MSci Biomedical Sciences

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Haematology

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL21361
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Haematology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases, such as leukaemia or anaemia, which affect the blood and blood-forming organs. You will gain an understanding of blood cell formation, structure and function as well as learning about haematological disorders and their diagnosis and treatment.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Biochemistry BIOL10212 Pre-Requisite Optional
Introduction to Laboratory Science BIOL10401 Pre-Requisite Optional
Body Systems BIOL10811 Pre-Requisite Optional
  • Introduction to Laboratory Science (Optional)
  • Body Systems (Optional)
  • Biochemistry (Optional)

Aims

This unit is aimed at providing an extensive knowledge of the main areas of haematology including understanding, diagnosis and treatment of haematological disorders and to introduce the main areas of interest in blood transfusion.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the underlying processes in blood cell formation
  • describe, discuss & diagnose diseases of blood including anaemia, leukaemia and disorders of haemostasis & thrombosis
  • describe the role of haematology in the investigation of disease in general
  • bring together, evaluate and apply knowledge from biochemistry and cell biology in interpretation of the functions of blood & related diseases
  • interpret biochemical & morphological data in the diagnosis of certain blood disorders/diseases
  • reflect critically & analytically on their study learning styles so as to be able to identify and review additional literature to enhance learning

Syllabus

1-2 Blood cell formation: haemopoiesis

3-6 Red blood cell and haemoglobin, red blood cell membrane and enzyme disorders
  Iron metabolism, Vitamin B12 and Folate, Anaemias

7-8 Sickle cell anaemia

9-12 Haemostasis-platelets and coagulation cascade, Coagulation cascade: labtests/anticoagulant therapy; Disorders of haemostasis

13 White blood cells (WBC): structure, function and differentiation

14 WBC: reactive proliferation, benign and infection

15-20 Basis and classification of haematological malignancies; Neoplastic lymphoproliferativedisorders; Neoplastic myeloproliferative disorders

21 Blood groups and transfusion: introduction

22 Exam preparation

Employability skills

Analytical skills
All online assessments require some analysis and application of information/lecture content and further reading e.g. interpretation and analysis of lab test results in a case study (as in the group assessment) or in the understanding/analysis of primary literature.
Group/team working
The online assessment is group based. and involves collaborative team work.
Innovation/creativity
Interpretation (lateral thinking) of case study findings in the group online assessment.
Leadership
No formal requirement for leadership however there is potential for a leader in the group assessment
Project management
Although not a formal requirement there is potential for project management in the group online assessments.
Oral communication
Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions during lectures.
Problem solving
The online assessment has an element of problem solving. Case studies are often used to explain lecture content and allow for problem solving and application of lecture content in real life scenario(s).
Research
Online group assessment requires application of lecture content interpretation of laboratory findings and tests in case studies. Some information is given in lectures but also requires other reading/resources such as primary sources, internet etc.
Written communication
1 online group assessment, exam consists of 1 essay.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 20%
Written exam 60%
Set exercise 20%

Coursework - Group case study / problem: 20%.  
Two in course MCQ tests (10% each): 20% 
Written Exam (Choice of 1 essay from 3): 60%

Feedback methods

Generic feedback on Blackboard for group assessment within 15 working days of submission deadline. Individual feedback on request or if appropriate.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 22
Independent study hours
Independent study 78

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Michelle Keown Unit coordinator

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