BIOB1000 Introduction to the Profession of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Course description

The course gives an introduction to the biomedical laboratory science profession, and will connect the biomedical medical science discipline to the fundamental values that are common to all health professions. A holistic view of people is a key element, as is respect for people’s integrity, autonomy and right of co-determination. The course covers basic knowledge about health professions and topics that form a common frame of reference for practising the various professions, for instance health legislation, communication and cooperation. Biomedical laboratory scientists’ professional practice will be elucidated with examples relating to ethics, duty of confidentiality and consent. The course also gives an introduction to the biomedical laboratory scientists’ work in the laboratory, pre-analytical conditions and laboratory analyses’ role in the health service.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• can describe what characterises a health profession and explain the concept of professional competence

• can explain the biomedical laboratory scientist’s professional role in a historical and future-oriented perspective, and with an emphasis on cooperation with other health professions

• is familiar with laboratory analyses’ role in the health service

• has basic knowledge of the collection of venous blood samples

• can describe theories for good communication and strategies for cooperation in groups

• can explain the concept of culture and challenges related to intercultural communication

• can explain laws and regulations relevant to the professional practice of health personnel

• can explain ethical theories, professional ethics and concepts relevant to the professional practice of health personnel

• has knowledge of different perspectives on health and disease

• is familiar with safety procedures relating to infection and the handling of biological material

Skills 

The student

• can make plans for and carry out small projects in groups and present the results from the work

General competence

The student

• can identify, reflect on and discuss different issues they might encounter in their future professional practice

The course consists of the following subject areas, specified below as the number of credits:

• Ethics, profession and health legislation: 3 credits

• Communication and interaction: 2 credits

Work and teaching methods include lectures and group assignments. The student takes part in a one-day practical training visit to a medical laboratory followed up by a poster presentation. The students practise taking blood samples and learn about pertaining waste procedures.

In order to be permitted to take the exam, the following must have been approved: 

• a minimum of 80 per cent attendance in scheduled group work

• completed blood sample collection course

• approved poster presentation

• completed e-learning course in waste management

Oral exam in groups of 5-8 students, up to 50 minutes. 

No aids are permitted.

Pass/fail

All exam papers are assessed by two examiners. A minimum of fifty per cent of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment shall benefit all students.

5 credits overlap with the course BIO1000 The Foundation and Basis of the Health Professions.