Program Overview

Course Specification

The current and official versions of the course specifications are available on the web.

BIO3107 Haematology 2

Staffing

• Course Coordinator: Edward Bliss

Requisites

• Pre-requisite: BIO2108 and BIO2217

Overview

This course expands on the content presented in BIO2108 Haematology 1 and is designed to consolidate the student's knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical haematology in preparation for employment in a clinical haematology laboratory. This course provides a more in-depth study of the pathogenesis and laboratory investigation of haematological disorders and examines the professional responsibilities of the medical laboratory scientist.

This course builds on the foundational study of theoretical and practical haematology presented in BIO2108 Haematology 1 with advanced study of the pathogenesis of inherited and acquired malignant and non-malignant haematological disorders and blood-borne infectious diseases. This course will consolidate the students' knowledge of clinical haematology with a particular focus on blood film morphology, differential diagnosis, selection of appropriate laboratory investigations and appraisal of the clinical significance of the results obtained. Haematology 2 will examine the professional responsibilities of the medical laboratory scientist and prepare the student for employment in a clinical haematology.

This course contains a mandatory residential school for both external and on-campus students. As part of the University's accreditation agreement with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), students are required to attempt and submit all assessment items in this course. Students are also required to attend the mandatory residential school and obtain at least 50% of the marks allocated to the practical/laboratory skills assessment in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. illustrate the cellular and molecular components and physiological processes involved in haemopoieses and haemostasis and outline the pathogenesis of the major disorders of haemopoiesis and haemostasis;
2. describe the pathogenesis, and associated blood film morphology, of inherited and acquired erythrocyte membrane disorders, erythrocyte enzymopathies and haematological malignancies;
3. identify blood borne parasites and indicators of malignant, infectious and haemolytic diseases in a peripheral blood film;
4. analyse and interpret data from a wide range of laboratory tests, select appropriate extended laboratory investigations and respond appropriately and professionally to critical results;
5. outline and appraise the therapeutic options available for malignant, thrombotic, haemorrhagic and haemolytic disorders;
6. demonstrate a high level of academic, scientific and professional literacy;
7. outline workplace health and safety issues, quality control and quality assurance, patient confidentiality considerations and professional responsibilities associated with working in a clinical haematology laboratory.

Topics

1. | Review of haematopoiesis and haemostasis | 4.00
2. | Haematological disorders associated with mineral and vitamin deficiencies | 4.00
3. | Haematological disorders associated with bone marrow failure | 8.00
4. | Haematological disorders associated with red blood cell membrane defects | 12.00
5. | Haematological malignancies | 12.00
6. | Blood borne infectious diseases | 8.00
7. | Inherited and acquired erythrocyte metabolic disorders and disorders of iron and haem metabolism | 12.00
8. | Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemias | 8.00
9. | Haemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders and associated therapies | 8.00
10. | Transplantation of allogenic and autologous haemopoietic stem cells | 8.00
11. | Theory and interpretation of haematological tests: peripheral blood and bone marrow morphology; coagulation testing; automated cell counting; reference ranges; critical limits, quality control and quality assurance . | 16.00

Text and Materials Required to be Purchased or Accessed

• Rodak BF & Carr JH 2015, Clinical Hematology Atlas , 5th edn, Elsevier Saunders, London.
  (5th edn held as an ebook.)
• Rodak BF, Fritsma GA & Keohane E 2020, Rodak's Hematology: Clinical Principles & Applications, 6th edn, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis, USA.

Student Workload Expectations

To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.

Assessment Details

Approach | Type | Description | Group
Assessment | Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes
---|---|---|---|---|---
Assignments | Practical | Laboratory skills | No | 20 | 3,4,6
Assignments | Written | Problem Solving | No | 20 | 2,3,4,5,6,7
Assignments | Written | Report | No | 20 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Examinations | Invigilated | Invigilated examination | No | 40 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Semester Details

• Semester: 1, 2023
• Units: 1
• School or Department: School of Health and Medical Sciences
• Grading basis: Graded
• Course fee schedule: Not specified