Program overview

• The program mission is to establish a local postgraduate program in the field of Clinical Biochemistry which can meet the needs of universities, different health sectors, and research centers through providing the scientific knowledge in the field, in addition to: research, laboratory, and communication skills, required to graduate qualified and specialized competencies in the discipline.
• The program is committed to fulfill the faculty of medicine’s mission which is to provide high-quality educational programs; nurture scientific research; and community engagement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program goals align with the college goals through providing a scientific foundation of clinical biochemistry which aligns with the faculty goal of enhancing teaching, learning, and educational services to improve the efficiency of the outcomes. Also, the program aims to develop students’ research skills and innovation skills to develop new analytical methods in the field, which aligns with the faculty goal of developing and sustaining an enhancing environment for innovation and creation. Finally, the program aims to provide an outstanding contribution to serve the community through developing qualified and specialized competencies in the field of clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine.

Program objectives

• To provide the students with the scientific foundations and principles in clinical biochemistry.
• To train students to synthesize, analyze, interpret, and discuss data obtained from the biochemical investigation of major organ function.
• To develop students’ scientific research skills in order to apply research into the development of new analytical methods and in improving clinical service.
• To allow students to apply practical and theoretical knowledge in problem solving and troubleshooting of areas in the field of clinical biochemistry.
• To develop students’ skills to improve and upgrade the level of scientific research in clinical biochemistry.
• To improve students’ presentation and communication skills, and critical appraisal, allowing them to participate in scientific meetings and conferences.

Admission criteria

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery, with a minimum C grade. Also, holders of bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy, medical technology, clinical nutrition, or sciences (major of biochemistry) are accepted with a minimum B grade.
• Achieving a minimum score of 5 in the IELTS test or its equivalent in the English language tests approved by the Deanship of Graduate Studies.
• Passing the general aptitude exam for university graduates with a grade of no less than 65%.
• Passing the distinction exam held by the department.
• Distinction of applicants is based on bachelor’s degree grade (60%) and distinction exam score (40%).
• Applicants should obtain a letter of approval from their employers.

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate programs at King Abdulaziz University, which you can find at the following link: More Details

 

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students are expected to:

• Recall basic theory elements and recent developments in clinical biochemistry and molecular medicine.
• Analyze data related to biochemical investigations of major organ functions.
• Demonstrate creative solutions and problem-solving skills in clinical biochemistry.
• Apply research skills to develop new analytical methods and improve clinical services.
• Utilize leadership skills in lab management.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals in interpreting lab investigations.
• Utilize analytical techniques and diagnostic platforms in clinical biochemistry and molecular medicine.
• Conduct community service projects related to common community diseases.
• Display high ethical and professional behavior.
• Demonstrate self-directed learning and appreciate the need for continuous development.

 

Study Plan

The study plan for the MSc in Clinical Biochemistry consists of no less than 34 accredited units, including the Master's thesis, distributed as follows:

• 22 credit units for compulsory courses.
• 4 credit units for elective courses.
• 8 credit units for the Master's thesis.