BIOB2100 Histopathology and Cytology Course description

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

• Passed first year or equivalent of the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, or 
• Admitted to the Complementary Education in Biomedical Laboratory Science 

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 explain the principles of cell and tissue preparation for brightfield microscopy and digital pathology examination
• can explain relevant theory and the principles behind selected analyses, general staining theory, overview of staining and special staining techniques, and describe the application of method’s as well as its possibilities and limitations
• has knowledge of the use of antibodies as analysis tools and of different detection techniques
• can provide examples of key immunological methods and techniques used with biological fluids, cells and tissue
• is familiar with methods and applications in molecular pathology
• can explain the connection between analysis results, disease mechanisms and disease progression in cells and tissue
• can explain how relevant methods for detection of disease markers can provide solutions in relation to diagnosis and individually adapted treatment
• can define relevant quality concepts and describe how pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical conditions can impact analysis results in histology and cytology

Skills 

The student

• can use relevant instruments and techniques under supervision
• can perform micro-examination of cell and tissue specimens with a certain degree of independence
• can describe morphology and recognise cytological images of cervix- and non-gynaecological preparations in normal, premalignant and malignant conditions
• can make plans for and use selected methods of analysis and assess their reliability
• can assess the quality of an analysis based on defined quality concepts related to the connection between key theoretical principles, execution and results

General competence

The student

• can show respect for the patient behind the sample material, and shows responsibility in the analysis work

Work and teaching methods include lectures, assignments (individually and in groups), peer assessment and laboratory work.

The teaching comprises laboratory work and microscopy. Relevant theory is linked to practice through lectures, learning questions and individual assignments and various forms of group assignments in addition to self-study. Problem-solving, reflection and cooperation is a pre-condition. Students give each other feedback on some of the written assignments. The student’s portfolio is an important learning tool in the course.

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

• a minimum of 90 per cent attendance in laboratory teaching 
• a minimum of 80 per cent attendance in scheduled group work

Individual oral exam, up to 30 minutes.

Portfolio produced by the student

The course focuses on fundamental chemistry and the content will be presented in the context of biomedical laboratory science. An introduction is also given to chemical analysis principles that are relevant for biomedical analyses and that are seen in conjunction with quality assurance of analysis results. Laboratory-practical aspects, including safety, will be elucidated in the laboratory sessions. Knowledge of chemistry is also an important basis for understanding subjects such as physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics later in the programme.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

8.5 credits overlap with the course BIO2100 Histopathology and Cytology