Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
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Subject: Biomedical Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 16
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.3
Theme: BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
Subtheme: BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
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Welcome, learners. Today, we are moving from the theoretical aspects of biomedical science to explore the exciting and vital career paths it opens up. Many of you are thinking about your future after SHS, and understanding these careers is crucial. These professionals are the unseen heroes in our healthcare system. When you visit a clinic or hospital like Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital or the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital with a fever, it is a biomedical professional who analyses your blood sample to confirm if you have malaria or typhoid. They work in research institutions like the Noguchi Memorial Institute, finding solutions to diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola.
What is Biomedical Science Practice? Biomedical Science Practice refers to the professional application of scientific principles, particularly those from biology and chemistry, to healthcare. It is a broad field that encompasses diagnosis, research, monitoring of diseases, and development of treatments. Professionals in this field are often called "scientists of the healthcare world." They provide the scientific evidence that doctors and other healthcare workers use to make decisions about patient care.
Let's explore three key career fields in detail.
Career Field 1: Biomedical Scientist (Medical Laboratory Scientist) What is a Biomedical Scientist? A Biomedical Scientist is a healthcare professional who works in a laboratory to analyse patient samples (e.g., blood, urine, tissue, stool) to help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. In Ghana, they are often called Medical Laboratory Scientists and are a critical part of the clinical diagnostic team. Core Duties and Responsibilities: Receiving, logging, and preparing patient samples for analysis. Performing a wide range of laboratory tests, from simple blood glucose checks to complex genetic analysis. Haematology: Analysing blood samples to diagnose conditions like anaemia (low haemoglobin), sickle cell disease, and leukaemia. They perform Full Blood Counts (FBCs). Clinical Chemistry (Chemical Pathology): Measuring levels of chemicals, hormones, and drugs in the blood or urine to check for organ function (e.g., Kidney Function Tests, Liver Function Tests) and diagnose diseases like diabetes. Microbiology: Identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that cause infections. For example, performing a culture on a stool sample to identify the bacteria causing severe diarrhoea or using a microscope to spot malaria parasites in a blood film. Blood Transfusion Science: Ensuring that donated blood is safe and compatible for patients who need transfusions (blood grouping and cross-matching). Operating and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment like analysers, centrifuges, and microscopes. Interpreting results, writing reports, and communicating findings to doctors. Essential Skills: Technical Skills: Excellent laboratory skills, including pipetting, microscopy, and operating analysers. Attention to Detail: A tiny error can lead to a misdiagnosis. Accuracy and precision are paramount. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to interpret complex data and troubleshoot when tests go wrong. Communication Skills: Clearly explaining complex scientific results to medical staff. Ethical Responsibility: Handling patient data with confidentiality and integrity. Educational Pathway in Ghana: SHS: Complete WASSCE with strong passes (typically C6 or better) in Core subjects (English, Maths, Integrated Science, Social Studies) and Elective subjects, primarily Chemistry and Biology, plus either Physics or Elective Mathematics. University: Obtain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Biomedical Science. Key universities offering this include the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). Internship: Complete a mandatory one-year clinical internship (housemanship) at an accredited hospital. Licensure: Write and pass the professional licensure examination conducted by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) of Ghana. Practice: Register with the AHPC to be licensed to practice legally in Ghana. Further specialization (MSc, PhD) is possible in areas like Haematology, Microbiology, etc.
Career Field 2: Toxicologist What is a Toxicologist? A Toxicologist is a scientist who studies the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms and the environment. They investigate poisons, toxins, and pollutants to understand their risks and determine safe exposure levels. They can work in research, regulatory bodies, or forensics. Core Duties and Responsibilities: Regulatory Toxicology: Working for agencies like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana to assess the safety of new medicines, food additives, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. They help set safety standards. Forensic Toxicology: Analysing biological samples (blood, urine) from crime scenes or post-mortems to identify the presence of drugs, alcohol, or poisons to help in legal investigations. Environmental Toxicology: Studying the impact of pollutants on ecosystems. For example, investigating the effect of mercury and cyanide from illegal mining ("galamsey") activities on river bodies and aquatic life in Ghana. Clinical Toxicology: Working in hospitals to advise on the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. Designing and conducting experiments (often on cells or in animal models) to determine the toxicity of substances. Writing detailed scientific reports and risk assessments. Essential Skills: Strong Foundation in Chemistry and Biology: Deep understanding of how chemicals interact with biological systems. Research and Investigative Skills: Meticulous in designing experiments and collecting data. Critical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex data and draw logical conclusions about risk and safety. Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex toxicological concepts to government officials, lawyers, or the public. High Ethical Standards: Integrity is crucial, especially in forensic and regulatory work. Educational Pathway in Ghana: SHS: Similar to Biomedical Science, with a strong emphasis on Chemistry and Biology. University (Undergraduate): The path is less direct than for a Biomedical Scientist. A strong first degree (BSc) in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacology, or Biomedical Science is an excellent foundation. KNUST and UG have strong programmes in these areas. Postgraduate Specialization: A Master's (MSc) or PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related field is usually required to become a professional toxicologist. These programmes may be pursued in Ghana or, more commonly, abroad. Practice: Career opportunities are found in research institutions (e.g., Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research - CSIR), universities, regulatory bodies (FDA, EPA), and the Ghana Standards Authority.