MSc Clinical Biochemistry

This unit will provide students with an understanding of the issues which are particular to drug, vitamin and trace element analysis and interpretation. This will include both therapeutic drug monitoring and investigation of poisoning/overdose. This unit will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to manage common clinical scenarios encountered including such issues as paracetamol overdose, immunosuppressive drug monitoring and routine drugs of abuse screening. This unit will also provide the student with the knowledge to understand the physiology associated with normal pregnancy.  They will learn how to interpret biochemical data to identify and gain experience in the diagnosis of pregnancy associated complications including pre-eclampsia, HELLP, gestational diabetes, obstetric cholestasis, thyroid dysfunction and ectopic pregnancies. As part of this specialist unit students will also gain critical understanding of the principles of screening and the rationale for antenatal and newborn screening programmes. 

The unit aims to:

•    Provide students with a knowledge and understanding of drug, vitamin and trace element analysis and interpretation
•    Equip students with an understanding of the principles and practice of toxicology and drug monitoring.
•    Understand the non-pathological changes in biochemical parameters during pregnancy and how these can be employed to monitor health status of the mother and baby during pregnancy.
•    To critically compare, contrast and objectively evaluate screening programmes for the assessment of the health status of mother and/or foetus during pregnancy and in the neonatal period.
 

This unit employs a range of teaching and learning approaches including lectures, tutorials, case studies/presentations, problem based learning and data analysis and interpretation exercises. Mobile Learning (M-learning) is also used to provide interactive tutorials and formative assessment.

•    Explain and apply the fundamental principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics.
•    Plan and discuss the investigation of a suspected drug poisoning, related clinical conditions and chain of custody.
•    To understand and critically appraise new and existing strategies to identify, quantify and monitor therapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse 
•    Discuss and assess laboratory test results in the clinical interpretation of drug results.
•    Explain and evaluate the need for macro-and micronutrients for normal health, growth, repair and reproduction and the role of clinical biochemistry in the assessment of trace element and vitamin status in health and disease.
•    Describe the non-pathological changes in physiology and biochemistry during pregnancy and the need for specific reference intervals.
•    Demonstrate a critical awareness of the assays associated with trisomy screening and be aware of the methodology used to calculate trisomy screening risks Evaluate the clinical use of biochemical parameters in pregnancy and the interpretation of results in a range of conditions affecting mother and/or fetus.
•    Demonstrate a critical awareness of the UK national screening programmes and the national standards associated specifically with the trisomy and newborn screening programmes.

•    Synthesise, analysis and interpret biochemical data obtained during the biochemical investigation of drugs of abuse and therapeutic drug monitoring.
•    Critically appraise the nutritional status of a patient through evaluation and interpretation of key biochemical parameters.
•    Objectively analyse and interpret data obtained through toxicological screens. 
•    Evaluate the clinical use of biochemical parameters in pregnancy and the interpretation of results affecting mother, fetus and/or newborn. 
•    Critically appraise current and future screening programmes.
 

•    Retrieve, manage and collate information from primary and secondary sources.
•    Present information clearly in the form of verbal and written reports.
•    Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a clear and concise and effective manner.
•    Manage personal workload and objectives to achieve optimal personal performance.
•    Work effectively either as an individual or part of a team.
 

•    Effectively utilise a range of information sources including information technology / health informatics.
•    Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills. 
•    Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written). 
•    Be able to set priorities and link these with effective time management. 
•    Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team.
•    Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team.

MCQs/short answer exam: 80%

Assignment: 20%

Formative case presentations, data interpretation exercises, interactive tutorial using mobile technology and practice exam questions.