module specification

This module provides experience, knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of clinical haematology. It explores the rationale for laboratory testing in routine and specialised investigation. It examines the different elements that constitute blood in healthy and diseased states. The module also focuses on teamwork, scientific communication skills and the application of these to future employment.

This module provides experience, knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of haematology. It explores the rationale for laboratory testing in routine and specialised investigations. It examines the different elements that constitute blood in healthy and diseased states. Tutorials and one piece of coursework focus’ on teamwork, scientific communication skills and the application of these to future employment. Students’ haematology skills will be developed in the laboratory in practical sessions. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Case studies will be examined to give students practice in diagnosis.

BC4052

Participate in group discussions and work with other team members to identify, distribute and undertake tasks necessary to complete an assignment, and reflect and evaluate the process. Produce a variety of written material in different formats and lengths and for various purposes (layperson, scientific). (2,3)
Red cell morphology and haemopoiesis; destruction of red cells; fragility; inherited and acquired anaemias; haemoglobinopathies; primary and derived haematological indices. White cell morphology; production of white cell lines; causes and characteristics of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma; myeloproliferative disorders.  Core investigations: Routine and emerging diagnostics in Haematology. (1-2)
Development of Careers Management Skills: development of self-awareness in the context of career decision making, knowledge of overall career opportunities; skills to make effective applications (3)

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through a programme of lectures problem-solving tutorial sessions, laboratory-based practical exercises and online exercises. Students’ ability to make critical evaluations will be developed through analysis of source material and case studies supported by tutorial material. Students ability to attain and critically evaluate data, and scrutinise the data through problem-solving activities will be developed through laboratory-based exercises. Students will be undertake exercises related to employability. Students will be expected to reflect on taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices of blood science (total: 150 hours).

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe the nature, functions, turnover and diagnostic value of blood cells and plasma and associated indices and demonstrate understanding of haemostasis and thrombosis and relate haematology to the laboratory and clinical practice, including awareness of factors affecting sample integrity, risks associated with the sample reagents, or method and other tests indicated by the outcome of the analysis.      
2. Describe the role of biomedical scientists in maintenance of haematology laboratory services and understand the use of laboratory investigations to corroborate clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease and the role of QA/QC in determining validity of those results
3. Participate in group discussions and work with other team members to identify, distribute and undertake tasks necessary to complete a project. Communicating effectively with other team members to ensure effective operation of the team. Reflect on their experience, assess, evaluate and analyse that experience in order to plan to improve their learning and develop transferable and employability skills through accurate writing and understanding of best laboratory practice and enabling articulation of the skills, qualities and attributes developed through their higher education experience to date in the form of a portfolio

The module will be summatively assessed by an online exam and a group work assignment.
The group work case study exercise will test the application of student’s knowledge of disease and associated pathogens and the coursework will also include the production of an individual employability portfolio. The exam will assess knowledge of the subject and its application.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%. There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/index.html?lang=en

Journals:
Journal of Hematology and Oncology
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

You are also referred to articles, such as those below in selected learning centre journals: BMJ, Lancet, Molecular Medicine Today, Nature, New Scientist, Medicine and the web haematology links in the student-directed learning tutorial.