1. Explain the structure, function and pathology of blood cells, immune mechanisms and transfusion systems.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply haematological, immunological and transfusion laboratory techniques to investigate disease and blood compatibility.

Application & Problem Solving

3. Critically evaluate diagnostic results and case data, collaborating effectively in clinical decision-making contexts.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

4. Communicate findings and clinical implications clearly while reflecting upon governance and integration of emerging analytical techniques within laboratory practice.

Communication

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

Pathology identification test to comprise of the identification of pathology from blood films (or similar), to be completed in exam conditions.

Students will engage in repeated exposure to representative material, supported by self-assessment, peer discussion and comparison with annotated exemplars. Reflective identification practice will be encouraged to develop accuracy, confidence and professional reasoning.

Case-based Discussion. A viva-style professional discussion simulation assessment, based on a practical case.

Students will participate in scaffolded case exploration activities, including peer-led discussion and reflective questioning. These opportunities support integration of theory, laboratory findings and clinical context prior to summative assessment.

In this module, you will explore the cells and processes that sustain life, defend the body and guide vital clinical decisions. You will investigate how blood cells develop and function, how immune responses are triggered and regulated, and how transfusion decisions are made safely and effectively. Including:

Blood cell structure, production and morphology, including haemostasis and major haematological disorders.

Diagnostic haematology techniques such as blood films, full blood counts, coagulation assays and flow cytometry.

Innate and adaptive immunity, immune dysregulation and associated disease, with application of core immunological assays.

Transfusion science, including blood group systems, antibody screening, crossmatching, component preparation, storage and clinical use.

Quality assurance, point-of-care technologies and practical skills in laboratory analysis and interpretation across haematology, immunology and transfusion practice.

How does blood reveal the hidden stories of health, immunity and disease?

In this module, you will explore the cells and processes that sustain life, defend the body and guide vital clinical decisions. You will investigate how blood cells develop and function, how immune responses are triggered and regulated, and how transfusion decisions are made safely and effectively. By analysing real diagnostic data and practising essential laboratory techniques, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to interpret haematological and immunological evidence in biomedical science.

Sessions will include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, groupwork, drop-in support sessions. There will also be laboratory practical sessions.

Scott, J. (2022) Biological science: exploring the science of life. Biomedical edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/borrow/2114845.

Moore, G., Knight, G. and Blann, A.D. (2021) Haematology. Third edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/borrow/885009.

Hall, A., Scott, C. and Buckland, M. (2016) Clinical immunology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Avent, N. (2018) Transfusion and transplantation science. 2nd ed. London: Oxford University Press.

Suitable rooming for group work and discussion

Scientific laboratory for practical block

IT suite space with access to PCs