintosh, Windows, and other platforms and is accessible through almost any Internet browser. Typically, Firefox and Internet Explorer work best; while some issues have been reported while using Safari. Cookies and cache should be cleared for the best results.
MSU offers a 24-hour assistance or HELP DESK to help support your technical needs, concerns or questions. Operators are available 24/7 most days of the year. There may be some exceptional holidays when services may limited or not available. Typically, in this case a message on the voice mail is posted prior to the said holiday. To reach the HELP DESK - callers may use 800-500-1554 or local callers may use 517-355-2345. If the user prefers to use SKYPE (especially foreign students), their Skype address is msu.distance.learning.services.
Tips for Successful Online Learning
It is recommended that you check in your online course at least three times during the week to make sure you catch up all announcements and changes. This will promote interactions with course participants and instructor(s).
Participate in scheduled chats or threaded messages.
Clear off your workspace and make it a comfortable
space where you can work.
Make sure the room lighting is neither too bright nor too dark.
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How To Begin The Course Once Registered
You must activate your MSUnet ID and email account and then choose a password. For Directions on Activating your MSUnet ID, use this link: http://netid.msu.edu. Your email account must also be activated since all subsequent communication from MSU will be sent to your MSU email account (including billing information). To activate your email account use this link: http://mail.msu.edu.
To enter the course you must login to the ANGEL system. Angel is available at http://angel.msu.edu. You will need your MSUnet ID and password to gain access to your course. Your course will be available on the first day of classes. Once inside ANGEL your course should be listed along the left side margin of your screen.
Contact Information
For additional information, contact the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program at:
Michigan State University
322 N. Kedzie Hall
E. Lansing, MI 48824-1031
517-353-9225 - Curriculum Assistant
fax 517-432-2006
bld@msu.edu
Handicapper accommodations may be requested by calling the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program at 517.353.7800 or by e-mail to bld@msu.edu.
How to Print A Grade Report
1.) Go to the MSU Student Information website http://stuinfo.msu.edu
3.) Sign in with your MSUnet ID & password then hit submit
4.) Welcome To STUINFO Menu
5.) Look under "Academic" and Select "Grade History: Grade Report"
6.) Select the term & type in student number then press enter
7.) Grade History Screen - select Create Grade Report
8.) Grade Report - scroll down the screen and click on Print Grade Report
9.) Close the window
