Pre-Clinical Lab Science Courses
Clinical laboratory scientists play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, finding employment in diverse settings ranging from medical laboratories within expansive medical centers to community hospitals, public health clinics, biotech companies, and private industry.
Non-SFSU Students do not need to be admitted and matriculated to San Francisco State University to enroll in these courses. They are offered as stand-alone options through the College of Professional and Global Education (CPaGE). To register, students only need to complete a Quick Admit application.
🔬 About the Program
Intensive, Hands-On Learning Experience
Dive deep into the world of clinical diagnostics with our high-unit courses. You'll gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge that form the bedrock of a successful CLS career. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare you for CLS and Limited CLS Trainee Licenses issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services.
Learn from Industry Experts
Benefit from weekly one-on-one sessions with our distinguished CLS faculty. Our CLS instructors bring years of real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring you receive the most relevant and up-to-date education.
In-Demand Skills for a Growing Field
Clinical laboratory professionals play a crucial role in modern healthcare, and our courses equip you with highly sought-after skills and knowledge using state-of-the-art facilities. You'll experience learning in our advanced laboratories, using the same cutting-edge equipment you'll encounter in your future career across the medical field.
🔬 Why Choose Our CLS Prerequisite Courses?
🌟EXCLUSIVE ADVANTAGE FOR SFSU CLS STUDENTS ONLY 🌟
We accept pending coursework EXCLUSIVELY for current SFSU CLS prerequisite students! If you are currently taking pre-CLS coursework with the SFSU CLS department, courses scheduled to be completed in the same semester that your application to CLS program is submitted will be accepted as pending completion. This allows you to apply to our program while still completing your prerequisites with us.
This exclusive benefit provides a seamless pathway for students already in our prerequisite program, eliminating delays in your professional journey.
🔬 Offered Courses | Registration opens for all students on April 23. A permit number is required to enroll. Request your course permission code here
BIOL 625 Hematology (Units: 3)
Permission Code: If you are not a current SFSU student, you must access QuickAdmit to create your SFSU email address, then use that email to complete and submit the attached course permission code request form.
Pre-requisites: For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science office directly at clsadvising@sfsu.edu.
Course Overview
This comprehensive hematology course unravels the mysteries of mammalian blood. Students will explore the intricate processes of blood cell formation and function. The curriculum examines the crucial role of blood components in both health and disease states. Through in-depth study and practical applications, participants will gain a thorough understanding of hematological principles. This course provides essential knowledge for future clinical laboratory scientists and healthcare professionals.
📚Course Structure
- Lectures (2 units): Engage in dynamic discussions and in-depth theoretical exploration
- Laboratory (1 unit): Gain blood analysis skills through hands-on training with advanced equipment at SF State's on-campus CLS Laboratory.
- Textbook: Clinical Hematology: Theory & Procedures: Theory & Procedures 6th Edition by Mary Lou Turgeon, Jones & Bartlett Learning Publisher
🗓️ Class Schedule
BIOL 625 Hematology is available during Fall and Spring semesters only.
BIOL 430 Medical Microbiology (Units: 3) & BIOL 431 Medical Microbiology Laboratory (Units: 2)
Permission Code: If you are not a current SFSU student, you must access QuickAdmit to create your SFSU email address, then use that email to complete and submit the attached course permission code request form.
Pre-requisites: For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science office directly at clsadvising@sfsu.edu.
Course Overview
This comprehensive course explores the dynamic world of medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Students will discover how pathogens spread, interact with the body's microflora, and cause diseases while mastering aseptic practices. The curriculum delves into the biology of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens through relevant clinical examples. Participants will develop essential diagnostic skills, including the interpretation of laboratory tests for infectious diseases. By the end of the course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and practical abilities crucial for understanding and combating pathogenic microorganisms in the human body.
Course Structure
📚 SFSU CLS offers two distinct stand-alone Medical Microbiology courses: BIOL 430 [01Z] (3 units) is an independent lecture-only course focusing on theoretical concepts and discussions, while BIOL 431 [01Z] (2 units) is a separate comprehensive course that includes both lecture (1 unit) and hands-on laboratory work .
- Textbook: Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology Edition: 14th ISBN: 9780323428927 Author: Tille Publisher: Elsevier Mosby
🎓 Students have the flexibility to enroll in either course independently or may choose to take both courses concurrently for a more in-depth learning experience.
🗓️ Class Schedule
| Course | Title | Units | Dates/Time | Instruction Mode | Instructor | Fee | Seats |
| BIOL 430 [01Z] | Medical Microbiology (Lecture) | 3 | 02-JUN-2025 - 08-AUG-2025 |
Online Bichronous (blend of scheduled and unscheduled) Classes While most coursework can be completed on your own schedule, students will meet virtually via Zoom 2 Thursdays each month (June 12, June 26, July 10, and July 24) at 6:00pm to engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers. |
Huy Le,CLS Carissa Threewitt, CDPH PHM |
$900 | 25 |
CHEM 321 Quantitative Chemical Analysis (Units: 3)
Permission Code: If you are not a current SFSU student, you must access QuickAdmit to create your SFSU email address, then use that email to complete and submit the attached course permission code request form.
Pre-requisites: For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science office directly at clsadvising@sfsu.edu.
Course Overview
Master the fundamentals of modern chemical analysis with our comprehensive foundation course in analytical chemistry. From statistical analysis and chemical equilibria to advanced instrumental methods, you will gain hands-on experience with essential laboratory techniques including titrimetric analysis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy (molecular, atomic, and mass), chromatography, and potentiometry. Perfect for aspiring clinical laboratory scientists, industry professionals, and research scholars, this course builds the comprehensive analytical foundation you need to excel in modern chemical analysis, blending rigorous theoretical principles with hands-on expertise to distinguish yourself in any laboratory setting.
Course Structure
📚Lectures (3 units): Engage in dynamic discussions and in-depth theoretical exploration
- Textbook: Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry 10th Edition Publisher: Cengage Learning
🗓️ Class Schedule
| Course | Title | Units | Dates/Time | Instruction Mode | Instructor | Fee | Seats |
| CHEM 321 [01Z] | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 3 | Jun 2, 2025 - Aug 8, 2025 |
Online Bichronous (blend of scheduled and unscheduled) Classes. While most coursework can be completed on your own schedule, students will meet virtually via Zoom 2 Thursdays each month (June 9, June 23 July 7 and July 21) at 6:00pm to engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers. |
Huy Le, CLS | $900 | 25 |
BIOL 435 Immunology & BIOL 436 Immunology Laboratory
Permission Code: If you are not a current SFSU student, you must access QuickAdmit to create your SFSU email address, then use that email to complete and submit the attached course permission code request form.
Pre-requisites: For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science office directly at clsadvising@sfsu.edu.
Course Overview
This course covers both innate and acquired immunity, focusing on how the body recognizes antigens. Students will learn about the mechanisms of immune responses and how they are induced. The measurement of immunity will be explored, including variations such as hypersensitivity and immune suppression, as well as their effects on the host. The laboratory component of the course will provide hands-on experience with antibody-antigen interactions, demonstrating the cellular basis of immune responses. Students will also have the opportunity to apply immune and serological reactions in practical settings.
Course Structure
📚 BIOL 435 (3 units) and BIOL 436 (2 units) offer lectures and lab components respectively, featuring dynamic discussions and in-depth theoretical exploration.
- Textbooks: Janeway's Immunobiology Tenth Edition Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
- Clinical Immunology and Serology: A Laboratory Perspective, 5th Edition Publisher, F.A. Davis Company
🗓️ Class Schedule
| Course | Title | Units | Dates/Time | Instruction Mode | Instructor | Fee | Seats |
| BIOL 435 [01Z] | Immunology | 3 | Jun 2, 2025 - Aug 8, 2025 |
Online Bichronous (blend of scheduled and unscheduled) Classes. While most coursework can be completed on your own schedule, students will meet virtually via Zoom 2 Fridays each month (June 13, June 27, July 11, and July 25) at 6:00pm to engage in real-time discussions and activities with instructors and peers. |
Theodus Nguyen, MSMLS, CLS | $900 | 25 |
CHEM 340 Biochemistry I (Units: 3)
Permission Code: If you are not a current SFSU student, you must access QuickAdmit to create your SFSU email address, then use that email to complete and submit the attached course permission code request form.
Pre-requisites: For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science office directly at clsadvising@sfsu.edu.
Course Overview
This comprehensive biochemistry course delves into the fundamental molecular processes that underpin life. Students will explore the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as the metabolic pathways that govern their synthesis and breakdown. The course covers enzyme kinetics, thermodynamics, and the electron transport chain, providing insight into cellular energy production. Additionally, learners will examine the central dogma of molecular biology, including DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis.
Course Structure
📚CHEM 340 Biochemistry I is a 3-unit lecture course delivered in a hybrid format. This innovative approach blends synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) instruction, providing students with a flexible and engaging learning experience.
- Textbook: Clinical Biochemistry, By Michael Murphy 7th Edition Publisher Elsevier
🗓️ Class Schedule
CHEM 340 Biochemistry I is available during Fall and Spring semesters only.
How to find classes to enroll
- Visit the Class Schedule page on the CPaGE website.
- Scroll down the page until you reach the Clinical Lab Sciences section.
- Browse the list of available courses under this heading.
- Click on any course title that interests you.
- On the course details page, you'll find:
- A full course description
- Course Fee
- Prerequisites (if any)
- Credit hours
- Meeting times and locations
- Instructor information
- At the top of each course page, you'll see detailed registration instructions.
- Follow these steps to enroll in your chosen course(s).
For registration assistance, please contact CPaGE 's enrollment line:
Phone: 415-405-7700
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Email: sfsucel@sfsu.edu
To expedite your call, please have the following information ready:
- Your SFSU ID number
- The class numbers for the courses you wish to enroll in
Pre-CLS courses are offered through San Francisco State University's College of Professional & Global Education. As a self-support college, this institution operates without state funding for its programs. Consequently, financial aid is not available for these courses, regardless of whether you are an SFSU student or not. This policy applies to all students enrolled in Pre-CLS courses within this college.
🔬 Registration
Please click here to access the Class Schedule, then scroll down to Clinical Lab Sciences for complete course details and registration information.
Curious about our exciting course offerings?
Ready to embark on your educational adventure?
New to SFSU? Get instant access with our Quick Admit:
Registration Help
For help with registration, please contact Student Services:
- Call: (415) 405-7700
- Phone Hours: M - F, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Email: sfsucel@sfsu.edu
Student/Faculty Center Browser Compatibility
Some web browsers are not compatible with the Student and Faculty Center (Campus Solutions). Visit the Help Signing in page over on the ITS website for steps on how to access Campus Solutions.
🔬 Questions?
Contact
For questions concerning the Clinical Laboratory Science Prerequisite Courses at SF State's CLS Program, contact Huy Le, program director, at huyle@sfsu.edu.