module specification

BM7043 - Haematology (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Haematology
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 200
 
44 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
156 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Group-work Exercise (1000 Words)
Coursework 50%   Report (1500 words)
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Morning

Module summary

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.

Syllabus

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 including quality management, policy, audits, SOPS, training, reporting, validation. UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards. (LO1-3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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, tutorials and seminars, laboratory sessions computer based learning, formative and summative assessments, other activities including: learning diaries; independent learning tasks; library searches. 
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 and leadership and management skills

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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 and describe in detail and critically evaluate the nature, functions, turnover and diagnostic values of blood cells and associated indices.
2. Recognise and provide an in-depth description of the aetiology, pathogenesis and epidemiological features of particular haematological, haemostatic or thrombotic diseases.
3. 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.

Bibliography