module specification

This module focuses on the practice of haematology in a clinical setting. Providing the understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of haematology. The module also explores the epidemiology, causes, consequences and monitoring of haematological and haemostatic disease. A focus on Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice and British Society for Haematology guidelines for current practice. The aims of this module are:
To develop an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of a range of haematological, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases, and to provide knowledge and understanding of the most recent advances in the clinical management of malignant haematological disease. Investigate current trends, practice and research in haematology. To develop an understanding of the provision for Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice, and the National External Quality Assessment Service.
In conjunction with the above, the module will develop students' ability to appraise, research, critically evaluate, formulate and defend a 2,500 word research project on a topical issue in this field.

Red cell physiology
Red blood cell production & kinetics, Haemoglobin synthesis, Red blood cell metabolism
Red cell morphology and haematopoiesis; destruction of red cells; fragility; inherited and acquired anaemias; haemoglobinopathies; primary and derived haematological indices. Haematinic assays.
White cell morphology; production of white cell lines; causes and characteristics of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma; myeloproliferative disorders. Impact of molecular diagnostics.
Haemostasis and thrombosis: the vascular endothelium; platelet aggregation; coagulation. Selected bleeding and clotting disorders; treatment options.
Regulation and control of laboratory procedures linked to haematology.

LO 1 - 5

Students' knowledge and understanding of haematology will be developed through a programme of lectures and supporting exercises, together with the guided use of student centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework. Student centred assignments; including the execution of a substantial research assignment will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge and develop subject skills and competence.  
Activities include: Face-to-face lectures (22 hours), tutorials and seminars (16 hours), laboratory sessions (6 hours), computer based learning, formative and summative assessments, other activities including: learning diaries; independent learning tasks; library searches.  These activities when summarised in the form of learning diaries can form the basis of student’s comprehension of their personal development portfolio (156 hours of self study by the student).
On completion of this module students’ provide an evaluation of how the module enabled them to develop skills such as information technology, organisational skills, team building, communication time management, and working under pressure.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:
1.  Discuss, report, present and critically review the importance of haematological investigations to our understanding of the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological disorders.
2. Describe in detail and critically evaluate the nature, functions, turnover and diagnostic values of blood cells and associated indices.
3. Recognise and provide an in-depth description of the aetiology, pathogenesis and epidemiological features of particular haematological, haemostatic or thrombotic diseases.
4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues within the role of practicing health care scientists in clinical and diagnostic Blood Sciences, particularly Haematology, and critically evaluate some of the principles of QA/QC, GLP, NEQAS, and BHS guidelines for laboratory practice.
5. Provide a critical and balanced review on a research topic in the area of haematology.

The module will be summatively assessed by means of a group work exercise (50% of overall mark) and dissertation (50% of the overall mark). The coursework will consist of a progress test including directed reading topics. There will be online formative assessments that provide formative feedback. Summative diagnostic assessment will also be provided by a progress test.

Component                                  Learning outcomes
Group work                                  2, 3, 5
Research assignment                 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%. There is an attendance requirement for the practical sessions: without satisfactory attendance students will not be able to develop competency skills and may fail the module.

Hoffbrand, A. V., and Moss, P. A. H., (2015), Essential Haematology, Willey-Blackwell Publishing.
Howard, M. R. and Hamilton, P. J. (2007), Haematology (An Illustrated Colour Text), 3rd edition. Churchill Livingstone.
Mehta, A., and Hoffbrand, A.V. (2014) Haematology at a Glance.Willey-Blackwell.
Proven, D.(2007), ABC of Clinical Haematology, BMJ Books (Blackwell Publishing)