BIO2100 Histopathology and Cytology Course description

The course deals with the practical application of laboratory analyses of cells and tissues related to pathological conditions. Basic knowledge of morphological analysis is necessary for a medical laboratory technician to plan, perform, quality assure and assess biomedical analyses. The course emphasises theory related to pre-analytical issues, relevant analyses and micro-examination of cell and tissue specimens. It also covers a selection of histological and cytological methods used to diagnose cancer, including immunological methods. Knowledge of cells and tissues and relevant methods of analysis is important in this part of the medical laboratory sciences field, where assessments are, in part, based on subjective criteria.

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

• Histopathological techniques 4,5
• Cytology 2,5
• Immunohistochemistry 1,5
• Blood smears 0,5
• Urine microscopy 1,0
• Total: 10

Passed the first year of the 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 is capable of

• describing relevant theory and principles behind a selection of analyses
• explaining the connection between analysis results, disease mechanisms and disease progression
• defining relevant quality concepts

Skills

The student is capable of

• assessing the quality of analysis based on defined quality concepts
• using relevant instruments and techniques under supervision
• planning and using selected methods of analysis and assessing their reliability
• performing micro-examination of cell and tissue specimens with a certain degree of independence

General competence

The student is capable of 

• demonstrating responsibility in analytical work
• taking responsibility for his or her own and fellow students- learning

Teaching methods mainly comprise practical laboratory work and micro-examination. Relevant theory is linked to practice through lectures, individual assignments and various forms of group assignments in addition to self-study. The student-s portfolio is an important learning tool in the course. Students give each other feedback on some of the written assignments.

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

• a minimum of 90% attendance in laboratory work
• a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled group work
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual oral exam, up to 30 minutes 

Portfolio produced by the student

Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess all the students.