module specification

This module provides experience, knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science. It explores the rationale for laboratory testing in routine and specialised investigations. It examinesthe different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. It addresses the identification of blood groups and antibodies, other haemopoetic cell antigens and their clinical significance, the safe supply of blood and blood products. The module also focuses on teamwork, scientific communication skills and the application of these to future employment.

AS/BS4002, AS/BS4003, AS/BS4004

This module provides experience, knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science. It explores the rationale for laboratory testing in routine and specialised investigations. It examinesthe different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. It addresses the identification of blood groups and antibodies, other haemopoetic cell antigens and their clinical significance, the safe supply of blood and blood products. Tutorials and one piece of coursework focus’ on teamwork, scientific communication skills and the application of these to future employment.
Students’ clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science 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.

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 different purposes (lay person, scientific). Develop a personal employability portfolio, based on the employability activities in the module and as a result of the groupwork.
Red cell morphology and haemopoeisis; destruction of red cells; fragility; inherited and aquired 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.
Blood borne parasites an overview of diagnosis. Introduction to haemostasis.
The scope and potential of clinical biochemistry and haematology. Sampling, storage and safety with particular reference to whole blood; lipaemic and icteric plasma (or serum) and urine samples.
Immunology related to transfusion and transplantation practices, Blood grouping principles and significance, antibody screening, Blood donation, Blood components
Core investigations: Routine and emerging diagnostics in Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology.

 Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through a programme of lectures (30 hours), problem-solving tutorial sessions (20 hours), laboratory based practical exercises (10 hours) and on-line exercises (25 hours). 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:  300 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
2. Relate haematology, clinical biochemistry and transfusion theory to 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.   
3. Demonstrate understanding of haemostasis and thrombosis
4. Identify the important features of the different blood group systems, haemostasis and be familiar with the procedures involved with the safe use of blood products
5. Demonstrate an understanding of blood donation, collection, screening and storage
6. Describe the role of biomedical scientists in maintenance of clinical biochemistry, haematology or transfusion and transplantation laboratory services
7. 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
8. Reflect critically on personal and group related experiences to identify areas for personal and team work improvement and so enhance professional development
9. 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
10. Identify and work with the strengths and weaknesses of individual team members and evaluate the contribution of themselves and other team members to the completion of a project. Reflect on their experience, assess, evaluate and analyse that experience in order to plan to improve their learning
11. Produce a variety of written material in different formats and lengths and for different purposes, utilising correct scientific terminology
12. 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

The module will be summatively assessed by a progress exam (1.5 hours)(20%) in week 13 and a written exam (1.5 hours)(end of module). The coursework will consist of two elements: a groupwork assignment in week 9 (30% of the overall module mark) and a employment portfolio in week 22 (30% of the overall module mark).
The case study exercise will test the application of student’s knowledge of disease and associated pathogens. The practical report will assess the ability to gather and interpret data from experiments using microbiological techniques including identification and enumeration of microorganisms. The unseen exams 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%.

Recommended textbooks:
Bain, B. J., Bates, I., and Laffan, MA. (2011), Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology, 11th edition, Churchill Livingstone. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED PRACTICAL TEXT
Contreras, M. (ed) (2009), ABC of Transfusion, 4th edition. British Medical Journal Publishing Group.
Gaw, A. Murphy, M. Cowan, R. O’Reilly, D. Stewart, M. and Shepherd, J. (2013). Clinical Biochemistry (An Illustrated Colour Text) 5th edition. Churchill Livingstone.
Recommended.
Hoffbrand, A. V., and Moss, P. A. H. (2011), Essential Haematology, 6th edition. Wiley-Blackwell. THIS TEXT IS RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO WORK IN HAEMATOLOGY.
Howard, M. R. and Hamilton, P. J. (2007), Haematology (An Illustrated Colour Text), 3rd edition. Churchill Livingstone. THIS TEXT IS A RECOMMENDED BUY
Knight, Knight R. (2011) Transfusion and Transplantation Science. Oxford University Press.
Marshall, W., Bangert, S. and Lapsley M (2008) Clinical Chemistry. 6th edition. Mosby. Good with student online access
Check WebLearn for recommended internet sites
Journals:
Clinical Chemistry, Medicine, The Lancet, and BMJ. Also referred to Medline.
'Medicine' features useful student-orientated overview articles such as: Diabetes 1 34 2
Diabetes 2 34 3
Cardiovascular Disorders I 34 4
Cardiovascular Disorders II 34 5
Liver 1 3011
Liver 2 3012

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.