91826 Advanced Haematology and Pathology Diagnosis
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91500 Histology AND 91563 Haematology
Anti-requisite(s): 91177 Haematological Diagnostics AND 91192 Advanced Haematology and Pathology Diagnosis AND 91402 Anatomical Pathology
Description
Advancing techniques in the detection of diseases affecting haematological or organ systems are leading to improved health outcomes for society. In this subject, students learn about the pathophysiology of these diseases and develop a capacity to diagnose by differentiating between normal and diseased tissue. Students apply leading industry practices including high-level analysis of tissues and cells using a variety of microscopy approaches. Learning in this subject encompasses advanced haematology and advanced anatomical pathology using state-of-the-art digital image analysis to produce accurate and fast diagnostic results. Students acquire valuable professional digital skills that can be applied to the wider sector. Students engage with and learn from experts in the field through interactive workshops and online learning. In addition, students gain advanced digital skills, and demonstrate diagnostic skills in line with modern laboratory practices and professional skills needed for the workforce, such as time management and communication.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain and interpret the pathophysiology of haematological and anatomical disorders and diseases |
|---|---|
| 2. | Examine via digital microscopy changes in human diseases and assess the relationship of these changes in diseased states |
| 3. | Interpret flow cytometry analysis on peripheral blood |
| 4. | Work individually and in groups to gather and critically assess scientific information in order to improve written and oral communication skills |
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)
- Acquire or Develop knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to inform professional cultural capability to work effectively with and for, Indigenous Australians within the medical science context. (6.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science lists graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject contributes to the personal, professional and intellectual development of students by developing the following graduate attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
Haematological and anatomical pathology processes are learned through lectures, practical classes, and self-directed learning. These are assessed through reports and presentations.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Scientific curiosity is developed throughout this subject. You are encouraged to undertake an evidence-based approach to problem-solving by engaging in self-directed research into the topics. Critical thinking, critical reading and understanding context are developed through evaluating different scientific literature and discussion with your peers and the academic staff. Some questions in the tests and examinations require you to apply critical reasoning and analysis. The depth and quality of the research presentation indicate your ability to take a wide view of scientific problems and phenomena.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibilities.
Research topics span a variety of professional and social issues in the field of human diseases. Students will evaluate the ethical and social implications of emerging treatments, clinical trials and treatment facilities in the field of haematology and anatomical pathology.
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity.
The capacity to engage in reflection and learning beyond the formal educational environment, is based on the ability to make effective judgments about your own work. The capacity to learn in, and from, new disciplines that enhance the application of scientific knowledge and skills in a professional context is encouraged. Building on disciplines learned in first year and the first session of second year assists you to integrate specific disciplines into the understanding the human body as a whole. This in turn provides you with a chance to determine your own strengths and weaknesses in work and study habits and to make appropriate changes as needed or seek assistance from study counsellors.
5. Communication
The assessments (1-3) assess your ability to synthesise information and present it clearly and logically in both written and verbal formats.
6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge and Connection with Country. Through the research project, we will look at haematological disorders within the Indigenous communities, the access to healthcare services within these communities and what can be done to improve health-related outcomes.
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies, which will be used to enable you to learn, clarify, discuss and develop concepts learned in the subject. All the content of this subject will be delivered online via Canvas and Zoom.
Lectures/self-paced learning (Canvas)
Pre-recorded lectures and self-paced learning materials will be available online to introduce and present the subject content. These materials will be reinforced by additional online learning content made available through Canvas either before (for preparation purposes), during or after the lecture (for content review).
Practical classes (Face-to-face and Zoom)
During practical classes, students will actively engage with real-world case studies to reinforce their learning using modern digital software. This will help the students understand the key concepts and application of modern lab techniques that are used in the field to accurately and efficiently diagnose diseases. There is a strong focus on haematological and anatomical diagnosis of patient case studies through microscopy (digital morphology hosted by the AIFORIA learning platform) in conjunction with modern laboratory practices such as flow cytometry. It is expected that all students will attend both Zoom and Face-to-face practicals.
Feedback on assessments
The assessment for this subject is criterion-referenced. This means your performance is measured against a set of criteria and not against the performance of other students. The feedback provided on assessments will allow you to gauge how well you are meeting the objectives of the subject. All marked assignments will be returned on Canvas. Other opportunities for feedback are described in each of the specific assessment tasks. Throughout the semester, group feedback sessions will occur in the practical classes. In addition, a discussion forum where students can help facilitate learning through discussion with peers will be available on Canvas.
Content (topics)
This subject builds on the knowledge obtained in Haematology 1 (91563) and Histology (91500). This subject has two major foci:
1. Haematological malignancies and their pathophysiology.
Practical concepts are covered with the use of digital morphology which is hosted within the AIFORIA learning platform.
2. Disease diagnosis using virtual microscopy.
This knowledge assists in understanding the dysfunction of organs by recognizing the role each cell plays in an illness. Studies include recounting how tissues are sampled, preserved and prepared for microscopic examination. New techniques in histotechnology are investigated - where the staining of diseased tissue sections on glass slides is done differentially to show the different tissue elements.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory Case Studies
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses the following graduate attributes:
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|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | You will be given unknown digital images from histological sections to evaluate, diagnose and suggest a confirmatory test for haematological diseases. Students will be marked according to: correctness, accuracy and quality of explanation, and correct interpretation of laboratory samples. These skills will be learnt in Practicals 1-4 (face-to-face practicals). |
Assessment task 2: Immunohistochemistry Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 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: | 30% |
| Criteria: | You will learn the methodologies behind a range of tests for anatomical pathologies. Students will be marked according to the correctness, accuracy and quality of explanations and correct interpretation of laboratory samples. |
Assessment task 3: Group Presentation, Written summary
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses the following graduate attributes:
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 and 6.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | This assessment has two components of equal weight. Presentation (Group mark; 50%): Students must create a PowerPoint presentation with a voice-over on their selected topics. Marks will be allocated according to the below: 1. Content (25%): Including background information, case studies, current research, and linkage to the specific affected patient cohort or link to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where appropriate. 2. Delivery (25%): Including engagement, time length, volume, and pace. 3. Innovation/visual aids (25%) Including the development of presentation, style, and use of appropriate figures which adds value to the presentation. 4.Evaluation of information (25%): Critical assessment of the needs for future research or outreach in the area of the topic Written summary (Individual mark; 50%): 1. Students must present the same information in a written summary of 500 words. Marks will be allocated according to the below: 2. Disciplinary Knowledge 20% 3. Applying research and critical thinking 20% Professional skills and applications 20% Communication skills 40% |
Minimum requirements
A total of 50% or higher must be obtained for a pass in this subject.
You are also expected to regularly check for announcements on Canvas as notices concerning arrangements for subject materials will be placed on Canvas throughout the semester.