In this module you will study the underpinning molecules, structures and processes (in vitro and analytical) that underpin the Blood Sciences within a hospital pathology department. The material is not exclusive to this and it will in places extend to the fundamental science that supports the material covered.

With respect to the biochemical field of study you will; develop your knowledge and understanding of enzyme regulation and using the examples of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis relate this to a disease i.e. diabetes mellitus, appreciate the biochemical processes involved in synthesis of metabolites and managing excess molecules (e.g. amino acids) and how this relates to diseases and disorders (e.g. haem synthesis and inborn errors of metabolism). You will examine the range of biochemical markers analysed in a clinical biochemistry department, for example plasma proteins and cellular enzymes in plasma, appreciating their normal role in biochemical and physiological processes and how they change in a dysfunctional state.
There will be included an overview of systems, organs and tissues with respect to their dysfunction with reference to the liver, heart, lungs, kidney, bone and pancreas. This will provide an opportunity of covering examples whereby central metabolic and physiological processes and their relationship to the normal and diseased process can be made.

You will cover the processes of sourcing, handling and methods for investigating samples. Quality assurance will address the principles of quality control (including external assessment and corrective action) and the role of the hospital laboratory in the quality control of POCT/off site analysis. The differentiation between the processes of measuring analytes for screening, diagnosis, monitoring of treatment or disease progression will be made. In addition to the role of the laboratory covered above its role in monitoring drug therapy and investigation of substance abuse will be reviewed.

With respect to the haematological field of study you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the formation, structure and function of blood and its components. This will provide the foundation to identify the changes that are seen in a range of haematological disorders (anaemias, haemoglobinopathies, haemostatic dysfunction, platelet dysfunction, haematological malignancies). Again the processes used within a hospital laboratory to source, handle and methods used for investigating samples will be covered. The importance of an acute haematological 24/7 service will be explored. Within this section of the module you will address the use of immunological and histocompatibility and immunogenetics methods with respect to investigation of the function and dysfunction of systems, organs and tissues by the measurement of immunological markers.
The module will also include a review of the methods used for the retrieval and preserving of the integrity of cells and tissues and this will be addressed with respect to the role of the hospital laboratory.

Lectures (20 hours)

Workshops and practicals (20 hours)

Independent study hours:
Preparation for lectures/workshops and practicals - 50 hours
Assessment preparation and execution - 60 hours

N. Ahmed ed. (2016) Clinical Biochemistry. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press (Core text)

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

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

R. Luxton (2008) Clinical Biochemistry 2nd edition. Scion Publishing Ltd

C.Pallister & M. Watson (2010) Haematology, Scion Publishing Ltd

J. Overfield, M. Dawson & D. Hamer (2017) Transfusion Science, Scion Publishing Ltd

Equipped lecture room and equipped laboratory (access to interactive technology in all teaching rooms)
Internet access
Blackboard VLE
Library

1. To reflect upon the principles and practice of quality assurance and application in both the hospital and in community based point of care testing
Reflection

2. To demonstrate critical understanding of the relevance of markers of biochemical and haematological dysfunction and of methods used to investigate their presence during screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.
Knowledge and Understanding

3. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the methods and processes used in a hospital laboratory to discuss its role in; therapeutic drug monitoring or investigation of drug abuse, or retrieval and presentation of cells, tissues or organs, or the measurement of immunological markers, during the investigation of a diseased state.
Learning

Coursework - Reflective assignment (1500 words) weighted at 50%. Written Exam - 1 hour exam including a weighted at 50%.

1. A review of quality assurance and its application for both hospital and community based testing, with a named example of a disease to illustrate the importance of the process (1500 words) weighted at 50% (learning outcome 1 and 2)

2. A 1 hour exam including a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions (learning outcome 2 and 3) 50% (Final)

Formative feedback will be given for a draft proposal for the coursework assessment. Formative feedback will be given via example questions and practice tests within the module for the exam assessment.