The department contributes substantially to the B.Sc. MLS training program in the fourth and fifth years. During the fourth year, the students have both theory and practical tuition in the teaching laboratory. In the fifth year, tuition continues in the classroom but is extended into the hospital laboratory. Problem based learning is used throughout the two years and exposure to scientific writing takes place in the dissertation and project work. B.Sc. MLS courses. Course Title Semester Histotechnology I 7 Histotechnology II 8 Histotechnology III 9 Dissertation in Cellular Pathology 9 Cytopathology I 9 Biology of Disease 9 Histotechnology IV 10 Cytopathology II 10 Project 10 Laboratory Rotation 10 Training Other Hospital Staff and Students The technical staff undertook the training of other staff in various disciplines. We had a 5-week course in Immunocytochemistry for staff of the Pathology Department, Royal Hospital. We trained Omani students studying medical laboratory techniques from the bio-technology department of the College of Science for 4 weeks. We also trained Omani students studying medical laboratory sciences in universities in India in histopathology techniques for 4 weeks. Presently we are conducting a 3-month course in histopathology for each of 2 employees of Khoula Hospital. Research / student projects services The unit has engaged in 17 research projects in a year. These include masters degree research projects and academic research projects. Examples of masters degree projects work on pollen particles, Archea, Salmonella bacteria and nematode trapping fungus. Academic research projects such as work on turtles, corals and bioplymers. Teaching / demonstrating Medical and BSc MLS students.