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?
- Aligned with California Department of Public Health standards,preparing you for CLS and Limited CLS Trainee Licenses.
- Gain crucial hands-on experience with our in-person lab practicum, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real laboratory setting.
- Weekly one-on-one sessions with CLS faculty
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Career guidance and networking opportunities
🔬 Offered Courses
BIOL 625 Hematology (Units: 3)
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.
Prerequisites
Completion of a physiology course at the university level. If you have not fulfilled this prerequisite, please contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu to explore potential alternatives.
Course Structure
- Lectures (2 units): Engage in dynamic discussions and in-depth theoretical exploration
- Laboratory (1 unit): Gain blood analysis skills through online virtual techniques and hands-on training with advanced equipment at SF State's on-campus CLS Laboratory.
🗓️ Class Schedule
| Course | Title | Units | Class Number | Dates | Instruction Mode | Instructor | Fee | Seats |
| BIOL 625 [01Z] | Hematology | 3 | 9728 | August 5, 2024 – November 22, 2024 | Asynchronous with in-person lab components. Lab sessions held on SFSU campus in Hensill Hall, room 801. Dates: September 21, 22 and November 9,10. 9 AM to 4 PM each day |
Huy Le, CLS David Luong, CLS Alfred Lugo,CLS |
$900 | 25 |
BIOL 430 Medical Microbiology (Units: 3)
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.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a General Microbiology course with a grade of C or better or with permission of the instructor. If you have not fulfilled this prerequisite, please contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu to explore potential alternatives.
Course Structure
- Lectures (3 units): Engage in dynamic discussions and in-depth theoretical exploration
🗓️ Class Schedule
| Course | Title | Units | Class Number | Dates/Time | Instruction Mode | Instructor | Fee | Seats |
| BIOL 430 [01Z] | Medical Microbiology | 3 | 9730 | August 5, 2024 – November 22, 2024 |
Online LIVE Every Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. |
Huy Le,CLS Carissa Threewitt, CDPH PHM |
$900 | 25 |
| BIOL 431 [01Z] | Medical Microbiology Laboratory | 2 | 9735 | September 30, 2024 – November 22, 2024 |
Online LIVE every Wednesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. In-person lab sessions: SFSU campus, Hensill Hall, Room 801 (HH 801) Dates: October 19-20, November 2-3, November 16-17, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day |
Huy Le,CLS Carissa Threewitt,CDPH PHM Alfred Lugo,CLS |
$780 | 30 |
BIOL 435 Immunology & BIOL 436 Immunology Laboratory
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.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a General Microbiology course with a grade of C or better or with permission of the instructor. If you have not fulfilled this prerequisite, please contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu to explore potential alternatives.
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.
🗓️ Class Schedule
These courses will be offered in Spring 2025.
CHEM 340 Biochemistry I (Units: 3)
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.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a General Chemistry course with a grade of C or better or with permission of the instructor. If you have not fulfilled this prerequisite, please contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu to explore potential alternatives.
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.
🗓️ Class Schedule
These courses will be offered in Spring 2025.
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
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
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🔬 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.