BIO1400 Hematology and Immunology Course description

Hematological and immunological analysis are key aspects of medical laboratory science and constitute an important part of a medical laboratory technician's work. The course deals with a selection of hematological analyses, with the main focus on erythrocyte diseases and hemostasis in the hematology field, basic knowledge of immunology, quality control of analysis results and pre-analytical issues. It also covers topics in the electrochemistry field. Students take three days' practical training at an outpatient clinic, including taking samples from patients.

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

• Hematology and quality control 4
• Immunology 3
• Chemistry 2
• Practical training 1

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 and skills:

Knowledge

The student

• is capable of describing the principles behind a selection of important hematological analyses and coagulation analyses, and their significance for diagnosis and treatment
• is capable of explaining the hemostasis mechanism
• is capable of describing the cause of certain diseases related to erythrocytes and hemostasis
• is capable of describing pre-analytical issues and the concepts of biological and analytical variation
• is capable of describing the importance of quality control in the assessment of analysis results
• is capable of describing the structure and function of the immune system
• is familiar with the basis of antigen-antibody reactions used in immunological analysis
• is capable of describing the blood as a transport and buffer system
• is capable of describing the principle of potentiometric measurements and blood gas analysis

Skills

The student is capable of

• performing a selection of common hematological analyses and coagulation analyses
• performing simple immunological analyses
• performing venipuncture and taking capillary tests
• following procedures to prevent infection

Work and teaching methods include lectures, practical laboratory work, student work carried out individually and in groups, and three days- practical training in taking blood samples from patients at an outpatient clinic. Students will write reports in connection with the laboratory work and a reflection note from their practical training.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum of 90% attendance in practical laboratory work and practical training at an outpatient clinic
• a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled group work
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria
• reflection note from practical training, 800 words (+/- 10%)

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written exam, 4 hours             

None

Grade scale A-F 

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 20% of the exam papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner-s assessment shall benefit all the students.