The laboratory management major prepares students to man- age and coordinate the nontechnical activities that contribute to a safe and well-run laboratory. It builds on the technical and scientific knowledge gained through the associate’s degree pro- gram and direct experience in the field. The curriculum provides both in-depth study of scientific concepts and procedures and management skills related to inventory, budget, personnel, and operations. It is designed to prepare students to meet employer needs for scientific technicians trained in both the sciences and the management of laboratory activities.
Intended Program Outcomes
The student who graduates with a major in laboratory manage- ment will be able to
• Create a healthy, safe, and productive workplace by effectively and appropriately hiring, training, supporting, and evaluating laboratory personnel.
• Manage (plan, organize, and direct) the daily work activities of a laboratory setting by working independently and as a member of a team, meeting job expectations, and adhering to organizational policies and goals.
• Communicate thoughts orally and in writing in a clear, well- organized manner that effectively persuades, informs, and clarifies ideas, information, and lab techniques/procedures to staff, the scientific community, and the public.
• Practice ethical standards of integrity, honesty, and fairness as a laboratory manager and professional.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory-related documentation, equipment, and supplies necessary for conducting efficient, safe, cost-effective, and hygienic laboratory operations. • Manage scientific and laboratory practices and procedures
by complying with and adhering to national, state, and local standards, policies, protocols, and regulations.
Degree Requirements
A degree with a major in laboratory management requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 36 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education require- ments; and 43 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 18 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
Coursework for a major in laboratory management includes the following lower-level coursework taken as part of an appropriate degree program at an approved community college or other institution:
• Foundation courses (15 credits, at least 12 of which should be in labora- tory science coursework): Chosen from biology, biochemistry, biotech- nology, chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology courses • Additional required related science coursework (14 credits), which may
be applied anywhere in the bachelor’s degree
Coursework for a major in laboratory management also includes the following:
• Required upper-level core courses (12 credits): BIOL 325, BMGT 364, FINC 331, and NSCI 301
• Supplemental major course (3 credits): Chosen from BMGT 317 and 487; BIOL 400; COMM 300; IFSM 300; and SPCH 324, 397, 426, 470, and 482
• Required Co-op internship (6 credits): Courses numbered 486A or 486B in any related discipline
• Required related courses (6 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: STAT 200 and WRTG 393
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE
The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BTPS or the BS in laboratory management (if the student selects appropriate courses as part of the transfer coursework). Coursework for the major is indicated by u. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should con- sult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on p. 8.
Laboratory Management Degree Courses Credits
Required Courses from Transfer Institution
u Lower-level coursework in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology 15 Additional required science coursework 14
(should also fulfill requirements in biological and physical sciences) First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits at UMUC if not brought in transfer)
Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.
LIBS 150 Introduction to Research 1 WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing 3 MATH 106 Finite Mathematics 3
or a higher-level math course
Introductory and General Education Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)
IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of
Information Technology 3
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
WRTG 291 Research Writing 3
or other communications/writing course
GVPT 170 American Government 3
or other behavioral and social sciences course
PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues 3
or a foreign language course
or other arts and humanities course
STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics 3
(related requirement for the major)
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
HIST 142 Western Civilization II 3
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication 3
or WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing
or other communication, writing, or speech course
CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices 3
or other interdisciplinary issues/computing course Required Upper-Level Courses for Major (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)
WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing 3
(related requirement for the major; also fulfills the communications/upper-level advanced writing requirement)
u BIOL 325 Inquiries in Biological Science 3 u BMGT 364 Management and Organization Theory 3 u FINC 331 Finance for the Nonfinancial Manager 3 u NSCI 301 Laboratory Organization and Management 3
BACHELOR’S DEGREE CURRICULA
u BMGT 317 Decision Making 3
or other supplemental major course Internship for Major (to be taken in the last 30 credits)
u Internship through Cooperative Education 6
Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits
along with required major courses) 33
Total credits for BS or BTPS in laboratory management 120