University of Technology Sydney

91500 Histology

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Science: Life Sciences
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology AND 65111 Chemistry 1

Description

This subject teaches the micro-architecture of the human tissues and organs adding to the knowledge base established in the subject Anatomy and Physiology. Students will engage in independent study supplemented by practical classes and workshops to learn about the tissue structure of major systems of the human body. Students will learn about the preparation and diagnosis of histological samples through participation in a major project, with particular emphasis on laboratory safety, professional practice and written communication.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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

1. Practice laboratory safety
2. Set up a light microscope correctly for Köhler illumination.
3. Undertake (*understand) preparation of tissue for histological examination including fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and imaging. *any elements not performed by student
4. Recognise, name and describe different basic tissue types and organ systems and Infer structure from function for histological elements in basis tissues and organ systems.
5. Make appropriate and informed decisions about histological techniques and be creative in their approach to the project.
6. Use professional language and discipline specific terms to succinctly describe histological sections.
7. Reflect on the project experience and explain how this subject has prepared them to work in a biomedical science discipline

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:

  • Explain how diseases arise and disrupt normal physiological function and appraise the technologies used to diagnose, treat, and cure diseases. (1.1)
  • Collect, accurately record, interpret, and draw conclusions from data to solve real-world medical problems, and infer how the results of medical research can be translated to improve patient outcomes. (2.1)
  • Evaluate ethical, social, and cultural issues in medical science in local and global contexts and work responsibly, safely and with respect to diversity and regulatory frameworks. (3.1)
  • Reflect upon, independently evaluate, and critically appraise current evidence-based literature to identify medical problems or unmet medical needs and creatively translate medical research results to improve the clinical care of patients. (4.1)
  • Effectively communicate medical science knowledge and research information, and the importance thereof, to a range of audiences using a variety of modes, independently and collaboratively. (5.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

  1. Disciplinary Knowledge Apply specialist knowledge and skills in the laboratory diagnosis of disease in the fields of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and cellular pathology.
    1. You will gain an understanding of the nature, practice & application of histology by engaging with on-line resources, attending workshops and participating in practical classes to consolidate and revise the newly acquired knowledge and develop the practical skills of microscope use, tissue preparation, staining and organ recognition. This should then be further strengthened by the consultation and reading of prescribed texts and other resources to gain a fully encompassing understanding of the discipline area.
    2. Assessed by undertaking on-line quizzes, a practical exam and completion of a major project (individual and group work components).

  1. Research, inquiry and critical thinking Investigate problems and make logical deductions from the evidence to make informed decisions about medical diagnosis
    1. You will be expected to undertake independent study to familiarise yourself with the histological elements of the body and then practice microscopic tissue recognition in laboratory classes, guided through learning activities in practical worksheets and with assistance from teaching associates.
    2. You should participate in peer learning activities and workshops to investigate appropriate histological techniques to use in your project work and for revision
    3. Assessed by undertaking on-line quizzes, a practical exam and completion of a major project (individual and group work components).

  1. Professional, ethical and social responsibility Perform the duties of a biomedical scientist while implementing good work practices and engaging in ethical conduct.
    1. You should be aware of the risks involved in working with chemicals and equipment and practice laboratory safety at all times.
    2. You will participate in laboratory classes to integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills. In particular you will undertake activities that require attention to detail, planning, time management skills, collaboration and cooperation with colleagues.
    3. Assessed in the laboratory safety tests and in the individual components of the Project.

  1. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity Have the capacity to continue to learn and develop as scientists and recognise that they will be the future thinkers in a changing biomedical environment.
    1. You will have the opportunity to choose a innovative topic for your project and be creative in the way that you complete elements of the final report.
    2. You will need to reflect on what you have learnt and how it has equipped you better for a working in a Biomedical discipline.
    3. Assessed in the group and individual components of the final project report.

  1. Communication Demonstrate confidence and skills in communicating issues in biomedical science.
    1. You will use discipline specific terminology and professional language to complete the final pathology report.
    2. You will participate in workshops and group work and should be able to communicate effectively to organise and complete the project.
    3. Assessed in the final project report and individual components of the project

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered via 1-2 hours per week of online lectures, 1 hour per week of interactive workshop, and 3 hours per week practical class.

In the first 5 weeks you will concentrate on learning the histological appearance and function of basic tissue components. You will complete 8 modules of learning by engaging in independent study (on-line lectures, videos and other digital learning activities). Each module will have an associated on-line quiz. You will then apply this knowledge in a 3 hour laboratory class in the HIVE superlab each week, by completing activities in worksheets and supported by teaching associates.

The next 5 weeks you will be introduced to the structure and function of organ systems. You may choose the order that you complete 10 modules of learning by engaging in independent study (on-line lectures, videos and other digital learning activities) then applying this knowledge in a 3 hour laboratory class in the HIVE superlab each week, to complete activities in worksheets and supported by teaching associates. All modules may be assessed in the laboratory test in week 12

The third component is a session long practical project. You must individually pass safety quizzes (75% or higher) and complete microscopy training before joining teams to undertake a major project. You will undertake preparation of a ‘sample’ from start to finish and submit a ‘pathology report’ with succinct descriptions and images. You will have to plan and organise your time effectively as individuals and as a group and practice laboratory safety at all times. You will then individually reflect on the project experience and address the essential criteria of a job application based on that experience.

You must also attend a 1 hour interactive workshop in the collaborative lecture theatres each week to investigate and plan specific elements of the project, to discuss and decide on practical techniques and for revision of histological morphology.

There will be multiple free web-based resources including a web based 'Virtual microcsope' available to students to supplement their textbook and on-line lecture material

Canvas discussion board will be used to allow you to ask and answer questions and discuss topics of interest, which may then be elaborated on in workshops.

Electronic notebooks will be used in the HIVE superlab for student notes and laboratory worksheets. These notebooks also have a collaborative space that can be used during workshops.

Content (topics)

This subject is a basic introductory field, which intends to teach the student - by light microscopic examination – the histological appearance of different cell types and the tissues and organs that they compose. This knowledge assists in the understanding the function of organs by recognising the role each cell or organ plays in the human body. Participation in the project gives students a hands-on experience of all aspects of tissue preparation and diagnosis with emphasis on safety, organisation and professional written communication.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Module quizzes

Intent:

This task addresses the following graduate attributes:

  1. Disciplinary knowledge
  2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

4

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

1.1 and 2.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

Each module quiz will consist of 10 questions

Criteria:

Correct answers to questions about the module topic.

Assessment task 2: Practical test

Intent:

This task addresses the following graduate attributes:

  1. Disciplinary knowledge
  2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
  3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

1.1, 2.1 and 3.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

1 hour
Criteria:

You will correctly answer MCQ questions (30 questions) based on images, micrographs, and you will correctly identify unknown slides with the use of the microscope.

Assessment task 3: Project

Intent:

This assessment addresses 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, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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: Project
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 40%
Length:

A template for the report (word doc) will be provided and you should comply with the word limits. Typically each section will be no longer than 500 words. The group project report will total 4 pages and the individual tasks will total 1 page.
Criteria:

Individual: Marks will be given for correct answers to 20 MCQ about setting up a microscope and chemical and equipment safety. All students must gain 75% or higher in the safety quizzes (can attempt multiple times) and agree to practice laboratory safety before they can start the project (5%).

Group: The pathology report template should be filled out correctly, within the word limits, with embedded images. Instructions and Rubrics will be provided for each section of the task. (25%)

Individual: Guidelines and Rubrics will be provided for the essential criteria task (10%)

Minimum requirements

All students in a group must receive 75% or higher (15/20 or more) in the safety quiz before commencing the laboratory project. Multiple attempts are permitted.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend all workshops and practical classes. Special consideration requests will not be considered if students miss more than 2 workshops or practical classes without submitting appropriate supporting documentation.

Students must receive 50% of all available marks in order to pass this subject.

Recommended texts

Histology: A Text and Atlas With Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology
Edition: seventh Edition
Pub Date: 2014
Authors: Michael H Ross PhD; Wojciech Pawlina MD
Publ Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Cellular Pathology An introduction to techniques and Application
Edition 2nd
Pub Date 2006
Author: Cook DJ
Publ Scion

Other resources

Texts

  • There are multiple other textbooks and atlases available that will provide sufficient factual information and morphology (tissue structure) to enable the study of histology. Many of these are available as electronic textbooks.

Web pages

  • There are multiple on-line resources available that provide additional information and a 'virtual microscope' to give access to digital images outside of class time and these will be linked through CANVAS to enrolled students.

Support

  • Useful UTS student support links can be found at https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support
  • Special consideration: requests for special consideration should be made through the UTS special consideration portal with appropriate supporting documentation. Please check the circumstances for eligibility and follow the instructions carefully - Special consideration is not automatically guaranteed and may not result in a mark adjustment.
  • Accessibility Service: If you have a disability, ongoing chronic medical condition or other situation that impacts on your ability to study effectively please make an appointment with UTS Accessibility Service
  • Academic Liaison Officers (ALOs) handle applications for assessment adjustment arrangements for two groups of students: students with disabilities and students with carer responsibilities. Faculty of Science ALO for your course are listed here https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/students-with-accessibility-requirements/accessibility-service/services-and-3/alo
  • HELPS – language and presentation skills
  • Student Learning Hub
  • UTS Health and counselling service