69512 Diagnostic Pathology
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 69504 Diagnostic Pathology
Recommended studies:
A general science background is recommended, including foundation areas such as chemistry, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, immunology and biodiversity.
Description
This subject covers two important diagnostic pathology disciplines:
i) Transfusion science (or blood banking) examines blood systems, antibody identification, cross matching and transfusion reactions.
ii) Haematology is presented as two modules. The first module introduces blood cells types and functions along with routine haematology procedures. The second module involves examining blood cell morphology on blood films to identify abnormal changes.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the tests and instruments used in haematology and transfusion science laboratories |
|---|---|
| 2. | Describe the normal and pathological appearance and effects of disease in different diagnostic disciplines |
| 3. | Critically apply appropriate diagnostic tests and analyse data generated by automated laboratory instrumentation to assist in diagnosis |
| 4. | Communicate the results or expected outcomes of diagnostic tests using professional language. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically engage with the appraisal of knowledge in the context of medical laboratory science. (1.1)
- Evaluate relevant scientific literature in the investigation of complex medical and diagnostic problems by undertaking independent research. (2.1)
- Demonstrate a high-level understanding of health and safety requirements, ethical conduct, risk management, organisation and collaborative skills and record keeping in the context of a professional pathology laboratory. (3.1)
- Self-reflect and evaluate on the processes used to acquire and apply knowledge and skills within the laboratory environment. (4.1)
- Use appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate medical science concepts to peers, discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary Knowledge - Specialist knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of disease in the fields of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular pathology.
- Disciplinary knowledge of Transfusion Science and Haematology will be assessed through topic quizzes and through the completion of the Data Analysis and the Scenarios assignments. You will demonstrate your understanding of the theoretical and technical components in the subject.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking - The ability to apply scientific methods to investigate diagnostic techniques through experimental observation, understanding of analytical laboratory testing, critical evaluation and data analyses.
- Critical thinking will be assessed in your ability to analyse and interpret the findings from experimental data. Your ability to conduct independent research and assimilate the findings will be assessed through the Scenarios assignment.
3. Professional, ethical, and social responsibility - A capacity to work ethically and professionally using technical, practical, and collaborative pathology skills within the context of the workplace and apply these to meet the current and future needs of society.
- Your understanding of the professional and ethical expectations will be assessed through topic quizzes and by the completion of the Data Analysis and the Scenarios assignments
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity - The ability to design creative solutions to contemporary diagnostic issues using reflective practices and self-directed learning.
- Your ability to reflect reflect on the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information will be assessd in the Scenarios assignment
5. Communication - Effective and professional communication skills for a range of scientific audiences.
- Your english comprehension will be assessed in the Module quizzes and your written communication skills will be assessed through the Data Analysis and Scenarios assignments
Teaching and learning strategies
You will complete this course using the UTS learning management system CANVAS. You will work your way through three independent self-directed learning modules. All subject material will be delivered online and there are no practical classes or on campus activities associated with this subject. Learning content will be delivered in multiple formats and may include videos, lecture recordings, interviews readings, scientific and technical literature, library tutorials, online activities or other media. There will be multiple small quizzes associated with each module and two assessment items to submit.
There will be a scheduled time for students to meet and converse with other students and their facilitator via a weekly ZOOM session, but this is not a tutorial and will not automatically be recorded. Occasionally guest speakers may be invited. It is an opportunity to touch base and participate in a collegiate environment.
Feedback will be provided to students through small formative self-guided tests and activities throughout each module and through the end of module quizzes. Students can also discuss their learning and assignment progress in live ZOOM classes and in discussion board in CANVAS.
Content (topics)
Module 1 Transfusion Science: This module will include a theoretical background to transfusion science, will examine the most commonly used practical tests for identifying, investigating, screening and crossmatching blood and will address how this is important to health and the delivery of health services.
Module 2 Haematology: This module introduces the blood cell types and their development, function and contribution to disease. It will explore the main tests used in routine blood analysis and how changes to blood are identified. Automation of testing and flow cytology are included.
Module 3 Haematology Morphology: Morphology is the appearnace of blood films as viewed microscopically. This is an important part of haematological investigation and in this module the main types of cell alterations will be examined including anemia, atypical white blood disorders and leukemia
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Module quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment set contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 10-15 questions |
| Criteria: | Marks will be awarded for correct answers to questions presented in a quiz / test format. |
Assessment task 2: Data Analysis
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Multiple responses will be selected from MCQ or drop down menus to answer questions using an online reporting form, |
| Criteria: | You will gain marks for correct responses to each question. |
Assessment task 3: Scenarios
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1500 - 2000 words |
| Criteria: | This assignment will be marked against a marking rubric provided in CANVAS. |