This module will discuss the role of healthcare science and biomedical scientists as partners in the investigation and management of disease. The roles of and interactions between clinical and allied health professionals will be explored with an emphasis on patient experience and expectation.

The module will continue by discussing the structure, operation and governance of clinical pathology laboratories and mechanisms used to maintain quality and foster continual improvement.

Within a named pathology discipline* the module will focus upon core analytical methods including appropriate sample collection and prioritisation, effect of pre-analytical variables, analysis in conformance with standard operating procedures and result validation (with referral to a senior member of staff as required).

Subject to agreed specialist pathway, the following core investigations will be discussed and applied within one of the following disciplines:

Blood Sciences
Tests of major organ functions (kidney, liver, heart, lungs, bone)
Water and electrolyte homeostasis
Acid-base balance
Diabetes diagnosis and monitoring
Tests of erythrocyte number and function
Tests of haemoglobin concentration and function
Tests of leukocyte number, type and abnormalities
Tests of inflammation and viscosity

Cellular Sciences
Preparation of tissue for histological processing
Application of common routine stains
Macroscopic examination of human tissue
Microscopic appearance of commonly investigated, non-diseased tissue (skin, bone, muscle, nerve, liver, lung, urinary tract, thyroid, breast, GI tract, cervix, lymph node)

Infection Sciences
Aseptic technique
Selection and preparation of culture media
Growth characteristics of cultured microbiological species
Qualitative and quantitative assessment of cultured species

Genetic Sciences
Chromosome analysis in peripheral blood
Extraction and preparation of DNA and RNA
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Methods for assessing single point and more complex genetic variation
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation

* Module will be undertaken in either Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Infection Sciences or Genetic sciences

Assessment for this module will consist of two components.

Component A (learning outcomes 2 and 3)
Component A assesses the competent application of the skills required for clinical practice. This component is zero weighted and must be passed for progression. Component A consist of:

Completion and verification of IBMS registration portfolio – pass/fail (0%)
The IBMS portfolio evidence will include:
4 Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS) – pass/fail (0%)
1 Case Based Discussion (CBD) – pass/fail (0%)
1 Observed Clinical Event (OCE) – pass/fail (0%)


Component B (learning outcome 1)
Component B assesses the understanding and reflection needed for effective clinical practice. This component contributes 100% of the module grade and is the final assessment for this module. Component B consists of a reflective assignment in which the student reflects upon the application their speciality in the provision of evidence-based, patient-centred laboratory medicine (2000 words).

The module is delivered as a blend of DL and face-to-face.

Face to face contact (8 hours) will allow you to consolidate the material covered and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the material covered.

Independent and Distance Learning Study Hours

50 hours – practice-based learning
10 hours – on-line tutor led activity
22 hours - literature search/reading/ preparation for practicals and supplementing lecture material
22 hours – competency assessment and portfolio preparation
38 hours - assessment preparation

Dependent upon the specialist pathway undertaken the following tests are referred to:

Ahmed N., Glencross H., & Wang Q. (2016) Biomedical Science Practice Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Orchard G., & Nation B. (2014) Cell Structure and Function Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Ahmed N (2016) Clinical Biochemistry Oxford University Press, Oxford, Uk

Hall A., Scott C., & Buckland M., (2016) Clinical Immunology Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Shambayati B (2011) Cytopathology Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Moor G., Knight G., & Blann A (2016) Haematology Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Orchard G., & Nation B (2011) Histopathology Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Ford M (2014) Medical Microbiology Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Knight R (2012) Transfusion and Transplantation Science Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

1) Demonstrate an applied understanding of the integrated nature of evidence-based, patient-centred laboratory medicine.
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

2) Explain the organisation of a named pathology discipline* and demonstrate a critical understanding of processes for managing quality and improvement.
Learning
Problem Solving

3) Prioritise and undertake core investigations within named pathology discipline* in conformance with standard operating procedures (including the referral, validation and communication of results)
Application
Analysis

* Module will be undertaken in either Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Infection Sciences or Genetic sciences