91563 Haematology
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology
Description
This subject is designed to introduce the basic concepts of haematology and their practical application in a modern laboratory. The cells of the blood and bone marrow are studied in detail with regard to their identification, morphology and function. The development of these cells (haematopoesis) and their role in haemostasis and immune function is investigated. Students are also introduced to haematological diseases and the significance of haematological changes in disease. Students study modern laboratory analysers, and their functions and limitations, as well as how to interpret and troubleshoot issues from these automated machines.
The practical sessions introduce students to the variety of manual haematological techniques used in pathology and research laboratories. Students learn how to complete manual haematology tasks and interpret the results they obtain. To develop the skills needed to be a successful scientist in the field, the subject includes a strong focus of haematology morphology via the microscopy needed to make informed clinical interpretations which lead to accurate diagnosis of haematological disorders.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Work safely in a laboratory using blood products and perform tests following safety guidelines and using universal safety precautions. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Measure, calculate and interpret normal and abnormal blood indices and relate the finding to a provision haematological diagnosis. |
| 3. | Recognise and describe the morphology, metabolism and function of developing and mature red and white blood cells, platelets and coagulation pathways. |
| 4. | Identify and explain the changes that are associated with blood and coagulation disorders in the diagnosis of haematological disease. |
| 5. | Compare and contrast different manual testing methods to laboratory automation, and critically evaluate the limitations and sources of error of both methods, including flags and error codes and how to troubleshoot automated Machines. |
| 6. | Describe the basic principles of cytogenetics, identify common cytogenetic abnormalities and recognise its relationship to the identification of haematological malignancies. |
| 7. | Identify abnormal changes within the peripheral blood film and discuss the implications of these changes on patients health, including in the paediatric population. |
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)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Introductory Haematology develops the desired Science graduate attributes of:
1. Disciplinary Knowledge
You will develop an understanding of the nature, practice and application of the fundamental concepts underlying the disciplines of haematology. The knowledge and understanding of the haematological techniques studied and practised in this subject will aid in developing competence in relevant, current laboratory skills for professional practice and research. In this subject you will also acquire the sound theoretical background to make reasoned scientific and technological judgments and make responsible decisions affecting laboratory operations. These objectives will be achieved through the subject’s theoretical curriculum and through the provision of practical experience.
This will be assessed in the theory exam, laboratory skills test and pre-lab quizzes.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
You will engage in laboratory practicals and workshops that present case studies and experimental data, which will develop expertise in data analyses, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
This will be assessed in the theory exam and laboratory skills test.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Through the practical and workshop programme you will develop the ability to acquire, develop, employ and integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills, within a professional context, both autonomously and collaboratively, across the disciplinary areas of haematology. During practical sessions there will be opportunities to develop expertise in laboratory skills and data handling skills.
This will be assessed in the laboratory skills test, theory exam and pre-lab quizzes.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be divided into two modules, the first focusing on the basic theoretical knowledge of haematology with an emphasis on microscopy and the direct application of knowledge. The second module uses the knowledge obtained from the first and focuses on its application in real-world laboratory practices. During each module, you will have a one-and-a-half-hour lecture which is available online and one two-hour practical/workshop each week. Lectures, practicals and workshops are closely integrated to help you achieve the subject’s learning objectives.
Practical classes will be conducted in laboratories and involve hands-on approaches to learning. The first module will focus on microscopy, relating what you learn in your lectures to what you see down the microscope. You will also learn how to interpret haematological calculations to make provisional diagnoses for patients. You will have laboratory manuals and experienced demonstrators to assist and guide you through the practical aspects of these subjects. Each practical class has a checklist of practical learning outcomes which you should obtain by the end of each class, these outcomes are closely linked with skills expected in professional practice.
Students are required to complete pre-lab quizzes before attending class to help solidify their understanding of the corresponding theory component. These quizzes are 15% of the assessment and must be completed before 10 am on the day of the practical. You should familiarise yourself with the procedures before attending practical classes, by pre-reading the relevant sections in the manual before the timetabled session. This will aid you in making the most out of the in-class session, and hence maximise your learning potential in this subject. As your final practical exam is open book, it is in your best interest to fill out your manual in detail and answer all the pre-lab and post-lab questions.
Students can access the slides for microscopy practice via the AIFORIA online morphology platform and are expected to review their practicals.
The second module will have a strong focus on developing the skills needed to work in a modern laboratory. This will be done through accessing online presentations to help complete a research task, a learning exercise using real-world interactive case studies, and presentations from industry professionals who will take you through the automation and use of modern laboratory analysers and explain to you what your role as scientists is in a modern laboratory. This will be followed up by a workshop where you will interpret analyser printouts and engage in a mock interview. There will also be a focus on learning the skills required for you to compile constructive feedback for your peers.
There will be learning activities where you will work in groups and share findings with other students. The second module will involve engagement with interactive case studies where you will participate through electronic audience response systems in lectures, or through a verbal presentation in practical classes and tutorials. There will be online Youtube videos and case studies to view before a tutorial to go through each case. You will learn the pediatric haematology topic via a recorded lecture and then expand on your knowledge through your own research and test your understanding with a paediatric summary.
Your practical manuals, lecture notes and other additional resources will be made available to you through Canvas. Practical classes will have tasks where you work with your demonstrators to learn and hone new skills. There are pre-lab and post-lab checks for you to monitor your ability to perform the expected tasks before your practical assessments. A mid-semester spot-test will be provided and feedback is given to see your progress in your practical class.
Content (topics)
The lecture series for each discipline is designed to introduce you to the language and basic concepts of haematology. The practical sessions provide an introduction to a variety of techniques and procedures that are the cornerstones of haematological analysis in clinical and research laboratories. In workshop sessions problem-based learning activities will be used to explore contemporary topics in haematology, as well as a focus on modern laboratory practices and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge to real life situations. Emphasis is also placed on the development of scientific communication skills through oral presentations and peer review.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Pre-Lab Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Criteria: | Practical classes in this subject relate directly to the lecture material. To ensure that students are prepared for practical classes and have understood the link between the practical and theory work, pre-lab quizzes will be done before each practical class. Students will have until 10am on the day of the practical class to answer the questions that relate to the pre-lab video and the questions in their manual. |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Skills test Part A & B
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Criteria: | This assessment will have several components focusing on different skills that are required of modern scientists in the field. You will be assessed on accuracy and precision in performing and interpreting experimental techniques practised during the haematology practicals and tutorials. Responses to short answer questions related to practical work. Ability to interpret and draw conclusions from sample experimental data from techniques studied in the haematology practicals and tutorials. |
Assessment task 3: Theory Examination
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on how well you answer the examination questions, which will indicate successful acquisition of subject learning objectives for haematology as outlined under “Subject Objectives”. Interpretation of a new case study will be included in this assessment task. |
Recommended texts
Hoffbrand, Pettit and Moss (2006, 6th edition), Essential Haematology. Blackwell Publishing
Rozenberg, G, Microscopic Haematology: a practical guide for the laboratory, 3rd Edn, Elsevier ISBN 978072940728, 2011