Program Overview

Introduction to BMS216 Introductory Haematology

BMS216 Introductory Haematology is a subject that introduces students to haematology, examining the structural and functional attributes of cellular and non-cellular constituents of blood in health and disease states.

Subject Outlines

The subject includes a 4-day compulsory residential school for distance students, where students will learn practical techniques such as performing full blood count (FBC), preparation, staining, and examination of blood films, as well as conducting coagulation screening tests.

Availability

The subject is available in the following sessions:

• Session 1 (30)
  • On Campus: Wagga Wagga Campus
  • Online: Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for this subject are BMS130 or ASC171.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• classify and explain the morphological and functional attributes of blood cells
• name and classify the components of the haemostatic system and explain their functions
• illustrate and describe the development of blood cells, and comment on structure and functions of the blood-producing tissues/organs
• classify and describe the disorders of blood cells
• classify and describe the disorders of the haemostatic system
• explain principles behind routine haematological tests
• interpret the results of haematological tests
• demonstrate basic skills necessary to conduct routine haematological techniques
• demonstrate high levels of academic communication and team working skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Haemopoietic tissues and the production of blood cells
• Morphology and function of blood cells
• Destruction of blood cells
• Haemoglobin synthesis, structure, function, and destruction
• Anaemias and polycythaemias
• Benign leucocyte disorders
• Introduction to malignant leucocyte disorders including but not limited to leukaemias, multiple myeloma, and lymphomas
• Platelets, their functions, and disorders
• The coagulation system and its disorders
• The fibrinolytic system
• Anticoagulation therapy and its laboratory monitoring
• Routine and special haematology tests including but not limited to complete blood count, blood film examination, and coagulation screening tests
• Interpretation of results of laboratory tests in relation to clinical findings of haematological diseases and their diagnoses

Residential School

This subject contains a 4-day compulsory residential school, where students will learn practical techniques and demonstrate their abilities in performing routine haematology tests.

Special Resources

Travel to the residential school will be required for distance education students only.