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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Prepare cells and tissues for microscopic examination using histological and cytological techniques for gross structure and ultrastructure of normal cells or tissues and for identification of the structural changes which may occur during disease.
Apply knowledge of reproductive science, including infertility and embryology in diagnosis and monitoring using cytological and histological techniques.
Apply the principles and applications of visualisation and imaging techniques, to select the most appropriate aid to diagnosis and treatment.
Critically evaluate the range of methods used for the collection of clinical samples that may be subjected to biochemical laboratory and/or Near Patient Testing analysis.
Determine the appropriateness of biochemical investigations, including Near Patient Testing, used for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease plus demonstrate knowledge of relevant quality assurance considerations.
Appraise therapeutic drug monitoring and investigation of substance abuse.
This module explores the key aspects of clinical biochemistry and cellular pathology used to help diagnose and manage disease through analysis of body fluids such as blood and urine, as well as cells and tissues.The module includes how measurements are performed and set up to ensure reliability of results. A major section of the module outlines the most common tests plus the disease processes that they can used to identify and manage. The module also covers other methods that can be combined with clinical biochemistry and cellular pathology to aid diagnosis, such as scanning and imaging techniques. Case studies are used to illustrate key processes for use of the techniques in diagnosis of a range of disorders including kidney function, liver function, glucose metabolism and diabetes, genetically inherited conditions, hormone systems and common tests that are used in an Accident & Emergency setting.
The content of this module has been mapped to the IBMS QAA Benchmark requirements for:
- Clinical Biochemistry (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) including the range of common methods used for the collection and analysis of clinical samples; investigations of major body and organ systems - for example, renal function tests, liver function tests, tumour marker tests, bone profile tests; principles and applications of biochemical investigations used for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease; Therapeutic drug monitoring and investigation of substance abuse.
- Cellular Pathology (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) including gross structure and ultrastructure of normal cells and tissues and the structural changes which may occur during disease; reproductive science, including infertility and embryology; preparation of cells and tissues for microscopic examination; principles and applications of visualisation and imaging techniques, including microscopy, to aid diagnosis and treatment selection.
- Near-patient testing (NPT)/point-of-care testing (POCT) (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) including principles and applications of investigations used in screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease using NPT / POCT equipment; application of NPT / POCT into patient pathways; relevant quality assurance considerations.
- Quality Management including interpretation of quality control standards (QC); importance of quality assurance and pre-analytical variables; understanding of the importance of external quality assessment (EQA); including basic knowledge of the purpose of quality policy, audits, standard operating procedures, training and competency documentation, error logging and incident reporting, validation and verification, and reagent inventories; laboratory accreditation to include basic awareness of UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
A series of 20 x 2h lecture sessions covering the key areas of Clinical Biochemistry, Cytopathology and Histopathology will be provided. A total of 6 x 3h practical sessions will be used to allow students to carry out Clinical Biochemistry, Cytopathology and Histopathology practical techniques in support of the Lectures. A total of 14 x 1h tutorials will be used to support the Lecture teaching plus assessments, with 1 per week for the first 6 weeks while practicals are running followed by 2 per week for 4 weeks to assist with the portfolio assessments.
Lectures
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort
Practical sessions
Hours: 18
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort
Tutorials
Hours: 14
Intended Group Size: Max 15
Guided independent study
Hours: 228
Further details relating to assessment
Post lecture, tutorial and practical session activities submitted through Moodle will facilitate ongoing formative assessment opportunities via lecturer or peer feedback.
The Practical report will be set at the start of Semester 1 based on students analysing data generated in the six of the practical sessions of the module and then relating that to the Clinical Biochemistry, Cytopathology and Histopathology covered in the associated lectures and tutorials. The report will be submitted Mid-Semester 1.
The Pathology Annotated Bibliography Portfolio assessment will take the form of an annotated bibliography covering four peer reviewed data papers relevant to Clinical Biochemistry plus four peer reviewed data papers relevant to Cellular pathology. Each paper will be from a list of specified disease areas that will be provided at the start of Semester 1. Tutorial sessions will cover annotation of example papers in each of the disease areas on a weekly basis, with students advised to annotate a paper of their choice in the specified disease area during guided independent study for that week. The portfolio of all the annotated bibliographies will be collated and will be submitted End of Semester 1.
Other Information
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) professional body requires students to achieve a pass mark in all assessment components for modules that cover the clinical laboratory sciences subject areas including this one. Since laboratory practical sessions contribute towards assessments these sessions should be considered compulsory. Condonement/compensation will not be permitted for this module, that contributes significantly to the benchmark statement and have learning outcomes that students achieve that cannot be evidenced elsewhere for the accreditation of the degree.
Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 6
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -