Throughout this module you will develop knowledge and understanding of the types of samples collected for analysis in the investigation of human disease. You will consider the collection methods, the methods used in the analysis of these samples and the data that they can provide. This will include investigation of biological markers of neoplastic disease (cellular pathology), infectious disease (medical microbiology), haematological dysfunction (haematology), haemostasis (coagulation), reproductive dysfunction (clinical embryology), immunological dysfunction (clinical immunology), and biochemical and metabolic dysfunction (clinical biochemistry).

There will be a clear focus on the interdisciplinary nature of diagnostic pathology, the interpretation of diagnostic tests and their limitations, and the role pathology services have in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.

This module is mapped against the Quality Assurance Agency Benchmark for Biomedical Science and the National School of Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme curriculum and contributes to the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Standard by developing your knowledge of the underlying scientific principles of the investigations offered by healthcare science services.

A minimum of 40% in BOTH summative assessments is required to pass the module.

Case Book – LOs 1,2,3
The diagnostic case book will allow you to present 2 different cases from within your speciality with a clear focus on presenting the data from clinical investigations and on the interdisciplinary nature of diagnostic pathology. This assessment will address learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3.

Case Based Discussion - LO4
The case-based discussion is a viva-style discussion based on a case that will be provided for you. This assessment will allow you to address learning outcome 4.

This module is delivered as a blend of asynchronous online learning sessions, on campus study days and work-based study. Within each learning unit you will be given a range of learning outcomes and directed through a variety of learning material (for example recorded lectures, online exercises or collaborative activities) to work though asynchronously together with an opportunity to check and develop your learning (for example through online quizzes, challenge questions or discussion fora). You are encouraged to reflect upon the academic content of the module and consider how this is applicable within your workplace.

Your learning is supported by a group discussion board and weekly online sessions where you can discuss your learning with the academic teaching team.

Describe the variety of sample types and collection methods available to investigate disease within diagnostic pathology services.

Knowledge and Understanding

Learning

Discuss the relevance of specific markers of dysfunction or disease and the sample types and methods of analysis required to investigate their presence during screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.

Knowledge and Understanding

Learning

Critically evaluate a range of clinical and laboratory investigations and analyse the information that can be obtained from them.

Knowledge and Understanding

Learning

Analysis

Problem Solving

Assess the role of the clinical laboratory specialties and be able to apply an integrated approach in the investigation of pathological disease.

Problem solving

Enquiry

Application

Reflection

You will require access to a computer with internet access.
Access to specialist facilities on campus.

Throughout this module you will develop knowledge and understanding of the types of samples collected for analysis in the investigation of human disease. You will consider the collection methods, the methods used in the analysis of these samples and the data that they can provide. There will be a clear focus on the interdisciplinary nature of diagnostic pathology, the interpretation of diagnostic tests and their limitations, and the role pathology services have in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.