module specification

The module covers an advanced combination of the interrelationship between Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, and Transfusion Science as reflected in the practice of a multidisciplinary pathology department.

BS5001, BS5002 or AS5005

The module covers an advanced combination of the interrelationship between Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, and Transfusion Science as reflected in the practice of a multidisciplinary pathology department and is an expansion from BS5001. More in-depth focus on disease diagnosis and monitoring in haematology and clinical biochemistry, the principles of stem cell and solid organ transplantation, tissue and bone banking, organ transplantation, prophylaxis and immunotherapy. Quality control and quality assurance, sample quality and regulatory issues within blood science.
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.

The scope and potential of clinical biochemistry and haematology in the diagnosis of disease.
Methodology and instrumentation: qualitative and quantitative determination of analytes by enzymatic, immunochemical and chemical techniques; manual and automated (process control) methods. Near Patient Testing. Internal and external quality control. Definitive and reference methods. Reference ranges and interpretation of results.
Clinical transfusion, HLA, HPA, HNA and their significance, Haemolytic disease, Transfusion transmitted infections, Stem cell transplantation, and Solid organ transplantation.
Haemostasis and thrombosis: the vascular endothelium; platelet aggregation; coagulation. Selected bleeding and clotting disorders; treatment options.
Malignancies of the blood and the principles of their classification.
Immunophenotypes and cytogenetics analysis of blood.
Core and specialist investigations in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the biochemistry or haematology of a patient. Biochemical profiles. Electrolyte homeostasis and acid-base balance. Plasma proteins and trauma. Enzymes, isoenzymes and isoforms. Diabetes mellitus. Principles and use of organ function tests e.g. GI tract and liver, renal. Endocrine function e.g. pituitary, thyroid, adrenal.
Selected special investigations: e.g. the cancer patient and tumour marker assays; the alcoholic; nutritional assessment and monitoring, nutritional support.

 Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through a programme of lectures (27 hours), problem-solving tutorial sessions (18 hours), laboratory based practical exercises (9 hours) and on-line exercises (22.5 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 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. Compare and contrast of the principles and practice of chemical pathology, haematology and transfusion science.
2. Execute specified analyses with due attention to QC, evaluate obtained and researched experimental data and communicate conclusions effectively
3. Produce reasoned discourse on a topical issue within the arena of blood science
4. Show an awareness of the research interface and developing technologies
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues within the role of practicing health care scientists in clinical and diagnostic Blood Sciences
6. Critically assess the principles of quality control and quality assurance in relation to clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science.
7. Develop and assess the principles and practice of transfusion science;
8. Evaluate and discuss in-depth the clinical aetiology and management of immunohaematological and transplantation disorders;

The module will be summatively assessed by a time constrained case study exercise in week 8 (30% of the overall module mark), a progress exam (20%), a practical report in week 21 (30% of the overall module mark), and a written exam (20%).
The case study exercise will test the application of student’s knowledge of disease and diagnosis and monitoring. The practical report will assess the ability to gather and interpret data from experiments using clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion techniques. 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%.

Component                                                                     Learning Outcomes
Case Studies (2000 words)(30%)                                   3,4,5
Progress exam (1.5 hours)(20%)                                   1,2,4,6
Practical report (2000 words)(30%)                                2,6,7
Written examination (1.5 hrs)(20%)                               1,2,4,6,7,8

Recommended textbooks:
Bains, B. J., (2006). Blood Cells a Practical Guide, 4th edition, Blackwell Publishing. A GOOD LONG TERM BUY IF YOU WANT TO WORK IN A HAEMATOLOGY LAB.
Bain, B. J., Bates, I., and Laffan, MA. (2011), Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology, 11th edition, Churchill Livingstone. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED PRACTICAL TEXT
Bishop,ML., Fody, EP., and Schoeff, LE. (2009)  Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations  Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Burtis, CA. Ashwood, ER. and Bruns, DE.  (2007). Teitz Fundamentals of Clinical Biochemistry. 6th Ed Pub: Saunders. By far the best Clinical Biochemistry text available. Anyone continuing on to MSc in Clinical Biochemistry would do well to get this.  The 5th Edition is probably better for MSc students.
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.
Hillyer, CD., Shaz, BH., Zimring, JC., and Abshire, TC. (2009) Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis: Clinical and Laboratory Aspects. Elsevier (remember some UK requirments can vary from USA regulations)
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.